From teaching jobs in more touristy western Turkey to the laidback Mediterranean coast to the Black Sea in the north, Turkey has no shortage of cities, large and small, to choose from across the country.

Istanbul has everything anyone could ever want in a city. Beautiful cityscapes, fascinating historical landmarks (the Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar, to name a few), and bustling, youthful neighborhoods. Those who decide to teach English in Turkey’s largest city will have no trouble finding jobs, as there is every type of school in Istanbul, from public to private to international. Rent is also reasonable, and the salaries for English teaching jobs in Istanbul are more than enough to pay for living costs. Just be sure to find a home close to your school, or you could end up in the unique situation of having to make a transcontinental commute to work every day from Asia to Europe!

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and is located in the center of the country. As the seat of government, the need for English skills is at an all-time high, so both salaries and availability of teaching jobs in Ankara are generous. While some may complain that the “other” city in Turkey doesn’t have any of Istanbul’s showy Ottoman ruins, Ankara marches to the beat of its own drum, one that isn’t dragged down by the pull of history.

On the western coast of Turkey, there is the beautiful city of Izmir. Generally considered the most liberal city in the country, and still retaining a lot of its Greek, Armenian, and Jewish heritage, the feeling of Izmir is not easily replicated. Originally the ancient Greek city of Smyrna, Izmir is owner of the third largest seaport in Turkey and is a leader in Turkish commerce. Due to its relatively large size and educated populace, Izmir is a great place to find teaching jobs in Turkey as language and international schools abound.