Teaching English in Turkey

Teaching ESL in Turkey

Living and teaching English in Turkey allows you to explore a unique blend of European and Middle Eastern culture. Turkey is home to a variety of teaching opportunities for new and experienced teachers and, as English is the most common foreign language studied in Turkey, there is a high demand for ESL teachers.

Peak ESL Hiring Season in Turkey

Private language schools in Turkey tend to hire teachers year round, while public and private elementary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities, most often want teachers to begin their contracts at the start of the school year in September. It is not uncommon to see want ads for summer camp instructors to teach English to children while their regular schools are closed for the season.

It is recommended to apply to teach in Turkey about 1-3 months before your desired start date, as the application and visa process can take at least a month.

Types of ESL Teaching Jobs in Turkey

Public and Private School System

Compulsory education in Turkey lasts for 12 years, 8 years in primary school and 4 years in secondary school. The basics of the English language are commonly taught in the primary setting and instruction continues into secondary school. Secondary schools are typically divided into two types: technical (meslek) or academic (lise). These types of schools are attractive options for ESL teachers due to the guaranteed school holidays in the summer and national holidays throughout the year. However, teachers are expected to attend after school and parent meetings on evenings and weekends throughout the year.

Private Language Schools

Many first time ESL teachers in Turkey will likely secure a placement with a private language school. These are private businesses that offer English lessons to supplement instruction received through the public/private school system. These types of schools also offer opportunities to teach adults and English for business or specific purposes. Private language schools exist throughout Turkey and are a great foot in the door for the Turkish ESL market, allowing teachers to gain valuable experience that will open up a number of other opportunities in the future. These schools will typically hire continuously throughout the year, with start dates every month. For exact details regarding the hiring process, talk to your Job Placement Advisor. For a list of the most common chain schools in Turkey please see the Largest Chain Schools in Turkey section of this report.

Universities and Colleges

The academic year for universities in Turkey consists of 2 semesters and runs from September until June, making it easiest to find a job in the months leading up to the start of the fall semester. In addition to positions teaching ESL in a university environment, there are also opportunities teaching other subjects in specific departments at Turkish universities mainly for Master's Degree holders in that field. As opposed to private language schools that tend to offer hourly wages, these institutions usually offer salaried positions, making them an appealing option for teachers. There is an abundance of opportunities available for qualified candidates, although most universities and colleges tend to hire teachers already present in Turkey.

Private Tutoring

Although there is a strong demand for private English tutoring in Turkey, many contracts will prohibit teachers from holding other employment. If the terms of your contract allow it and you are looking to conduct private lessons in Turkey, most teachers will secure positions through online advertisements and word of mouth. If you are already in Turkey, it could be beneficial to carry personal business cards, as sometimes locals might approach you on the street about English lessons.

Private English tutors can earn from 30 TRY/hour to 150 TRY/hour, depending on the student, the demand, and the location.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Turkey

Larger chains of schools in Turkey will advertise their positions on popular internet job boards, but many teachers find success in the Turkish ESL market by applying in person.

When applying in person, it is best to bring original copies of your degrees and certificates in case they are required for the visa process. You should also be prepared to present a demo lesson on the spot, so have a few sample lesson plans ready. Remember that when preparing you can refer to the wealth of ESL Teaching Resources provided through our website.

Other resources that may include ESL teaching jobs in Turkey are:

- Oxford Seminars' English Language Schools Directory
- ESLemployment: http://www.eslemployment.com/esl-jobs/europe/
- ESLJOBS: http://www.esljobs.com/
- Dave's ESL Cafe: http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/
- Craigslist: http://istanbul.craigslist.com.tr/
- The Guardian: http://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/tefl/

Largest Chain Schools in Turkey

English Time - English Time was established in 1997 and is currently one of the leading local chain schools in Turkey providing general English, business English, TOEFL and IELTS classes to adults across the country. They have over 20 branches operating in various cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Izmir and Konya. http://www.englishtime.com/

Wall Street English - One of the largest international chain schools, Wall Street English has 6 centers in Istanbul alone, making them a popular choice for ESL teachers looking for work in Turkey. Since their establishment in 2001, they have grown to employ over 300 staff in 15 branches across Turkey. http://www.wse.com.tr/

Summer Jobs Teaching English in Turkey

As Turkey's school system starts in September and ends in June, there is a two month break in the summer where there are summer camp positions available aimed at teaching English to school-aged children. With these types of short-term positions, airfare is usually not covered, but some schools may offer accommodations.

Tips for ESL Teachers in Turkey

- Turkish education is traditionally teacher-centered, which may cause difficulties when trying to use group work and discussion in the classroom. Teachers should be prepared to reinforce the benefits of group activities to their students to promote learning.
- It is recommended that female teachers dress conservatively for the classroom, which includes wearing long pants or skirts and avoiding shirts that may be too revealing. Men should also dress in business appropriate attire, as opposed to casual wear such as jeans and t-shirts.
- Religion and politics are not popular conversation topics and students may not be open to discussing their opinions on these matters.
- Some common challenges faced by ESL teachers in Turkey are lack of access to resources and limited training and feedback from administration. It is thus important to be self-directed and well-prepared for lessons. Remember that there are great ESL Teaching Resources on our website. Teachers who are able to overcome these obstacles find living and teaching in Turkey to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
- Moving to Turkey to teach English means that teachers must find someone they trust to manage their finances while they are gone. Some choose friends/family that they trust, while others opt to speak to a professional financial advisor. Many services can be suspended until a teacher returns from Turkey.

