Teaching English in Turkey
In addition to thousands of years of history; stunning coastline along the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black seas; and one of the hottest economies in Europe, Turkey boasts one of the largest job markets in the world for English language teachers abroad. This trend appears that it will continue as the Turkish government recently announced plans to employ up to 40,000 new English teachers in the next five years.
English teachers in Turkey can find teaching opportunities year round, and interviews are conducted in advance over the phone and via email as well as locally in Turkey. Some English teachers receive stipends for housing and/or airfare, but this is not always the case. Many teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share an apartment with coworkers.
A solid hourly wage enables English teachers in Turkey to live a comfortable life. Schools typically offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunity to travel and explore the country's unparalleled natural and cultural riches. A BA is technically required to teach English in Turkey, and a TEFL certification is absolutely necessary as well. Primary job markets for teaching English in Turkey include Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, as well as other larger cities.
Feedback from our TEFL class alumni who are now teaching in Turkey:
Q&As:
Istanbul, Turkey Q&A with Jessica Wiler
Istanbul, Turkey Q&A with Leisa Wahlin
Requirements & Guidelines for Teaching English in Turkey
- Education: BA/BS; TEFL TESOL Certification is required and students can obtain certification at our Istanbul Turkey TEFL Course, at any of our other Worldwide TEFL TESOL locations or by taking the Online TEFL TESOL Class.
- Peak Hiring Months: Opportunities to teach English in Turkey are available year round
- Types of Jobs: Foreign language schools and public schools
- Typical Hiring Process: You can interview to teach English in Turkey in advance from home, or on the ground in Turkey
- Average teaching hours per week: 20-30 hours of classroom & extra prep time
- Types of Students: Business professionals, School children, Private students
- Cost of Living per Month: $ 800-1,600 USD; 1,700-3,500 TRY
- Average Monthly Pay: $ 800-1,600 USD; 1,700-3,500 TRY
- Start-up Cost: $ 1,100-1,700 USD
- Potential to Save or Break-even: Break-even
- Accommodation/Housing Benefits Paid: Sometimes
- Flight Reimbursement: Rarely
Interesting Facts About Turkey
- Istanbul was recently named “World’s Hippest City.”
- The ancient city of Troy, featured in the epic works of Homer, is located on Turkey's Aegean Coast.
- The tulip flower originated in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire.
- Turkey is also home of some of the largest bazaars in the world, where merchants sell some of the world's finest rugs, spices and other entrancing goods.
