Turkey

There are plenty of TEFL job opportunities to be found in Turkey, particularly in the major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. The majority of jobs are based in private language schools that generally offer good working conditions and a competitive salary. If you decide to live and work as an EFL teacher in Turkey you will normally require an internationally recognised TEFL qualification and a university degree.

How to Find a TEFL Job in Turkey

It is possible to secure a teaching position in Turkey from outside of the country as some employers do advertise their vacant positions online. However, if you want a wider choice of positions or want to work in a certain area, then it is a good idea to simply start your job search once you arrive in the country. The simplest and most effective approach is to first decide on the area that you want to live and work in and then contact all the schools you can find in that area directly. It is important that you are professional in attitude and appearance at all times and that you possess an up-to-date CV/resume which you can leave with potential employers. As long as you are willing to work hard to find available jobs and you have a little patience, you should be able to secure a TEFL job that suits you.

As previously mentioned, the majority of TEFL jobs are based in private language schools, although you might also find opportunities in some state-run schools and universities. If you find yourself working in a private English language school, you may find that your teaching hours are mainly in the early morning or later in the day. While this might not suit everyone, it does give you a large part of the day to plan future lessons, take a siesta or to explore the local area. If you have a Master’s degree in TEFL, linguistics or general education and you have some teaching experience, you might be able to find employment in a public university. However, competition for these jobs is high as they pay very well and are highly sought after.

Questions to Ask Employers

If you are offered a teaching position that you are interested in, you should make sure that you are clear on a few important issues before you accept the job or sign a contract. Firstly, you should make sure that you have precise details regarding your pay scale, the amount of hours you will be expected to work, as well as any benefits you are entitled to such as travel expenses, health care or housing support. It is also a good idea to know what equipment and materials you will have access to when planning and carrying out your lessons. Finally, you should also enquire about the need for work permits or visas and whether the employer will help with the organisation and expense of any official paperwork you may require.

Job Expectations in Turkey

Turkey has a set minimum wage of around US$ 450 per month. However, the teaching profession is highly respected so you should expect to earn at least double this figure as an EFL teacher. As the cost of living is quite low in relation to a teacher’s salary you should be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle while living and working in Turkey.