Unfortunately, Turkey has a bad reputation for dodgy schools run by narrow minded businessmen who know nothing about education but they know a lot about how to make a profit.

It would be true to say that Istek Schools are the only school foundation in the country with its credibility intact. You only need to read the long list of reports at the International Schools Review homepage to see the horrendous list of broken contracts, broken promises, and teachers with broken spirits in Turkey. There is a great community of expat teachers from all the Istanbul schools who get together and swap survival tips and share nightmare stories every Friday evening in Taksim.

I have yet to hear a bad word about Istek, but they are difficult to get a job with. They do not return emails, they do not hire locally, they are vague on the telephone and you have to attend the rare job fairs that they decide to go to, in some far off land.

The general consensus here is that if you are keen to teach in Turkey, then Istek is the only respectable choice. You are lucky and we are amazed and slightly envious that you were offered a contract from them. All of us here, sitting around a bar in Taksim would love to know how you did it? If you eventually turn down the offer, contact us and we will happily offer to take your contract off your hands. If you do come to Turkey, please join us at the Irish pub near the French Cultural Centre every Friday night at 8pm. You will love the country.

I am a teacher with 20 years teaching experience yet I am new to the International School scene.

I have just come back from a job fair and have been offered a teaching position in the Middle East for $30,000 no taxes, plus free housing. free school transport. Is this a good salary? I have no idea. Should I be grateful or should I throw the contract back at the Director?

I need to make a decision soon.