Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Due to its geographical location, its culture has traditionally incorporated elements from the east and the west. This diverse culture makes it a fascinating destination for foreigners to immigrate and teach English in Turkey.
As a largely Islamic country, massive mosques and dramatic calls to prayer are common sights in Turkey, not to mention the country’s delicious cuisine and beautiful handicrafts. Turkey’s magnificent seaside towns, ancient sites, and exotic landscapes are also hard to surpass. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience for ESL teachers.
This article will tell you how to immigrate to Turkey as an English teacher, the requirements, how to start teaching English in Turkey, how to find teaching jobs, salary, etc., so you may experience the enchantment.
Are English Teachers in Demand in Turkey?
Because it is difficult to obtain other jobs in Turkey if you do not speak fluent Turkish, most overseas teachers teach English in Turkey. The need for English teachers has increased with the growth of Turkey’s tourist sector and the country’s English language ability. Despite the political unrest in Turkey, there are still opportunities for tourists and EFL teachers.
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Immigrate and Teach English in Turkey
Why Teach English In Turkey?
Turkey is an ideal teaching abroad location for first-time ESL teachers, and most jobs do not need teachers to be nationals of native English-speaking nations. While earnings may be poor, many people may teach English and save money in Turkey.
Teaching English in Turkey is also an excellent opportunity to live close to major European locations while avoiding the notoriously arduous issue of getting work in the EU. On the other hand, living in Turkey may be a terrifying experience, and it’s a place best suited to people with an open mind and a spirit of adventure.
What are the Types of Teaching Jobs in Turkey?
In Turkey, there are five primary categories of English teaching employment, each with its own criteria and benefits.
Private schools
In Turkey, private schools are the greatest option for foreign instructors. School resources are substantially superior, and salaries are often higher. Private schools are growing more popular in Turkey than public schools because parents are ready to pay for their children’s education. In addition, administrators and parents in private schools place a high value on learning English. As a result, pupils’ English growth is regularly monitored. The required qualifications vary. However, getting work at private schools without a TEFL certificate or a post-secondary degree is possible. You are expected to work a whole day or 40 hours each week in this establishment.
Language schools
Language schools provide more scheduling freedom but lack the comfort and stability of a full-time teaching job. Consider a language school if you value small class sizes, adult learners, and a flexible schedule. These schools pay an hourly income, usually slightly less than working in a private school. Furthermore, there is no requirement for TEFL, formal training, or prior experience at these universities.
Public schools
Foreign instructors cannot teach in Turkish public schools. Because the teacher is designated as a government employee, public schools are only allowed to hire Turkish citizens. Restrict your search to private schools and language schools.
Private teaching
Private tutoring is a method of increasing your income. It goes well with working in a language school, for instance. However, making ends meet through private teaching contracts may be difficult, particularly during your first year in Turkey. Once you’ve established yourself as a teacher and made connections through an educational institution, you’ll find it much simpler to branch out and fit in private tutoring.
Summer camps
Teaching English at a summer camp is a fantastic alternative for teachers looking for a short-term stay in Turkey. Teachers are frequently asked to conduct numerous camp games, activities, and English lessons. These camps normally last two or three months over June, July, and August.
Teachers generally receive free accommodation and meals at camps, and most positions pay between $100 and $200 per week. EEC-Anglo, ELACP, and Future Stars are some of the most popular summer camps. In addition, the British International School is one of many international schools in Turkey that hosts summer camps.
How to Get Work Visas for English Teaching Jobs in Turkey 2022?
You will need both a resident and work visa to live and teach English in Turkey. If you’re lucky, your company will cover the administrative and financial costs, but this is not always the case. So before you begin the procedure, double-check what they promise to cover.
If you must pay for your visa, the resident’s permit costs roughly $60 per year, and the work visa costs around $130 per year.
