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Nazia Anwar

Escaped the rat race by teaching in Turkey
Age: 26
From: Lancashire, England

Why did you decide to become an EFL teacher?

I hate repetition and mundane stuff and that described my job. I had strains in my personal life too and was ready to break away and travel. I just had to find a way to pay for it.

How did you make it happen?

I did the research, did the i-to-i TEFL course, found a job and agreed a start date then told my boss. I had a joint mortgage that luckily the other owner carried on whilst I was away. The money was a struggle as I had credit cards etc to clear but I just worked like mad for months and saved.

What did you do/where did you go?

I taught at a private language school in Ankara, Turkey

How has it affected you?

I now know I can do anything. It was a challenge and a half to give up everything – job, studies, friends, family and my pet cat and go to a country what I knew no one and didn't speak a work of the language. It was a struggle at times but I'm so glad I didn't give up. I've learnt so much about the culture, I'm learning a new language and I've met some of the most important people in my life. I've always been independent but to achieve this has given me a different kind of confidence.

What now?

After a year, I was offered a teaching post at a leading private university in Ankara. There's another exciting year ahead!

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