Expert Info
on 8 Dec 2012
Hello there, I am wondering if there is anyone who can give me some advice regarding my particular situation, especially from an ESL teacher's perspective. I have recently been offered a position as a live-in English tutor for a senior-level medical professional in a small city in southern Turkey. This Turkish doctor has not been able to improve his English fluency even though he has been taking lessons at various times. I suspect the lack of improvement is due to a lack of continual practice, especially living in the interior region where English expats are not the norm. The offer includes the following: 1) free room/board: a furnished apartment in the center of this small city (either it will be my own space or living with the doctor, which would suit me fine). 2) paid local transportation allowance (i'm assuming it's just the bus fare or country-wide travel: bus/train) 3) a monthly stipend of TL1200/month. In exchange, i would be tutoring the doctor after work during the evenings each day and on weekends, when he is free, to the total of about 25 hours/week. Possibly more. Is this a good offer and the stipend should provide for a confortable existence/living in Turkey? Should I request a slightly higher stipend? I am going to see if they are willing to include my overseas flight fare from N. America. Any insight and advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance.
Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!
I think the offer of YTL 1,200 plus accomodation and transport is a pretty good offer for just 25 hours work per week. It will be even better if he is willing to pay for your international flight.
Usually accomodation in Turkey would set you back YTL 500 per month. Transport costs is Turkey are minimal at around YTL 1.30 for a single journey.
The amount you spend on food in Turkey can be kept low if you choose to buy local products. Imported products however do carry a hefty price tag.
Take a look at the Expat Arrivals page on Cost of Living in Turkey page for more information.
It is also worth checking with the employer that he is willing to support and pay for you work permit. It is not easy for a foreigner to get a work permit for Turkey and you'll need to prove you have special skills needed for the job. However, this isn't too much of an issue for those teaching English. Read the page on Work Permits for Turkey to get more information.
Hope this information is helpful and do ask if you have anymore questions.