Turkish Work Visa Requirements
Once you have accepted a teaching position in Turkey, your employer or institution should apply for your Turkish work visa on your behalf. It is unusual for teachers to get a work permit before arriving in Turkey. Some schools will pay for the visa, while others will demand the teacher pay for it. For the work visa, the following documents are required:
- TEFL certificate
- University degree
- Copies of all pages of a valid passport
Note: Notarization and translation into Turkish are required for these papers.
Turkish Residence Permit Requirements
You can obtain a residence permit on your own (without a job or employer sponsorship) by presenting the necessary papers and completing the processes to the police headquarters in Istanbul or other urban areas in Turkey.
Although a resident permit permits you to be in Turkey lawfully, you are not permitted to work on a residence permit alone. Nevertheless, as long as your work visa is “in progress,” you can do so. If possible, bring a native Turkish speaker with you to your appointment.
It takes about a week for the permission to be processed before it can be picked up, and you must get a tax number and pay your taxes at a tax office before receiving your residence permit.
For the residency permit, the following documents are required:
- A passport that is valid
- Copy of your passport information/picture page
- Passport photos (Six)
- Evidence of finances, such as a bank statement, in the amount of $300 every month that you want to stay in the country.
- Permit charge of about 687 Turkish Liras
- A duplicate of the application form
What are the Requirements for Teaching English in Turkey?
If you want to teach English in Turkey, you should meet the teaching English in turkey requirements:
- A TEFL qualification.
- A bachelor’s degree in any Field.
- A valid passport.
These were general ones. Let’s go over each of these Turkey ESL teaching requirements and certifications in more detail below:
TEFL qualification
You must have a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification to teach English in Turkey. Obtaining TEFL certification will offer you the necessary training and qualifications to be recruited by a respectable school in Turkey, as well as the confidence to provide ESL courses to your pupils.
Language proficiency requirements
To teach English in Turkey, you do not need to be a native English speaker; nonetheless, non-natives will be required to be proficient in English and communicate at a native level.
Degree requirements
To teach English in Turkey, you must have a bachelor’s degree. However, your bachelor’s degree doesn’t need to be in education; it can be in any profession (Marketing, Psychology, Arts, etc.). This prerequisite is satisfied by any four-year diploma or bachelor’s degree from an approved university.
Required documents and visa
Because Turkey is not yet a member of the EU, Americans and other non-EU nationals do not need to be concerned about the possibility of finding work or obtaining a work visa. Many businesses will assist English instructors in obtaining work visas and residence permits to work and live lawfully in Turkey. A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate will be required to obtain a work permit.
To apply for teaching employment in Turkey, you must have the following documents on hand:
- The passport must be valid.
- International Resume and Cover Letter
- Authentic TEFL Certificate
- Authentic university diploma
- Proof of Financial Resources for a Resident Permit
- Photographs for passports
- Transcripts from college (recommended)
- Background Investigation
Criminal background check
Although completing your residence permit and work visa is not required, certain institutions may ask you to have a clean criminal record to be considered for employment. Contact your national embassy or consulate in Turkey to understand how to receive this document.
Age restrictions
While there is no formal age limit for obtaining a work visa to teach English in Turkey, males must be at most 60, and ladies must be at most 58. As a result, schools may be unwilling to sponsor work visas for instructors approaching or in this age group.
Prior teaching experience
While past teaching experience might enhance your résumé, it is not required to teach English in Turkey. However, your TEFL certification program will equip you with the necessary credentials to be recruited by a school in Turkey.
Any legitimate TEFL certification course should include a practicum component that requires students to obtain hands-on experience teaching genuine non-native English speakers. This will prepare you for the classroom and give you the confidence to provide well-structured ESL courses to your pupils. This instructional practice may be considered teaching experience and should be noted on your resume.
Physical requirements
English teaching jobs in Turkey do not need health screening or drug tests.
Can you teach English in Turkey without being a native speaker?
