Sık kulanılanlara ekle  Anasayfan yap            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please call us for further info:
0090 532 252 42 81
 
  ingilizceCi  
  it means an English teacher in Turkish  
     
   
 
Some notes on the imported text on this page before you read :

As it is an old article some details may need revising and further updating.
İngilizceCi is not responsible for the misinformation in the text.
Please ask us if you need further details or in case you hesitate.

I need additional information
 
   
     
     
  Deneyimli Öğretim Elemanlarından İngilizce Özel Ders  
     
  0532 252 42 81  
     
     
  How Can You Teach English in Turkey  
     
  Click for legal paperwork, regulations etc.  
     
     
 

What are the employment opportunities, job requirements, etc. for people
who want to teach English in Turkey?

TEFL in Turkey is still expanding, though not quite as rapidly as the boom years of the
1980's. There are still new private language courses opening, but the real growth area is
private English-medium High Schools and universities.
 
     
     
 

Do I need a degree to get a job? If so, does it have to be related to teaching English,
or is any degree OK?

A degree is (technically) a minimum requirement for any teaching job, but the subject is not
important. Nearly all schools also require RSA CTEFLA or the equivalent. For the better jobs
a few years' experience is necessary, and a DTEFLA or MA is a big advantage, particularly
for university jobs.
 
     
 

What about getting a visa? Will the school supply me with one?

Visas are no problem. The usual procedure is to get a tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival
in Turkey, then the school will get you a work and residence permit. Check this with the school
before you go.
 
     
 

Would I get housing/insurance through the school?

Most schools provide furnished accommodation for teachers, in fact you should insist on it, as
rents can be very high in the big cities. Usually you will be expected to share with other teachers,
but some of the better schools provide individual accommodation. All schools have to provide basic
health insurance (SSK) which allows you to be treated in State hospitals, though unless you can
go to one of the good teaching hospitals, you'd be better off shelling out for private treatment.
Some of the better schools provide private health insurance, which is a definite plus.
 
     

What are the means of locating prospective employers?

A lot of schools advertise in the Guardian and TES, and a few advertise on the internet now. CfBT
recruit for Bilkent University and Black Sea Technical University (minimum 2 years' experience +
CTEFLA. A lot of the better (and the worst) jobs are only advertised locally. As a rule of thumb, if
applying from home, go for schools which have an English name, and avoid Lycees and "dersane"s -
some of them are actually OK, but it's impossible to tell if you're abroad. The names of Lycees
usually end in "Lisesi", and dersanes in "dersanesi". Actually there are some very good State
Lycees (e.g. Galatasaray Lisesi and the Anadolu Lisesi's) but they tend not to advertise abroad.
Dersanes are cramming courses for the university entrance exams - there are some good ones,
but the pay is generally low. Schools with names ending in "Kolej" are usually upmarket private
lycees - some of them are very good, others so-so. Pay and conditions are generally better than
language schools, but the students can be rather bratty.

Oh, another thing I forgot - don't work for any school which won't pay your airfare to Turkey and
return fare on completing your contract. Some of the better schools will also give you a return airfare
every one or two years.

 
     
     
 

Are there any cowboy schools?

Yes, though it's not as bad as in some countries. Check the housing and insurance position
before you accept a job, as these are often indicators of the general quality of the school, and ask
plenty of questions about the syllabus; if they don't seem to have one, or are just following a textbook
uncritically, this is usually a sign of a poor school.
 
     
 

What is the pay like? What's the cost of living? Will I be able to save money while I'm there?

Pay is not wonderful, but enough to live reasonably well on. A lot depends on your lifestyle. Alcohol,
cigarettes and eating out are much cheaper than in Britain or the USA. As for saving money, only the
most stingy teachers manage it, Some of the better schools will pay some or all of your salary in
foreign currency, which is a definite advantage.
 
     
 

Can I give private lessons?

Many teachers moonlight by giving private lessons, but a lot of schools forbid this. Check your contract,
and pay close attention to how serious any clause about private teaching is (some schools ban it in
theory, but don't mind if it's done discreetly).
 
     
 

Can I buy a car in Turkey? What's the traffic like? How about public transport?

