Teach English in Turkey

Details

Summary

The demand for English teachers in Turkey is high, and most salaries are quoted after tax!

Main TEFL regions

Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir. However, there are jobs in many smaller towns around the country.

Types of teaching

Private secondary schools: General English, Cambridge KET/PET/FCE/CAE/CPE
Private language schools: General English, Cambridge KET/PET/FCE/CAE/CPE, Business English
Private universities: General English, Cambridge KET/PET/FCE/CAE/CPE, English for Academic/Specific Purposes

Accommodation

Most employers will provide free accommodation, although this practice has reduced in recent years. However, check the location and quality of the apartment before you accept it.

Flight reimbursement

Employers will often pay for flights to and from the UK, but not to the USA, Australia or New Zealand.

Salary

US$700-$1,500 per month. Inflation can be high – it topped 45% in 2003 and still hovers around the 10% mark – so try to get your wages linked to this rate, otherwise they’ll be worth less by the end of the year. Pay is commensurate with your qualifications and experience, and tends to be higher in private secondary schools.

Taxes

Income tax is around 25%, but most salaries are quoted after tax.

Cost of living

The cost of living is relatively low, but it’s been increasing sharply due to inflation in recent years. Western food like peanut butter will be far more expensive than at home, but if you eat like the locals (no pork!) and shop at markets, your money will go far.

Potential to save money

If you avoid splashing out too often, you’ll definitely be able to save some money each month

How much TEFL training is recommended?

It used to be possible to get a job with just a degree, but that’s changed over the last few years. Now, you will almost certainly be asked to show a TEFL qualification of some sort.

Common teaching conditions

You’ll normally be expected to work for around 25 hours per week. Smaller schools often have slightly dodgy employment practices so your contract won’t be worth much, but the larger chain schools are getting much better in this respect.

The students are usually well-motivated if a little unenthusiastic due to years of teacher-centred learning. But they’ll open up with a little coercion!

Be aware…

Employment practices have improved, but some schools still treat their teachers badly. When you shortlist employers, try to get some recommendations from previous staff.