Teaching Requirements for ESL Teachers in Turkey

The requirements and guidelines below are listed for ESL teacher applicants to Turkey who are citizens of: United States, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for Teaching Positions in Turkey:

- TESOL certificate
- College Diploma or Bachelor's Degree

Work Visa

Although some teachers initially enter Turkey on a tourist visa, teachers who secure positions prior to their arrival should usually be applying for a work visa beforehand. The work visa is a single entry visa that you will need if you are entering Turkey for the purpose of employment. The application will need to be done at an embassy or consulate in your home country.

Work Permit

This is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security giving the teacher permission to legally work in Turkey. The application can be done from one's home country if a teacher secures a teaching job prior to leaving, or it can be done from within Turkey.

Standard Required Documents for Work Visa/Work Permit Application:

(Important to check with a Turkish embassy/consulate as variations in requirements sometimes occur)

- Passport (valid at least three months longer than the expiry date of the requested work visa)
- Completed work visa application form
- 1 passport-sized photo
- Copy of the work contract
- Notarized Turkish translation of the passport
- Notarized Turkish translation of relevant diplomas/degree certificates
- Residence permit or previously-issued work permits if applying from within Turkey

Work permits are usually issued for a fixed period of one year, with the possibility of renewal after completing a year of employment.

Residence Permit

Teachers planning to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within a 180-day period must get a Turkish residence permit.

Standard Required Documents for Residence Permit Application:

(Important to check with a Turkish embassy/consulate as variations in requirements sometimes occur)

- Completed residence permit application form
- Original copy and photocopy of passport
- Four photos
- Notification regarding sufficient and sustainable resources for the duration of stay
- Valid health insurance
- Upon request by administration, information and document relevant to place of accommodation and travel plan

As work permits can be difficult to obtain, many schools are willing to initially hire teachers who enter on a tourist visa, and then sponsor them for a work permit. Some ESL schools are willing to have teachers work on a tourist visa. While this is somewhat common, deportation is a potential consequence.

Embassy and Consulate Information for Turkey

American Embassy and Consular Offices in Turkey

Embassy of the United States in Turkey
110 Ataturk Blvd.
Kavaklidere, 06100
Ankara, Turkey
Phone: (90-312) 455-5555
Fax: (90-312) 467-0019
Website: https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/ankara/

Consulate of the United States in Adana
Girne Bulvari No: 212 Guzelevler Mah.
Yuregir, Adana, Turkey
Phone: (90) (322) 455-4100
Fax: (90) (322) 455-4141
Email: Webmaster_Adana@state.gov
Website: https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/adana/

U.S. Consulate General Istanbul
Istinye Mahallesi, Uc Sehitler Sokak No.2
Istinye 34460 - Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: (90) 212-335 90 00
Email: istanbul-webmaster@state.gov
Website: https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/istanbul/

Canadian Embassy and Consular Offices in Turkey

Embassy of Canada in Turkey
Cinnah Caddesi no: 58
06690, Cankaya
Ankara, Turkey
Phone: 90 (312) 409-2700
Fax: 90 (312) 409-2712
Email: ankra@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/turkey-turquie/index.aspx?lang=eng
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00am - 12:00pm and 12:30pm - 4:45pm
Friday: 8:00am - 12:30pm

Consulate General of Canada
209 Buyukdere Caddesi
Tekfen Tower - 16th Floor
Levent 4
34394 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90 (212) 385-9700
Fax: 90 (212) 357-1000
Email: ISTBLCS@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/turkey-turquie/offices-bureaux/consulate-consulat.aspx?lang=eng
Consular Services: Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Australian Embassy and Consular Offices in Turkey

Australian Embassy
MNG Building
Ugur Mumcu Caddesi No: 88, Level 7
Gaziosmanpasa 06700
Ankara, Turkey
Phone: 90 312 459 9550
Fax: 90 312 459 9560
Email: ankara.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://turkey.embassy.gov.au/
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:00 (closed for lunch 12:30 - 13:30)

Australian Consulate General in Istanbul
Ritz Carlton Residences
Asker Ocagi Cad. No: 15
Elmadag Sisli 34367
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90 212 393 85 42
Fax: 90 212 243 13 32
Email: istanbul@austrade.gov.au
Website: http://turkey.embassy.gov.au/
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 17:00

Australian Consulate General in Canakkale
Kolin Hotel
Bogazkent Mevkii L -2
Kepez
Canakkale, Turkey
Phone: 90 286 218 1721
Fax: 90 286 218 1724
Email: canakkale.consulate@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://turkey.embassy.gov.au/
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 17:00

