Istanbul, Turkey!!

                Today is the first day of my newest adventure, teaching English in Istanbul, Turkey. I think my interest in Turkey began when I made a Turkish friend in South Korea. He treated his girlfriend, another mutual friend, and I to Turkish food at a restaurant. I loved the dinner and the desert that I ate! I also had Turkish food later during my time in Korea, and loved it then also! Later on, I researched Turkey and learned how much Turkey has to offer. When it comes to Istanbul, the city was formerly known as Constantinople or New Rome (before being known as Byzantium). It was the capital of the Roman Empire, under the Christian ruler Constantine the Great who influenced the spread of Christianity throughout the city and beyond. Later, the city was taken over by the Ottoman Turks which resulted in the spread of Islam throughout the city (and also beyond), making Istanbul predominately Islamic today. Thus, Istanbul (and Turkey) is filled with history from both beliefs. Today, Istanbul is known as the city that bridges Europe and Asia, with one half of the city being more European and the other half more Asian. As a result, both cultures are present, making Istanbul an interesting city to explore. That will be one of my goals while living here. I want to explore the city’s multifaceted culture.

                When I first arrived in South Korea, I was pretty nervous when stepping in front of the classroom to teach. I had never taught before and wasn't sure how I would go about it. Thanks to the experience from teaching there, I am actually not nervous about teaching here in Istanbul. I look forward to teaching the students, and to the experiences I will have with them. The name of the school I will be teaching at is Fatih Koleji. It is a big privately funded wealthy institution that oversees a college, high school, and primary school. This institution not only operates in Istanbul, but internationally. The institution is known for pulling students from wealthy families (as the tuition is very high), and offering better education than public schools (resulting in brighter students). I will be teaching at the primary school level, with students ages 6-13. I believe I will be the only foreign English teacher at my school, with their being Turkish English teachers to offer any assistance I will need. I can only hope that I have well behaved students!

                I feel very blessed to have this opportunity, and hope to make the most out of my time while here. Keep me in your thoughts and your prayers!