Given it’s history, sheer size and the importance of faith and culture it is not surprising that Turkey seems to draw people from all cultures and backgrounds. I have travelled extensively across most of the World’s continents but have yet to experience anywhere that can rival Turkey as a destination.

Whether you are interested in politics, history, spirituality, shopping, studying or partying you are sure to find what you are searching for. The magic of this county is that it has a way of drawing you in and teaching you things you never even dreamed you wanted to learn.
It was the teal and cerulean waters and golden sanded beaches that originally enticed me to Turkey. In a time when all I wanted was to sunbathe all day and party all night. The beaches are unrivalled as are the hospitality and the warmth and charm of the locals.

Now as a -sometimes- ESL Teacher, a writer and an energy healer I find myself spellbound by Istanbul. If you are able to accept that working here is not like working “at home”; that the hours may be longer,that contracts seem to be decorative rather than legally binding and that boundaries as you may be used to them are almost non existent then Istanbul truly is the land of opportunity for foreigners.

Universities, Schools, Language Centres offer teaching jobs where you can choose to work as little or as much as you choose. Most of these, once you have earned their trust will connect you to private students giving you the option to earn additional cash.

If you happen to speak an additional language it is easy to pick up work translating or even working for local businesses.

If you have been living in the United Kingdom, The United States or just about anywhere else you will be amazed at how cheap life is here and how you can afford a home and a social life on a fraction of what you are used to. You can easily enjoy a night out with good food and drinks for less than $20 and if you are not looking for something special you can eat a decent meal for about the price of a cup of coffee “back home”.

Turkish people and those who have chosen to make Turkey their home are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. It is easy to make friends here and being so proud of their culture and heritage Turkish people will always advise you on the best restaurants, coffee shops, museums, festivals etc to visit with great enthusiasm.

For those of you who may be wondering; I’m a single woman living here alone. I have never felt anything but safe. I do not take any special precautions. I travel late at night. I eat out alone. I use public transport and I feel as safe here, if

Posted on | 12/07/2018 | Julie Lachtay