Turkey Spanning both Europe and Asia and embracing European and Middle Eastern cultures, Turkey is the historical crossroads of civilization-making it one of the world's most diverse countries.
Turkey is looking to join the European Union, and the push for Turkish residents to learn English has already begun. Government officials estimate that in the public schools, the demand for English teachers exceeds 30,000—so there are plenty of TEFL jobs available. Public school students begin English classes in fourth grade, and students at private schools start the language as early as kindergarten. This means most of your students will have previous exposure to the language, along with an eagerness to learn. With teaching positions available year-round and opportunities in a variety of sectors, Turkey is an ideal location to teach English and to explore a fascinating culture!
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Your English Students • K-12 •University •Adults
Best Time to Get Hired •Positions available year-round
Typical Start Dates • Positions available year-round
Length of Commitment •12 month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules • Full-time and part-time positions available
Average Pay and Benefits •$800 - $1400 USD per month •Reimbursed airfare upon completion of contract
Average Cost of Living • $700 - $1000 USD per month depending on lifestyle
Requirements •TEFL certification (see recommended courses above) •Native speaker or fluent in English
Turkey Overview
Stretching across two continents, Turkey is a fascinating land where East and West unite. In the past 10,000 years, this mesmerizing nation has been home to 20 unique civilizations, which are depicted in statues of gods and goddesses, theaters, temples, churches, mosques and palaces across the country. Turkey is divided into seven regions—each with its own unique climate, terrain and culture. The nation boasts almost 5,000 miles (8,050 km) of coastline and a variety of majestic terrain. From towering, snow-capped mountains to fertile valleys painted with wildflowers to banana plantations and cotton fields, Turkey is exotically diverse. The Turkish people are known for their generosity, traditional hospitality and close family ties.
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Turkey at a Glance
Capital:Ankara Population:72,907,000 Currency:Turkish Lira Language(s):Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek Literacy Rate:87% Life Expectancy:69 years
Turkey Fun Facts
• Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents. • St. Nicholas, the historical inspiration for Santa Claus, was born in Demre, on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast. • The Turks first gave the Dutch their famous tulips, which started the flower craze in Holland and England. • The Turkish people introduced coffee to Europe. • The first man ever to fly was Turkish. Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi used two wings to fly from a tower across the Bosphorus strait in the 17th century.
Regions & Weather
In Istanbul, summers are mostly dry and warm from July to August, with temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C). Winters can be unpredictable—heavy snowstorms are common, but January temperatures average 41°F (5°C). In Ankara, the weather is warm and dry between June and September, with average summer temperatures of 73°F (23° C). From November through March, the weather fluctuates—cold and snowy days often alternate with rain and sun. Winter temperatures average 31°F (–1°C). Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild but wet.