The greatest teaching jobs in Turkey are allocated for native speakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is true, especially for native English teachers in Istanbul and teachers with a three or four-year university degree in English, Education, or a similar profession, as well as a CELTA, DELTA, or Master’s degree. International schools search for prior teaching experience, a teaching credential, and/or a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Teaching English in Turkey for non-native speakers, on the other hand, is feasible overseas and online. Non-native speakers must put in extra effort to make their resumes stand out. Employers must be given other reasons and further motivation to take (what some may consider) a risk on you. The goal is to be proficient in the language and to obtain a certified TEFL certification.
Here are six organizations that recruit non-native English speakers for online English teaching jobs in Turkey:
- Learnlight
- Preply
- All Right
- Indeed
- VIPKid
- Italki
- Lingoda
- SayABC
- Qkids
- DadaABC
- Cambly
- Synthesis School
- English First
- Englishhunt
- Palfish
- Oakary
- iTutor
Can You Teach English in Turkey without a Degree?
You cannot teach English in Turkey with no degree officially. But unofficially, Yes. Some institutions may be ready to overlook the lack of a degree. Having one, on the other hand, broadens your work opportunities. Remember that you are already extremely valued if you are a native English speaker. Don’t allow a lack of a degree to prevent you from working as a teacher in Turkey. You’re likely to locate an institution willing to be flexible with its English teaching standards.
Which TEFL Certificate is Best for Teaching English in Turkey?
To teach English in Turkey, you must have a respected TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of education. Furthermore, a TEFL course that includes a practicum, or in-class component, guarantees that you arrive in the nation with relevant teaching experience.
How to Get a Job Teaching English in Turkey?
Finding a teaching career in Turkey is best accomplished by replying to job advertisements in person or on online job boards.
In-person application
To find TEFL jobs in Turkey, one of the simplest methods to get a teaching job is to apply in person. Many schools have in-person interviews with instructors, and the entire recruiting process can take as little as a few weeks. As a result, it’s fairly usual for prospective ESL instructors to enter on a tourist visa and then change to a residence permit once they find work.
Job boards of application
However, you can look for teaching openings on internet job sites if you want a job before traveling to Turkey. Dave’s ESL, ESL Jobs, and Turkey’s Craigslist are among the most popular employment boards.
When looking for teaching opportunities online, you should always be cautious. Turkey is a country infamous for fraud and untrustworthy companies, so do your homework before taking any employment. Standards are increasing, though, and many instructors enjoy their time in Turkey.
When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Turkey?
The employment cycle for English instructors in Turkey normally includes the summer months before the school year begins for university and private school jobs. However, jobs become vacant all year, particularly at the start of the second term in February.
Language academy positions have a longer recruiting cycle because lessons are held annually. Therefore, start your application a couple of months before you want to move, but be flexible if they need you sooner.
The Classroom Culture in Turkey
Investigating and comprehending the cultural differences you may encounter in the classroom when teaching overseas is critical. In addition, because students and teachers might engage in very different ways, ESL teachers must be courteous and understanding when adjusting to a new classroom setting.
In Turkey, society is highly conservative, and bringing up religion or other potentially contentious topics in the classroom is not recommended.
The following are a few more things to consider before teaching English in Turkey:
- During Ramadan, there will be much less labor.
- When dealing with adults, the classroom environment is generally welcoming and easygoing.
- Turkish timekeeping can be erratic, so plan for late arrivals.
- Some guys in the classroom may be disrespectful to female teachers. If this becomes an issue, you should notify your employer right away.
What is the Average Salary for Teaching English in Turkey?
The wage for teaching English in Turkey varies greatly depending on the city and school. It is not unusual for native English speakers to earn more than Turkish English teachers. For example, the wage of a native English teacher in Izmir ranges from $570 to $950. In larger, more costly cities such as Ankara and Istanbul, salaries start around $950 and may reach $1,300. Your income will differ depending on your experience, training, and what the institution provides (i.e., housing and meals).
Depending on your employment, benefits packages may include airfare reimbursement, a living allowance or free housing, paid vacations and summer vacations, visa fee reimbursement, and gratis transportation. Some schools may even offer you many meals daily, which might help you save money!
