TEFL / TESOL Blog
Turkey is a captivating country that is rich in natural abundance deriving advantage from its unique topography. The Turkish cities are all distinctly different, but share something in common: millions of people looking to expand their prospects through 21st century education. Among which, English is a desirable skill, implying that there’s a sea of opportunities for teachers to teach and gain experience in Turkey while exploring the wonders.
If you are keen on teaching English in Turkey, keep reading to know more about the nitty-gritties of teaching English in Turkey.
So, why teach English in Turkey?
Turkey is a place, where the Eastern culture meets that of the West and there are a significant number of people eager to teach English in Turkey. The Turkish public schools alone require more than 30,000 certified English teachers and with that being said, there's no dearth of opportunities. If you are willing to move to Turkey before landing with an English teaching job, take over a copy of your CV, TEFL certificate, degree and potentially a portfolio of planned lessons to speed up the process.
It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for TEFL certified teachers due to the soaring demand for English teachers. As a certified English teacher, you’ll be offered a well-paying job within 1-2 weeks of applying. Make sure to thoroughly go through the contract before agreeing to anything. Majority of English teaching jobs in Turkey are available in private schools, with young learners between the age group of 5-15.
Various Types of teaching jobs in Turkey:
Most of the teachers from other nations teach English in Turkey as it is tough to teaching other subjects without speaking fluent Turkish. Then again, as Turkey’s tourism booms thus making way for the English language proficiency, demand for English teachers is skyrocketing. There are three main categories of English teaching prospects in Turkey with its unique criteria and advantages.
Teaching at language academies is the most widespread and dependable type of job available for English teachers in Turkey. It usually involves teaching adult learners who are willing to upgrade their skills. Bigger, well established language academies like Berlitz, English Time, Wall Street English etc. are great options to begin with job hunting. Smaller local schools will also provide good opportunities.
To teach at a university is typically the highest-paying and respected English teaching position in Turkey. It’s a salaried job, rather than hourly, and is to include holiday pays along with a vibrant and diverse workplace. These jobs are highly competitive and mostly nepotistic. However, for international teachers to get such university positions isn’t unheard of. If you wish to be considered, opt for a TEFL qualification (for e.g., a 120 hours TEFL Course in Kolkata), college-level teaching degree, and other important teaching experience/s.
Teaching English in a private school is a lucrative and stable prospect, implying that it is highly competitive, similar to university positions. It’s quite rewarding to apply for open positions at private schools especially if you have valuable teaching experience. Whereas newly certified teachers, fresh graduates off a TEFL program, will have a better chance of landing a job with a language institute.
Average salary and benefits for teaching English in Turkey:
Teaching English fetches lucrative pay packages around the globe. While in Turkey, you can expect to earn between 800 to 1,150 USD a month, which is sufficient to live comfortably given the cost of living in Turkey and considering the employment benefits.
Employment benefits and packages depends on your employer, but often includes flight reimbursement, housing allowance/free accommodation, paid summer break and holidays, visa expense reimbursement, and complimentary transportation. Some schools even provide multiple meals a day - which can further help lower your daily expenses.
Cost of living in Turkey:
English teachers in Turkey are paid fairly well and the country is remarkably affordable; however, if you wish to work on your savings, you will need to emphasis more on cost-saving habits like eating at home, going for complimentary meals at school and using public transportation.
How to land with a teaching English job in Turkey?
There is an increasing demand for English teachers in Turkey; from small towns to big cities. Although, most opportunities come from the cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
The best way to apply for a teaching position is to appear for it face-to-face. Employers prefer talking to candidates in person, and securing a teaching position usually takes around a couple weeks of interviewing. Carry hard copies of your CV, cover letter, and any teaching qualifications along.
As it is not possible for everyone to travel to a country without securing a position, online job postings can aid you in searching for proper opportunities. Magnify your chances of securing a job by directly getting in touch with language schools and universities in your preferred location in Turkey. They will let you know if they are hiring and if not, when they are about to begin with hiring again. Along with directly contacting employers, third-party providers aid in placing teachers with open positions in Turkey, and some even offer TEFL training and certification.
Job boards are another great way to find open positions, especially if you already equipped with an English teaching certification. Regarding the hiring time, which spans the summer months before the school year begin, positions become available year-long particularly before the beginning of the second term in February. Just begin applying few months before you actually move in.
Further…
You might find yourself working longer hours than you’re used to with most contracts requiring teachers to be in school for 30+ hours. Several smaller private schools insist teachers work longer hours, so it’s preferable to work for a chain of schools. In a given private school setting, you’ll be working on evenings and weekends to cater to your learners’ requirements. Even with a scheduled 2 days off/week, it won’t necessarily be consecutive. If you prefer a 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday job, consider applying to universities.
Utilise your holidays and explore the lands, its culture and abundance that it has to offer. Nearby Greece offer the perfect scope to enjoy some summer sun and a change in pace.