Buying cars in Turkey is expensive unless, as a foreigner, you buy a car from another foreigner.
This is cheaper, especially if you bargain-hunt at embassies (for example a friend recently bought a
Cherokee jeep from the American embassy). However, the bureaucracy is a nightmare -- unless
you speak fluent Turkish and have the patience of a saint, you should get an agent to sort it out for
you. You also need to deposit a bond in a bank, which you will get back when you sell the car or
leave the country permanently. Unless you feel naked without a car, though, you'd be best off using
taxis (which are cheap) or public transport, or rent a car for short range excursions. Since the traffic
is truly terrifying, especially in Istanbul (Turkey has more accidents per kilometre of road than any
country in the world). Professionals vehicles are driven amok. In case of a frequent accidents maniac
drivers will take advantage of you being a foreigner. So avoid driving in Istanbul because it is rather
a personality battle than mere transportation.Public transport in cities is cheap, but crowded and
uncomfortable. For travelling around Turkey, there are plenty of good bus companies. It's worth
paying a bit more to travel with a reputable company, since you will have a more comfortable ride
with internet access on board and limitless refreshments and snacks and are more likely to arrive
in one piece. As the average daily death toll on intercity roads is about 25. Quite a few drivers act
like crazy behind the wheel. Red light violations are a life style. And watch out even as a confident
pedestrian
on a side walk. Many people are killed while waiting at a bus stop or walking on sidewalks
occupied by cars. Double check left and right before walking across as Turkish drivers tend to speed
up even in the shortest distances.Very few drivers stop for pedestrians even at zebras. Turks are rude,
reckless and bad tempered drivers. Apart from the Istanbul- Ankara line, trains are very slow but safe.
Domestic flights are good, and safe as well.

 
     
 

Any tricky government rules/regulations?

Turkish bureaucracy is exceedingly cumbersome, so insist the school handle anything to do with
work/residence permits etc. There are hundreds of regulations pertaining to schools, but that's their
problem, not yours. You may always face the unexpected
at the customs and in government offices.
Practically you need to get half a dozen different and irrelevant people to stamp the appropriate forms.
Most bureaucratic regulations can be got round with large quantities of charm and "consideration".

 
     
 

What about "Midnight Express"?

Your chances of ending up in a Turkish prison are minimal, unless you go round doing the kind of
things that would get you into prison anywhere. Don't buy or sell drugs -- it's not a "Midnight Express"
scenario by any means, but at the very least you'll be kicked out of the country. Don't insult the
Turkish State,, the flag, the army, the police, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Islam and religious leaders or
prophet Mohammed or just about anything Turkish. Turks are very touchy about these things, and
while you're unlikely to suffer the same penalties as a Turk would, don't expect to get your visa renewed.
 
     
 

Isn't the human rights situation there really awful?

Depends on where you compare it with. Compared with other Middle Eastern countries, Turkey is pretty
democratic and liberal; compared with Western countries, the situation leaves much to be desired. Avoid
police when you need directions or similar help as almost none speaks English and never argue with them.
Ask elder people or students in the street ( not women).
 
     
 

Is religion a problem?

No. Islamic fundamentalism has increased somewhat over the last decade, but in general the Turkish
version of Islam is very liberal and tolerant, most urban Turks are not very religious.The basic position
is "you respect our religion, and we'll respect yours." In general, expect the same social mores as you
would find in a rather conservative European country.

Note for the missionary-minded: attempting to convert people to another religion is technically illegal in
Turkey, and doesn't work in practice anyway. Forget it.

 
     
 

Is there anything I might do that would be considered really rude?

Turkish society is pretty easy going, and in general European standards of politeness will do fine in Turkey.
As the interaction between the sexes is ruled by eyes rather than verbs be careful where and how to initiate
conversations. Some Turkish women may be very agressive or malicious when you want to talk to them
especially in the streets where they feel utmost defensive.
Blowing your nose in public is considered rude, and belching and farting are a social disaster. Being clean
and presentable is important, especially at work or when visiting someone's home. Stinginess is considered
r eprehensible, so when the bill comes in a bar or restaurant, you should insist on paying. In practice,
Turks usually won't let you pay anyhow. A few other things which are considered unseemly:

  •  eating, drinking or smoking publicly during the Ramadan fast,
  •  sitting legs crosed or listening to loud music at time of call to the prayers (Aezan)
  •  there are a few rude gestures which are not found elsewhere e.g. placing the thumb between
          the first two fingers,or slapping one hand down on the other fist, both of which have sexual       connotations.
  •  
         
         
     

    Do women get hassled a lot?

    Yes and no. It depends on where you are, how you dress and how you behave. If you walk into a poor,
    conservative area wearing shorts and a bikini top, then expect the worst; otherwise you may get some
    unwelcome attention, but no serious hassle. Don't forget Turkish men are always alert and in expectation
    of sex with any foreign women anytime and anywhere. Most female friends came up to me and told me
    how they were mistaken for a "Natasha". In everday language a "natasha" is a whoring Russian or Ukraine
    girl. So avoid places like Aksaray,Laleli in Istanbul where hundreds of these girls or practicing the trade.
    As the society is suffering real sexual turmoil because of religious pressures. Avoid magandas -- men
    with moustaches, open shirts and lots of gold jewellery -- as they consider it a point of honour to sexually
    harass as many women as possible. Generally, though, harassment is purely verbal, Basically, it's like
    Italy, but with less bottom-pinching. Do not forget Turks excommunicate gays in their immediate
    neighborhood, but there are gay bars and other facilities in Istanbul. Google for them. Anyhow never ever
    go to Beyoğlu, Istanbul as a foreign woman and mix with the crowd at a new year's night. Dozens of male
    hands may feel and explore almost all parts of your
    body, a practice which is ironically televised and
    broadcast live by local TVs. Remember that if a man is staring at you, it's probably as much because you're foreign as because you're female. Due to shortage of sexual practice with women and restrictions of Islam
    most Turks are believed to lack basic sexual skills, and their love life is restricted within the boundaries of the
    marital bedroom ! The outcome is millions of sex-hungry and horny men roaming around.

