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English Teaching Jobs in
Turkey
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Historically fascinating, geographically unique and with a big interest in English, Turkey is a deeply interesting place to teach abroad.
TEFL jobs in Turkey
An incredible mix of cultures, Turkey (or Türkiye) is a remarkable place to teach English as a foreign language. Nestled in the border between Europe and Asia, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, Turkey is a meeting point for disparate histories, with endless intrigues for history buffs, as well as amazing weather, gorgeous beaches and outstanding cuisine.
Whether you want to dive right into teaching English in a busy metropolis like Istanbul, the only city on two continents, or Turkey’s rugged countryside, there are plenty of decent options for qualified teachers. With Turkey aiming - like much of the rest of the world - to improve its global economic standing, and its status as a haven for international tourism, the status of English has grown ever more important. This is despite Turkey’s somewhat fractious political situation over recent years.
So, where are all the English teaching jobs to be found in Turkey? What kind of salary can you expect while teaching English in Turkey? How can you find teaching jobs, what qualifications do you need, and is it only for native English speakers? Let’s take an in-depth look.
Teaching English in Turkey: an overview
Above all else, it’s probably a good idea to discuss which languages are being spoken in Turkey. While Turkish is the main language (unsurprisingly), Kurdish is widely spoken, as is Arabic. Armenian is also popular, as is English, but to a lesser extent.English proficiency in Turkey is rated “low” by EF’s English Proficiency Index. Ranked 66th of 113 countries, Turkey’s level of English proficiency is far from the worst, but it’s certainly lower than similarly-sized European countries. The low level of proficiency, however, is met by a high demand for ESL teachers. English is taught in most Turkish schools - albeit, not all Turkish students choose to learn it. The majority of English teaching jobs can be found in language schools, universities and state schools.
Quick facts about Turkey
- Capital: Ankara
- Official Language: Turkish
- Population: 85 million
- Currency: Turkish lira (₺)
Key facts
Requirements
So, what are the requirements to teach English abroad in Turkey? English teachers need a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) to teach English in Turkey. To secure a visa, a degree is essential for an English teacher. Some roles will specifically require a master’s degree, or a degree in a particular subject, but in general, a BA degree is what’s required.
As is always the case for teaching English abroad, you’ll need to have completed one or more TEFL courses to teach English in Turkey. You need TEFL certification of at least 120 hours. For specific tutoring purposes, or to get ahead in your job search, it’s also worth attaining an advanced TEFL certificate in a subject like Business English or English for Academic Purposes. This kind of TEFL training is particularly useful, because career progression - specifically in international business - is a major driver for interest in English within Turkey, as is the lure of English-speaking universities across the world. As an English teacher, you’ll need a clean criminal record. Teaching experience is desirable but not always required. If you’re searching for teaching jobs abroad without experience in Turkey, language schools are your safest option.Do you need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Turkey? Not necessarily - provided you can prove fluency. As well as a TEFL certificate, holding an IELTS or TOEFL certificate will usually provide ample evidence of your fluency in English, while a degree from an English-speaking institution is also a considerable help for finding teaching jobs in Turkey as a non-native speaker of English.
Salary and benefits
The average salary for EFL teachers in Turkey ranges from ₺27,314-₺51,215 ($800-$1,500/£630-£1,200) per month. English teaching wages in Turkey, of course, can vary based on several factors including the type of institution, qualifications, experience, and location, with higher salaries typically found in major cities like Istanbul and in the capital, Ankara.
In Turkey - especially in institutions like private schools and international schools - English teachers can usually expect some added benefits. These can include flight reimbursement, free accommodation or housing allowance. At the state school level, English teachers can expect paid holidays and a summer break. If you work in a state, private or international school, you’re usually entitled to free meals - with Turkish food being as excellent as it is, this is no small thing!
Living and working in Turkey
So, now that we know about the salaries of English teachers in Turkey, what can we say about the cost of living there? While there’s plenty of information about teaching English in Istanbul, there’s also a lot of opportunity for ESL teachers in Ankara - the capital city. So how much does it cost to live there?
If your job doesn’t include free accommodation, you’ll need to think about renting an apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in central Ankara costs about £424/$567 per month, while it costs about £301/$402 if you opt to live on the outskirts. Utilities, meanwhile, cost about £51/$68, and internet access in Turkey more widely costs around £8/$11.
What about one of the best parts of teaching English in Turkey - enjoying some of the amazing Turkish food? For a solo meal in an inexpensive cafe, you can expect to pay about £6/$8, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant is around £22/$29.
Types of English teaching jobs in Turkey
Public schools
Public schools in Turkey aren’t as prolific in terms of hiring TEFL teachers - certainly not to the same level as language schools or private schools - but the interest is there. You’ll need to keep an eye on job adverts posted by local governments, and you’ll need to have a TEFL certificate, a degree and, ideally, some teaching experience to be considered.
Salaries are normally decent if less spectacular than you might find teaching abroad in international institutions, but you can expect decent facilities and paid holidays.
Jobs boards
Want to find great teaching jobs in Turkey, on the internet and across the rest of the world? The TEFL Org Jobs Centre has you covered. Gain lifetime access once you've completed a TEFL course with The TEFL Org!
Bilkent University hires highly qualified, experienced teachers for teaching jobs in Turkey. September to August contracts, teaching 20 contact hours per week.
English Life is a partnership of schools licensed by the Ministry of Education. You’ll need a degree, and a TEFL is preferable. Expect an offer of a 1-year contract, 20-25 hours per week, salary varies by location, plus free accommodation or accommodation allowance.
English Time has over forty branches in Turkey, hiring hundreds of part-time and full-time TEFL teachers for jobs in Turkey. You need a degree and a TEFL, experience is preferred.
Marmaris Recruitment Ltd is an agency based in the UK and can help you find a teaching job in Turkey. It costs £44.99/$60.10 to register with them, job salaries range from 2,000 – 5,000 lira per month. You need a degree and TEFL certification.
SDM Language School positions are 6 days a week, teaching adult professionals. You need a TEFL qualification, a degree and experience with adults.
Teachers in Turkey is another agency that links candidates for teaching jobs in Turkey with private schools, kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, university positions, and summer camps. Native English speakers with a degree and TEFL can apply for positions, starting at 2,500 lira per month.
Related articles for teaching English in Turkey
Teach English in Turkey
Political unrest in Turkey in recent years has meant that tourists have been staying away from this previously idyllic location. Check your own government’s guidelines regarding how safe it is to travel at the time of your trip, and if there are no barriers, there’s no reason why Turkey shouldn’t feature high up on your list of destinations to teach English abroad.
Teach English in Istanbul
An incredibly international, idiosyncratic and colourful mega-city, Istanbul is an increasingly popular destination for TEFL talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there a demand for English teachers in Turkey?
Yes, there’s demand for English teachers across Turkey and plenty of jobs in Turkey for teachers with a TEFL qualification and a degree. From large cities like Ankara and Istanbul, to small towns and rural outposts, there’s a solid level of interest in English language learning.
Q. How much do English teachers earn in Turkey?
The typical salary for job opportunities in Turkey ranges from ₺27,314-₺51,215 ($800-$1,500/£630 -£1,200) per month. English teaching wages in Turkey vary based on several factors including the type of institution, qualifications, experience, and location
Q. How to get an English teaching job in Turkey?
To get a work visa, and thereby find an English teaching job in Turkey, you’ll need a degree and a TEFL certificate, while experience is usually desired by employers.
Q. Are teachers paid well in Turkey?
While higher teaching salaries can be found elsewhere, English teacher wages contrast well against the cost of living in Turkey, meaning you can live well while teaching English as a foreign language.