Are you an international student studying in Turkey and looking to work part-time while pursuing your degree? If so, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations around working as a student in Turkey.
In Turkey, undergraduate students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Graduate students, on the other hand, can work up to 30 hours per week, often as research assistants. If you’re looking for part-time job opportunities, Istanbul and Ankara are the best cities to explore.
To work legally in Turkey, students are required to obtain a work permit. This means being enrolled full-time at a recognized Turkish university, having a valid student visa, maintaining good grades, and securing a job offer from a Turkish employer. Many universities assist students with this process, so it’s always helpful to reach out to your school for guidance.
If you’re wondering what kind of jobs are available to students in Turkey, you can consider roles such as graphic designer, customer service agent, sales associate, gas station attendant, freelancer, amusement park attendant, call center representative, tutor, translator, bartender, waiter/server, tour guide, student ambassador, dog walker, and librarian.
In terms of finding job opportunities, there are several platforms you can explore as an international student in Turkey. Specifically, you can check out student-specific job boards like Genç Kariyer, YÖDAK İş Portalı, AIESEC Türkiye, IAESTE Turkey, and Global Internship Türkiye, as well as general job boards like Kariyer.net, İŞKUR, Memur alımı, and LinkedIn.
It’s important to note that there are legal requirements for working on a Turkish study visa, such as undergraduate students needing a Student Work Permit after their first year, postgraduate students having an easier time obtaining a Work Permit, and graduates being able to apply for a one-year residence permit for employment after graduation.
Lastly, knowing Turkish is important for securing good-paying jobs in Turkey, and being bilingual in English and Turkish is a definite advantage, especially in the tourism industry. Learning Turkish not only enhances your chances of finding a job but also enriches your overall experience of living in Turkey as an international student. So, if you’re interested in working while studying in Turkey, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and explore the various job opportunities available to you.
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