TEFL Institute – Istanbul, Turkey

TEFL Certification Course Turkey

A transcontinental nation straddling both Asia and Europe, Turkey is a democratic and strongly secular country with one of the most fascinating histories. The once-Ottoman Empire stretched to over three continents and controlled a majority of Southeastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa - spanning from the Strait of Gibraltar in the west to the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf in the east from the edge of Austria, Slovakia and parts of the Ukraine in the north to the Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia and Yemen in the south. Considered the epicenter of communications and relations between what we know as the Eastern and Western world for some six centuries, present day Turkey is an amazing example of influences coming together to form one of the most spectacular countries on earth. With Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman monuments seeable in just about all parts of the country, Turkey's past and present can be the perfect educational background for the TEFL student looking to begin a future abroad.

The School

Earn your TEFL certification in Istanbul - Turkey's most populated city and cultural and financial center. Located on the Bosporus Strait, this glorious northwest city touches down on both the continent of Europe (in Thrace) and Asia (Anatolia) and is widely known as the only city in the world to sits on two continents. The epicenter of where west meets east, Istanbul (formerly Byzantium, Constantinople. just to name a few) once served as the capital city of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire. In 1985, Istanbul's numerous sites of historical significance were added to the UNESCO World Heritage with the city to be named the "European Capital of Culture" for the year 2010. A university city boasting some of the most reputable educational institutions, Istanbul is an ideal setting for students looking to further their educational horizons.

Tuition covers:

• TEFL course 4 weeks tuition and 120 hour certification
• Housing assistance
• Course materials
• Job placement assistance
• Pre-departure support

Tuition does not cover:

• Living accommodations
• Airport pick-up/transfer to accommodations
• Additional course materials
• Meals, Personal Expenses
• International Flights
• Visa, Immunization

Living Accommodations/Meals

TEFL Institute in Istanbul can assist in locating appropriate living accommodations to best suit the needs of TEFL participants - all available at very competitive prices. All student accommodations in Istanbul are either in or near the center of the city. Accommodations are usually in fully-furnished, shared apartments. Home-stays and private apartments can also be arranged upon request.

The starting price of accommodations in Istanbul is €300.

Meals are the responsibility of the participant. Affordable meals may be purchased throughout the city of Istanbul at very reasonable prices.

Dishes native to the Marmara region reflect characteristics of Mediterranean cuisine and are often rich in vegetables, herbs and fish. Commonly-used ingredients in Turkish dishes include: meat, eggplant, green peppers, onions, garlic, lentils, beans, tomatoes, nuts (namely pistachios, pine nits, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts) with spices such as parsley, cumin, black pepper, paprika, mint, oregano and thyme found in just about every dish - albeit a pastry for desert or lamb for the entrée. Soups (i.e. lentil, yogurt or wheat) of various makes are present in traditional Turkish meals. Also: shish kabobs are common dishes through all of Turkey.

Arrival Information

Being that Istanbul has two international airports - Atatürk International Airport (located in the Yesilköy District on the European side) and the smaller Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in the (Kurtköy District on the Asian side) - trainee can arrive fly into Istanbul from either location.

Transfer from Airport to Host Family/Hostel

Program fee does not cover airport transfer/pick-up and reception service (NOTE: TEFL Institute does NOT offer airport drop-off/return services). Additionally, TEFL Institute's partnering TEFL provider in Istanbul requests that participants take a taxi from the airport or train station. Participants are urged to retain their receipt for imbursement upon arrival at the language institute.

How can I contact the TEFL Institute (if I arrive before the start of the TEFL Istanbul program)?

In the event that a participant arrives before the start date, it is advised that they arrange their own accommodations and contact someone at TEFL Institute's office who will then provide participants with instructions. Details, such as the address and telephone numbers of TEFL Institute in Istanbul, will be provided to participants in their in final placement details/pre-departure booklet.

Internet/Telephone/Medical Facilities

The city of Istanbul offers a variety of telecommunication and medical facilities/services. Phone and internet services are also available in various internet cafés throughout the city (some within a 5-minute walk from the TEFL institute).

Climate

The climate of Istanbul has a climate classified as temperate-continental - with hot and humid summers and cold, rainy and often snowy winters. With a somewhat high humidity exacerbating the warm, summertime temperatures, the heat often feels more intense than indicated. Snowfall often occurs over the course of one or two weeks with some intensity (usually between the month of December and March). The daytime temperature between the months of June and September averages 74° Fahrenheit (23.3° Celsius). Istanbul is a significantly windy city with an average wind speed of 11 mph (17/km/h).

Social Program

At VL Istanbul we would like to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Turkey is full of wonders and Istanbul has many interesting things to offer to its visitors. Turks are also well known for their hospitality and friendly character. For these reasons, to help you get to know the city and to help you relax after a hard week studying CTEFL, VL Istanbul offers a social program to its trainees.
Some example activities from our social program are:

• Bosphorus Tour
• Whirling Dervish Night
• Turkish night (dinner and performance )
• Dinner by the Golden Horn
• Day trip to Þile (Black sea coastal resort )
• Picnic in Belgrade Forest

The activities in the social program are not included in the course fees. These activities are optional and require a minimum number of attendance in order to take place.