Istanbul is one of the most magnetic, dynamic cities in the world — the kind of place every teacher wants to live and explore. If you're looking for a bit of everything — ancient and diverse cultures, warm and welcoming locals, delicious and authentic cuisine, vibrant nightlife — Istanbul is the perfect city to teach English abroad.
The ancient city
To teach English in Istanbul is to develop a deep appreciation for its ancient culture. A favorite weekend pastime for teachers is the Grand Bazaar in the Old City — wind through narrow laneways, watch artisans at work, and discover antique treasures for gifts or to decorate your new apartment.
An ancient tradition is the art of drinking tea. Many teachers ease into the culture by sitting down with a local shopkeeper — often in the Bazaar — to discuss world affairs over a cup of çay. It's one of the best ways to make friends and to get a deeper understanding of the people and their culture.
A great city to explore
Istanbul rewards anyone who appreciates leisure. A great weekend getaway is one of Turkey's many hot springs — use the city's excellent transport to head to Tuzla, about 45 minutes outside the city. The compound sits in a gorgeous rural setting with a hotel, indoor and outdoor pools, and a restaurant.
Discovering Istanbul also means discovering its food. A food tour is a great way to orient yourself, meet locals, and try incredible dishes while taking in the sights. Viator is a well-known operator many teachers in Istanbul recommend.
The TEFL certification Turkish employers ask for
Turkey requires a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL for the work permit (çalışma izni). OnTESOL's 120-hr course is TESL Canada recognized and ACCET accredited — the documentation Turkish universities and private language schools require. Pair it with the TEYL specialist for the kids' market or the IELTS specialist for higher-paid test-prep work.
View TEFL Course →A beautiful place to live
The most unique thing about this amazing city is that it straddles two continents — Europe and Asia. Many teachers settle in Göktürk, near the Belgrad Forest about 30 km north of the city, where many of the best schools are located. If you want Western establishments, this is your best bet. Plenty of teachers love living along the Bosphorus in areas like Bebek and Tarabya.
A great TESOL community
The TESOL teaching community is large in Istanbul and the options are wide. Universities are the best bet for pay, and there are many private language schools as well. The best way to get a job here is to live in Turkey and establish yourself in the community — chat with locals; they're always willing to help foreigners navigate the city. For professional development, look into LIF (Language In Focus), an annual conference held in Turkey.