British Embassy and Consular Offices in Turkey

British Embassy
Sehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A
Cankaya
Ankara, Turkey
Phone: 90 312 455 33 44
Fax: 90 312 455 33 52
Email: info.officer@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/turkey.tr
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5pm

British Vice Consulate, Antalya
Gursu Mahallesi
324. Sokak No: 6
Konyaalti
Antalya, Turkey
Phone: 90 242 228 28 11
Fax: 90 242 229 21 51
Email: britembcon@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-vice-consulate-antalya
Opening Hours: Monday between 9:30am and 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Wednesday and Friday between 9:30pm and 12:30pm (closed on Tuesday and Thursday)

British Honorary Consulate, Fethiye
Ataturk Caddesi Likya Is
Merkezi Kat: 2 No
202 48300 Fethiye, Turkey
Phone: 90 252 614 63 02
Fax: 90 252 614 83 94
Email: britembcon@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-honorary-consulate-fethiye
Opening Hours: Monday 14:00-16:00, Tuesday 10:00-12:00, Wednesday Closed to the public, Thursday 10:00-12:00, Friday 14:00-16:00

British Consulate-General, Istanbul
Mesrutiyet Caddesi No 34
Tepebasi, Beyoglu
34435 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90 212 334 64 00
Fax: 90 212 334 64 01
Email: britembcon@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-general-istanbul
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:45pm
Consular Section: Monday to Friday between 9am and 12:30pm

British Consulate, Izmir
1442 Sokak No 49
Alsancak 35220
35220 Izmir, Turkey
Phone: 90 232 463 5151
Fax: 90 232 465 0858
Email: britembcon@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-consulate-izmir
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5pm
Consular Section: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday between 9am and 12:30pm (closed on Wednesdays)

British Honorary Consulate, Marmaris
c/o Yesil Marmaris Tourism and Yacht Management Inc
Barbaros Caddesi No 13
PO Box 8
Marina
48700 Marmaris, Turkey
Phone: 90 252 412 64 88
Fax: 90 252 412 45 65
Email: britembcon@fco.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-honorary-consulate-marmaris
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5pm
Consular Section: Monday and Friday, 2pm to 4pm, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 12:30pm

Irish Embassy and Consular Offices in Turkey

Embassy of Ireland in Turkey
Ugur Mumcu Caddesi No.88
MNG Binasi, First Floor, GOP
Ankara 06700, Turkey
Phone: 90 312-459 1000
Fax: 90 312 446 8061
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/turkey/
Opening Hours: 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday

Honourary Consulate of Ireland, Antalya
Elmali Mah.Subasi Cad. 13. Sk.
Balcilar Is Mrk.No:10/5
07040 Muratpasa
Antalya, Turkey
Phone: 90 242 247 8945
Fax: 90 242 243 0613
Email: irishconsulateantalya@gmail.com
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/turkey/about-us/team-ireland/

Honourary Consulate of Ireland, Istanbul
IOSB ESKOOP, San.Sit, A3 Blok No. 172
Basaksehir
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90 212 482 1862
Fax: 90 212 482 2334
Email: jim@megamekanik.com
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/turkey/about-us/team-ireland/

Honourary Consulate of Ireland, Izmir
Sheit Fethi Bey cad. No.55k
18 Heris Tower Pasaport 35210,
Izmir, Turkey
Phone: 90 232 402 5353
Fax: 90 232 445 9696
Email: ireland@izmirconsulate.net
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/turkey/about-us/team-ireland/

New Zealand's Embassy and Consular Offices in Turkey

Embassy of New Zealand in Turkey
Kizkulesi Sokak No.11
Gaziosmanpasa
Ankara, Turkey
Phone: 90 312 446 3333
Fax: 90 312 446 3317
Email: newzealandembassyankara@gmail.com
Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/turkey/new-zealand-embassy/
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

New Zealand Honorary Consul Istanbul
Inonu Caddesi No: 48/3
Taksim 34437
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90 212 244 0272
Fax: 90 212 251 4004
Email: nzhonconist@hatem-law.com.tr
Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/turkey/new-zealand-embassy/contactfull

Embassy and Consulate Information Outside Turkey

Turkish Embassy and Consular Offices in the United States

Embassy of Turkey in Washington, DC
2525 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: 1 202 612 6700
Fax: 1 202 612 6744
Email: embassy.washingtondc@mfa.gov.tr
Website: http://vasington.be.mfa.gov.tr/ContactInfo.aspx
Working Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am -18:00pm

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honorary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Turkish consulates in the US can be found at: http://vasington.be.mfa.gov.tr/ContactInfo.aspx

Turkish Embassy and Consular Offices in Canada

Embassy of Turkey in Ottawa
197 Wurtemburg Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8L9
Phone: 1 613 244 24 70
Fax: 1 613 789 34 42
Email: embassy.ottawa@mfa.gov.tr
Website: http://ottava.be.mfa.gov.tr/ContactInfo.aspx
Working Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 -17:00

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honorary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Turkish consulates in Canada can be found at: http://ottava.be.mfa.gov.tr/ContactInfo.aspx