TEACH ENGLISH IN TURKEY

About Teaching English in Turkey

In Turkey, you can walk in the footsteps of Homeric heroes, Roman centurions & Ottoman sultans. In addition to thousands of years of history; stunning coastlines; and one of the hottest economies in Europe, Turkey boasts one of the largest job markets in the region for English language teachers abroad. 

Turkey offers several major advantages compared to other job markets in Europe. 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. In addition, it is standard practice for English teachers in Turkey to receive a sponsored work visa. 

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.

To get hired to teach English in Turkey, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree in any field. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Turkey is about $550 - $1,150 USD per month.

Primary job markets for teaching English in Turkey include Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, as well as other larger cities.

How to Teach English in Turkey: Requirements

TEFL Certification

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Turkey. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired.

Interviews are typically conducted in advance from your home country, however, they may also be conducted on the ground in-person. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Read more: What are the basic requirements to teach English in Turkey?

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Turkey, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching and private tutoring jobs.

Degree Requirements for Teaching English in Turkey

English teachers need a bachelor's degree to teach English in Turkey. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Turkey

TEFL Jobs in Turkey

The most common ESL jobs in Turkey consist of:

• Teaching adults, business professionals, or children in private language schools.
• Teaching children and teenagers in private elementary and high schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Turkey: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Turkey can expect to find jobs year-round. Interviews are conducted in advance from your home country as well as locally in-person in Turkey.

In addition, it is standard practice for English teachers in Turkey to receive a sponsored work visa which will be processed in their home country before departure.

If you are interviewing in person, you will enter Turkey on a tourist visa and convert over to a sponsored work visa once you have secured employment.

Teaching in Turkey: Hours

English language schools in Turkey typically offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore the country's unparalleled natural and cultural riches.

Teaching Turkish Students

It is most common that your students will be adults and business professionals or elementary and high school-aged children.

TEFL Turkey Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,100 - $1,800 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Turkey until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Turkey

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Turkey. Teachers can expect to make $550 - $1,150 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Turkey to also teach English online to supplement their income.

It is rare for flight and housing benefits/stipends to be provided by your school so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Read more: How much can English teachers make in Turkey?

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $550-$900 USD per month.

Can you save money teaching English in Turkey?

English teachers in Turkey can expect to break even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you shouldn't expect to save money at the end of the month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.