BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey,
I'm thinking about getting out of Law school and going and teaching English in Turkey for a year. Anyone done this and have any idea how to go about doing it? I already have a BA but no teaching qualifications. I know I can earn better money in other places but Turkey sounds a lot more interesting! Thanks

Hello,

I was just in Turkey a couple weeks ago and came across a girl who'd been offered a couple jobs teaching English without even officially applying! I also saw a few posters up on poles around town. I would say just show up and you'll be fine but if you want to do a wee bit of prep you might want to make a list of all the English schools around the country and drop them all an email telling them you're interested in working for them. The impression I got is that teachers are in demand so you might even get a few job offeres straight up! Also, Turks are very friendly and people in the tourism industry seem well connected. As around at hostels and tour companies and I'm sure you'll come across someone who knows someone else who might be able to help.

Good luck and have a great time!
Kirsty

Hello,

I live and work in Kusadasi Turkey. So far, most language schools want the teachers they hire to have a degree in teaching the english language....you might be able to find some teaching jobs that pay "under the table" but you might not get paid.

You can get jobs in Istanbul without certification at English Time, among others. This doesn't mean you'll like working there! The attrition rate is terrible. For real details on the teaching situation anywhere, check out Daves ESL Cafe.

I was in Konya, they were looking for teachers there. Konya is not a very exciting city. I would choose Istanbul over Konya anytime. Some people get jobs teaching in Cappadocia, but I think they require certification.

All teaching jobs in Turkey are more or less under the table if you have a Tourist Visa. Getting a working visa can be difficult, and most teachers I know go out of the country every three months and then return to avoid the visa overstay penalties. The good news is that the government doesn't care you're working, as long as you fill positions that Turks can't fill. That includes Teaching English.

If you want more details, you can contact me.



Getting paid can be a problem. Ask around before taking any long term contract. You won't get rich doing so, but if you want to learn Turkish or learn about Turkey, go for it.