Anyone teach at these schools or have some idea of what they are like?
Thank you.
MEF International Schools and The Koc School (Turkey)
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Open Communication
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Mick Travis
- Posts: 33
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- Location: Denmark
Low down on MEF Istanbul
School site
Campus shared with national school. This can be a problem in terms of resource allocation, but the school is well funded by Alevi businessman. Great drama facilities, poor games facilities. Main teaching is done on six floor building (no lift) with primary at bottom and secondary at top. Ambient noise can be a problem.
Admin
Director can be a ball breaker but if you keep your head down and follow orders she is ok. Note, she has personal say on contract renewal, and it is often down to your attitude to her, and the school, rather than your effectiveness as a teacher. Not familiar with current heads of school. Accredited by CIS a few years ago. Not sure if this has made any tangible difference. Lots of whole school meetings to little effect.
Academics
Quite selective and streamed in upper school. IB entrance exams etc... All teachers are qualified and some very effective. Whole school discipline has been an issue in the past - the mixture of Turkish nationals and other international students can also cause some problems. IB coordinator is dedicated and effective. Turkish Ministry of Education laws can be restrictive.
Housing, perks etc...
See 'reviews' - in ISR.
Life in Istanbul
Wonderful city - probably the main reason for taking a post at this school. Very friendly locals, but often on a superficial level. Be aware that you are dealing with a nationalistic, chauvinistic mindset, even among educated middle class people. As a man be aware that the vast majority of local women live with their parents until they get married. Culture is incredible, ditto nightlife. It's one of those intersections of place/time - Paris in the 20s, Tangier in the 50s, Berlin in the 90s - that you really want to witness first hand.
School site
Campus shared with national school. This can be a problem in terms of resource allocation, but the school is well funded by Alevi businessman. Great drama facilities, poor games facilities. Main teaching is done on six floor building (no lift) with primary at bottom and secondary at top. Ambient noise can be a problem.
Admin
Director can be a ball breaker but if you keep your head down and follow orders she is ok. Note, she has personal say on contract renewal, and it is often down to your attitude to her, and the school, rather than your effectiveness as a teacher. Not familiar with current heads of school. Accredited by CIS a few years ago. Not sure if this has made any tangible difference. Lots of whole school meetings to little effect.
Academics
Quite selective and streamed in upper school. IB entrance exams etc... All teachers are qualified and some very effective. Whole school discipline has been an issue in the past - the mixture of Turkish nationals and other international students can also cause some problems. IB coordinator is dedicated and effective. Turkish Ministry of Education laws can be restrictive.
Housing, perks etc...
See 'reviews' - in ISR.
Life in Istanbul
Wonderful city - probably the main reason for taking a post at this school. Very friendly locals, but often on a superficial level. Be aware that you are dealing with a nationalistic, chauvinistic mindset, even among educated middle class people. As a man be aware that the vast majority of local women live with their parents until they get married. Culture is incredible, ditto nightlife. It's one of those intersections of place/time - Paris in the 20s, Tangier in the 50s, Berlin in the 90s - that you really want to witness first hand.
MEF Istanbul has been a good international post. I very much enjoy this school, and this staff. I don't agree with what was said about the Head of School but then again... we all have different perceptions of people depending on our interactions.
First rate teachers. Some issues with regard to control over classrooms and PYP but again... do your homework.
It's not a perfect school, but the students are for the most part lovely. Leadership a bit weak in advocating for staff needs. Not much support there. Salary moderate, but I have found the cost of living to be quite manageable on what I make. Housing is also adequate, close and as long as you don't end up in a studio on the very top, or the very bottom... nice.
Best thing about choosing MEF over other Istanbul schools is its fantastic location. EVERYTHING is easily accessible if you don't mind the steep walk home. Istanbul is as a previous poster stated, one of those places that is still romantic and exotic and special. I am so glad to be here before time turns it into a generic metropolis. I am also glad to be at this school
First rate teachers. Some issues with regard to control over classrooms and PYP but again... do your homework.
It's not a perfect school, but the students are for the most part lovely. Leadership a bit weak in advocating for staff needs. Not much support there. Salary moderate, but I have found the cost of living to be quite manageable on what I make. Housing is also adequate, close and as long as you don't end up in a studio on the very top, or the very bottom... nice.
Best thing about choosing MEF over other Istanbul schools is its fantastic location. EVERYTHING is easily accessible if you don't mind the steep walk home. Istanbul is as a previous poster stated, one of those places that is still romantic and exotic and special. I am so glad to be here before time turns it into a generic metropolis. I am also glad to be at this school