Some schools may pay you in US dollars (which is advantageous because of the exchange rate between the two currencies), although this is not always the case. Expect a larger pay if you want to teach English in Istanbul, as the cost of living there is greater than in Izmir.
Best Turkish Cities for English Teachers?
Most English instructors travel to Istanbul, but that isn’t your only option when looking for the finest places to teach in Turkey.
Istanbul is the country’s largest city and a busy metropolis. It’s renowned as a very diversified location with many English teaching jobs in Istanbul, and it’s where most expats want to live.
Ankara, Turkey’s capital city, is noted for its cultural vibe. In addition, teaching employment is available, and the cost of living in Ankara is cheaper than in Istanbul.
Other significant cities in Turkey have teaching opportunities, most likely at private language institutions, including Izmir, Adana, and Bursa.
What are the Best Jobs and Programs for Teaching in Turkey?
- American Collegiate Institute
- International TEFL Academy
- Doga College (Doğa Koleji)
- Gelisim College (Gelişim Koleji)
- LanguageCorps
Are Female English Teachers Required to Modify How They Dress?
Moving to a Muslim nation raises this question for many people. Regarding clothing, like with everything else, it depends on where you are. Conservative towns, such as Konya, will be teeming with hijab-wearing ladies. Still, in bigger, western Turkish cities such as Izmir, portions of Istanbul, and Ankara, you will witness highly trendy women dressed head to toe in H&M, Zara, or Mango.
Can You Teach English Without A Bachelor’s Degree?
You may still start your teaching career without a degree, and you can get teaching positions in other countries with a simple TEFL Certification, which is substantially less expensive and faster. After receiving your TEFL Certification, you will be able to change careers at any moment.
How Much is the Cost of Living in Turkey?
The cost of living in Turkey is inexpensive compared to the United States and neighboring European nations. English instructors in Turkey should spend $600-$900 per month to cover living expenses.
Rent costs differ based on where you reside and the sort of apartment you want to rent. For example, Istanbul is Turkey’s most costly city; hence most instructors choose to live with other expats to save money. In Istanbul, a private room in a shared flat might cost between $300 and $450 per month.
Do You Need to Know Turkish Before Teaching in Turkey?
To teach English in Turkey, you do not need to speak Turkish. Everyone in your school’s English department will be fluent in English. However, don’t be shocked if the personnel outside the English department doesn’t speak English—some general meetings will be held in Turkish. (You might have to endure them while a coworker interprets!) You may be excused entirely and then filled in afterward.
Finally, knowing a little bit of the local language can help you get by. We recommend utilizing a smartphone app to master the fundamentals of hiring your coach!
Can you save money teaching English in Turkey?
Turkey is an ideal teaching abroad location for first-time instructors, and most jobs do not need teachers to be nationals of native English-speaking nations. While earnings may be poor, many people may teach English and save money in Turkey.
Let’s Sum Up
In Turkey, you may cohabit with some of the world’s most significant history, immerse yourself in an immensely intriguing culture, and fall in love with all of the country’s earthly splendors. Turkey is beckoning people wanting a spectacular experience, from the mountains to the beaches, to the ancient civilizations, welcoming culture, and delicious gastronomy.
The adaptability of educational institutions, competitive pay, the market of teaching jobs in Turkey for foreigners, and remarkable resources make teaching English in Turkey simpler than you may assume. When you combine this with the intriguing east-meets-west culture, life in Turkey becomes a fulfilling experience unlike any other.
If you have any experience teaching English in Turkey, please share them with our viewers.
FAQs
English instructors are in high demand in Turkey, and you can anticipate finding work all year.
Education is a highly valued and costly commodity in Turkey, and there are numerous career possibilities in language schools, private schools, and colleges. Contracts often need 20 to 25 hours of teaching each week.
- Bachelor’s Degree
- TEFL/TESOL/CELTA or an equivalent
- A year of teaching experience is desired but not needed.
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