     
         
      ingilizceCi  
         
      A Little More than mere teaching  
         
      0532 252 42 81  
         
         
     

    What's the nightlife like?

    Depends on where you are. Istanbul has excellent nightlife, with plenty of good bars, clubs and concerts.
    Izmir is also pretty good, though tends to slow down in the winter. Ankara is somewhat duller, though there
    are still some reasonable bars and discos. In smaller places the best you'll get are cinemas, restaurants
    and the occasional pavyon - a Turkish nightclub where you will be charged exorbitant amounts of money.
    Avoid dark places with dirty look and populated with single
    male patrons,make sure you know the prices
    before you eat or drink anything. Before you enter a place see if it is attended by local people.You can
    always bargain for simply anything in Turkish culture. So do not hesitate to make a deal at every instance.

     
         
     

    What about food and drink? Is the food and water safe?

    Turkish food is excellent, unless you're a vegetarian. It’s not all kebabs, though; there's a wide variety of
    good meat, fish and, occasionally, vegetable dishes. Basically it's very similar to Greek food. In fact Greeks
    and Turks are always arguing about who invented which dish. Turkish wine is passable, and the standard is
    improving steadily, beer is limited to rather bland lager (though a few bars sell imported beers), but the national
    drink is raki, an aniseed spirit like ouzo but with a smoother taste. Raki is to Turkey what wine is to France
    or tea is to Japan - a culture as much as a drink.

    As for safety, you can expect to get mild diarrhoea shortly after you arrive, as your system tries to adjust to
    new intestinal flora. Apart from that, don't eat any food from street stalls until you are well used to Turkish
    micro-organisms, avoid cig kofte (raw meatballs - actually delicious!) unless you're totally confident about the
    cleanliness of the establishment, and never, ever eat kokorec (sheep's intestines). It is true that Turkish kitchen
    is
    made up from junk food but it is where the great taste is.Watch out your kilos. Türkey is a food paradise.
    Most Turks drink bottled water or have drinking water delivered to their homes as drinking tap water is quite
    controversial.

     
         
         

     

    What's the weather like?

  • Aegean coast: hot summers, mild winters, though sometimes rather damp and miserable.
  • Istanbul: Similar to the Aegean but can get quite cold and foggy in winter.
  • Mediterranean coast: Very hot summers, usually warm in winter. Air-conditioning a must.
  • Black Sea coast: wet, wet, wet. Like Ireland but warmer.
  • Ankara: Long hot summers, long cold winters, short rainy Spring and Autumn.
  •  
         
         
     

    Are Turks easy to get on with?

    Very. Turks are generally well-disposed to foreigners, and Turkish friendliness and hospitality is proverbial; the only problem is getting them to leave you alone sometimes. As for the most important person, your boss,
    bear in mind that he/she will tend to have a paternalistic/maternalistic attitude, which some Westerners find irritating, but remember this is only what is expected by the culture. Exude charm, and save anything
    important for your director of studies.
     
         

    What are the students like?

    For the most part, Turks are a joy to teach - friendly and enthusiastic. Do not forget the young people
    are under the adverse influence of Islamic traditions as well. As a male avoid young women unless
    you know them from your class or staff room. In the private High Schools and universities you do get
    some "rich brats", but they're no worse than rich son of bitches from many other countries.

     
         
     

    Do I need to be able to speak Turkish? Is it an easy language to learn?

    You can get by without learning much Turkish, but the more you learn, the better. A small amount of
    effort will give you the basics you need for shopping, ordering in restaurants etc, but conversational
    fluency will take several years to acquire. Turkish is generally considered to be an easy language to
    learn, but a difficult language to use: the grammar is very simple and logical, but it can be difficult to
    follow all the suffixes in conversation, especially since Turks have a habit of all speaking at the same
    time. Anyway Turks adore even worship foreigners uttering Turkish words.
     
         
     

    Warning:The above text does not belong to ingilizce Ci editors,
    although we have made some necessary alterations or updates
    we claim no responsibility for the message of the whole content
    as the information which could be misleading herein.

     
         
         
         
      Special thanks to The Elt Two Cents Cafe and to Robin Turne, the author  
         
         
         
      ingilizceCi  
         
      A Little More than mere teaching  
         
      0532 252 42 81  
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
      ingilizce Ci  
     

    A Little More than mere teaching
    0532 425 46 16

     
             
    All contents © copyright ingilizceCi.net