A Guide to Teaching English in Turkey
The TEFL jobs market in Turkey is buoyant. The country's desire to join the European Union has led to a huge increase in the number of people taking English classes, and there are opportunities to teach English in both state schools and the growing number of English language institutes that have sprung up around the country.
TEFL Opportunities in Turkey
Turkey is a great choice for both experienced and inexperienced TEFL teachers. Many schools offer 12 month contracts that include free accommodation and some will offer to cover the cost of your flights as an end of contract bonus. There are opportunities in both state schools, private language schools (dershane) and the affluent lises (private secondary schools) and all welcome applicants from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. You'll need a university degree and a recognized TEFL certificate in order to find work in Turkey.
TEFL Hotspots in Turkey
These are our top three TEFL destinations in Turkey. They are widely regarded as Turkey's three most important cities and offer a wealth of TEFL job opportunities.
TEFL Jobs in Istanbul
The only country in the world to sit in two continents, Istanbul has something of a split personality when it comes to the TEFL jobs markets.
TEFL Jobs in Ankara
Ankara is Turkey's capital and home to many of its key economic, educational and political institutions. Other than Istanbul, Ankara is Turkey's biggest TEFL jobs market and offers ample opportunity for foreign TEFL teachers.
TEFL Jobs in Izmir
Izmir is home to Turkey's second largest port and a major tourist destination with over 1million visitors annually. The city has lots of private language schools and offers plenty of opportunity to teach English.
Wages and Cost of Living
Depending on your level of TEFL certification and how much experience you have you could earn anything from 1,200 lira to 2,000 lira (US$800 to US$1,300) a month after tax. The cost of living is pretty low and you should be able to live comfortably on the wage from your TEFL job.
Talk Turkey - Join in the conversation…
Turkey Recent discussions
- Izmir
Created about 21 days ago
Hi to all ,I've just started on i-to-i so many of your questions have already been answered .The main reason...
- Hello!!!
Created about 1 month ago
Hello!!! This is Shruti here from Mumbai, India. I am new to the TEFL community and have recently completed a...
- New to this
Created 11 months ago
I'm just starting to be really active in my TEFL search. I'm a recent college graduate and I'm getting started...
- Here I go
Created 12 months ago
John, it will be my first time teaching in Turkey. Is it harder to get a job when you are...
- Can I teach too?
Created about 1 year ago
Hello JohnGell, You seem familiar with working in turkey....I have been offered 2 weeks at end of January...Having seen your post,...
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