It’s possible to find work before you leave home. Look out for adverts on the main TEFL job sites. There are also several agencies that arrange jobs in Turkey, while SandyHoney has a good list of schools in Istanbul.
Can I find work while in-country?
This is probably the best option because you can better assess the quality of the school, but it’s complicated by the visa situation – to arrange a job this way, you’ll have to work illegally on a tourist visa. The British Council in Istanbul has a comprehensive list of language schools, as well as a list of complaints against each school. Alternatively, just ask around once you arrive.
What is the usual hiring process?
Smaller schools will probably interview you over the phone, while the bigger schools hold recruitment days in the UK.
Is a work visa required to find paid work?
Yes, and it needs to be arranged before you leave home (usually taking 4-6 weeks). However, it’s very common to work on a tourist visa, even though it’s illegal. You’ll simply have to do a visa run every three months. It’s possible to negotiate with your employer to pay for these trips.
Work visa requirements:
Copy of degree
Copy of TEFL certificate
Visa fee (approximately US$150)
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