Monday, August 23, 2010

So Cal girl seeking advice on moving to Istanbul.?

I just graduated from college in Los Angeles and I was planning to move to London, but decided to move with my friends to Istanbul. They have lived there for a year and I plan to teach Enlgish out there like they do. I have never been to Turkey, but have lived in Europe before. Can anyone who has lived/worked there offer any sound advice as I am starting to get a bit scared!So Cal girl seeking advice on moving to Istanbul.?
* istanbul is a huge city. with the population around 15 millions. you have to decide where you will work and choose a place to live around not to waste your time in traffic.


* it is physically divided to two, Asian and the European parts. European part is more lively and rich in culture but Asian part seems more quite and liberal.


* you should avoid crossing the bridges (from Asian part to European or the other way around) in the rush hours.


* Istanbul has a big expat community. Around the Taksim area you can meet them. Most expats live around that area and around Bosphorus.


* Search for IWI (international women of Istanbul) for more connections.


* Everybody seems like speaking some words in English but you need to learn some basic Turkish words and expressions.


* The central areas are quite European, while it gets more conservative when you go to the suburbs.


* For sure you will have unexpectedly good relations with the neighbors or the grocery store nearby or the restaurant you go due the the ';hospitality';


* the history, the architecture and the gorgeous Bosphorus will get you into the city very easily.





Good LuckSo Cal girl seeking advice on moving to Istanbul.?
Hi





There is nothing to get scared in Istanbul , in fact , it's one of the coolest cities in the World. One thing i may advice you, would be working at a school in borders of City Center just because transportation is mad in Istanbul, and you wouldn't like to spend half a day in roads. If you know where in Istanbul you will work write here and i might me more helpful.
The expat teachers I have seen here looked quite satisfied. If you have any doubt, feel free to check the web sites of some private schools, some of which contain the e-mail addresses of foreign teachers. You can send them mails for first hand information and experience.





A few examples:





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Pr鈥?/a>





You can make your own search ';private schools in Turkey'; if you want.
Yes, there are few stupid universities (colleges) who hires unexperienced teachers for English prep. Such as; Isik University, and some low budget private universities.





Additional info for additional details :)


Yup, Isik University is right there in Maslak 5min from Istinye. American consulate is in Istinye too. If I am not mistaken the names, Tarabya Kemal Ataturk Lisesi and Ozel Yildiz Lisesi are also close by. I still think you have more chance in Isik.
you will love istanbul loads of shoping if you go into the bazzar it is set out like one long row that just sells carpets another that just sells jewelry another that is just spices i woul sooner be there than in london

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