Istanbul – Where East Meets West

 

Introduction

 

Istanbul, a world metropolis, has developed into the 9th largest city on Earth largely due to its geopolitical location. With an estimated 12-15 million inhabitants, it’s the only city worldwide to have developed on two continents. The European side of the city is the trade and business center, whereas the residential side is located on the Asian side.

 

Training Center

 

Our TEFL courses are held at our partner language training center located in Kadikoy, Istanbul. Kadikoy is a bustling seaside area with many shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and bookstores.  It is easily accessible by public transportation from almost any area in Istanbul.

Our facilities feature a teacher planning area, a resource and planning library, and instructional support materials for our teachers and students. Wireless internet is available at the center for use during the course.

 

The 4-Week TEFL Course

 

Our 4-week TEFL course is fully accredited and certified to meet international standards. The training involves up to 6 hours of observed teaching practice and 120 hours of classroom instruction. You will acquire the practical skills to teach English as a foreign language in any country around the world.

Classes run Monday to Friday, 9-4pm. Weekends are free to explore the local area but you will have homework assignments.

 

Accommodation

 

Turkish TEFL employers tend to offer free accommodation as part of your overall salary benefits package. The quality of this accommodation will differ greatly dependent on where in Turkey you are! If you’re teaching English in a remote part of the Urfa province (close to the Syrian border) then you could expect a small, stone building with no air conditioning whereas in Istanbul you could be in a city centre apartment with all the latest mod-cons.

If you would prefer to seek out your own accommodation then expect to spend around 45% of your teaching salary on rent, with a one bed flat in the city centre (including bills) costing around $448.

 

Getting Here & Visas

 

Airport pickup and transfer is included in the Advanced package. We recommend you arrive in Istanbul at least 2 days prior to the course start date. Visas are granted upon arrival at the airport. Ordinary passport holders of nationals of the following countries may obtain sticker type visas at the Turkish International Border Gates to enter into Turkey.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, EU countries, Iceland, Jamaica, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, and the US will obtain a tourist passport for 3 months upon arrival in the country.  This is obtained by paying a small fee at the airport of arrival.

This will allow you enough time to complete your course and find your first teaching position!

 

Prospects for Teachers

 

The majority of English teachers look for a job online whilst they’re at home and with Turkish public schools alone requiring over 30,000 teachers there’s no shortage of work. However, there are missed opportunities, as not all institutions (particularly the smaller schools out in the Ankara province) advertise their vacancies online. If you’re from Europe and want to move to Turkey before finding a teaching job teaching English, take over a copy of your CV, TEFL certificate, degree and potentially a portfolio of planned lessons to speed up the process.

Demand is very high for English teachers in Turkey, with many TEFL candidates finding that they are offered a job within 1-2 weeks of applying. However, there are unfortunately issues with many teaching contracts, with institution owners caring more about money than staff welfare, so be sure to have a good look through the contract before agreeing to anything.

​The majority of jobs teaching English in Turkey are available in private schools, teaching children between 5-15; and there are also limited opportunities in ‘Dershanes’ (a University prep school), and at Universities – which is particularly popular as the hours are less and the pay is higher!

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time earning my TEFL certificate and have met some fantastic people who I hope to keep in touch with for the rest of my life. The staff in Jane, Damian, Michaella, Cello and the others were fantastic people who deserve all the credit for being so patient, helpful and fun to be around. I can honestly say, hand on heart, the only thing that could have been improved is that it could have lasted longer so I could have savoured and enjoyed the experience for just one more week…Thank you all so, so much”

– Phil Painter, UK

“I don’t have anything but positive feedback for my experience with the course and my work done at King’s [Job Placement]. I thought the TEFL Training was excellent. And I think the way King’s has taken us in, trained us, and provided superb life support has been brilliant. Thank you very much”

– Thomas Brownlow, USA

“My experiences in Thailand have inspired me to apply to become a qualified teacher in the UK, and the overall experience has expanded my horizons and given me numerous happy memories, and I made some enduring friendships as well. In fact, I am already planning my next trip to Thailand – it has been said to me on many occasions that people rarely come to Thailand just once, and I would definitely agree with that. Making the decision to go away is a big one, but it is one you will never, ever regret.”

– Becky Rice, UK

“As I began my search for an English program in Asia, I stumbled across a variety of courses. You struck me as the most compelling program for several reasons. First, the program’s flexibility is attractive. You offer a variety of certification locations to obtain the TEFL/TESOL, along with various teaching locations upon completion of the program. Secondly, a job guarantee provides me with a sense of security. I can feel comfortable traveling to a new country and not worry about searching for work. Lastly, everyone I contacted who completed the program had nothing but great things to say about it. I was assured to hear that everything from the program organizers, down to the accommodations throughout the certification process and the actual TESOL training was as advertised.”

– Andrew Berger, USA

“I’m glad I have chosen you’ as the avenue for this as the course package is obviously thorough, well structured and professional. There is a welcome depth of experience evident and considerable support for course attendees. I was particularly drawn to the chance to take part in some formal Thai language lessons and to take part in hands- on teaching practice- so much more relevant than a course conducted in cyberspace!”

– Timothy Malecki, AUS

“I truly had a blast during the [TEFL] course! There was a good, solid mix of in-class instruction, preparing for lessons, actual teaching, discussion, and of course FUN! I met wonderful people. Although the course was intense, the laid-back atmosphere provided a relaxed, enjoyable environment in which to learn. I don’t really want to leave!”

– Jen Hand, USA

“You have consistently responded to my many email queries and requests in good time. As an accounting practitioner running my own business for the past 14 years, I fundamentally understand the value of good service, and especially good response time. I have been impressed with Lisa’s commitment, professionalism and non-pushy assistance.”

– Susan Rumsey, South Africa

“Hi Lisa. Just thought I would drop you a quick email to tell you how much I am enjoying the TEFL course on Phuket Island. The people are really welcoming, friendly and so helpful. Ian is amazing, and the hotel that he owns is a luxury to return to each evening after a long day at the language school. I am also meeting great people and the others on the course are wonderful. After the course is complete would you be able to help me in finding a school to then teach English in as this would be great. I am now in the second week and loving everyday out here in Thailand. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

– Sarah Bullock, England