Advice About Turkey From a Long-Term Expat (2020) | Expats Everywhere

Summary

In this interview, Cecile shares her experiences of living as an expat in Adana, Turkey. She discusses the cultural differences, slow-paced Mediterranean lifestyle, and the affordability of living in southern Turkey. Cecile highlights both the pros, like the sense of community and relaxed atmosphere, and the cons, such as cultural norms and the isolation of living outside major cities. She also shares insights into teaching jobs, cost of living, and raising bilingual children. For further exploration, Cecile's YouTube channel offers more on expat life, food processing, and multicultural challenges in Turkey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cecile is a Canadian expat living in Adana, Turkey, and shares her experiences living and working there.
• 😀 She emphasizes the slower, quieter Mediterranean lifestyle in Adana, which has helped her learn to relax and loosen up.
• 😀 Cecile discusses how the communal mindset in Turkey is rooted in the country’s tribal ancestry, making people more collective-minded.
• 😀 One of the cons of living in Adana is the challenge of adjusting to a more uniform way of life, where differences in approach are often not celebrated.
• 😀 Raising children in Adana, Cecile encountered cultural differences, such as the belief that dressing children in multiple layers, even in summer, is essential to prevent sickness.
• 😀 Despite cultural clashes, Cecile adapted to local customs and learned Turkish quickly by immersing herself in the language and culture.
• 😀 She is starting a YouTube channel focused on Mediterranean life in Turkey, with content about expat life, food processing, and traditional Turkish practices.
• 😀 The food culture in southern Turkey is abundant, and Cecile often finds herself processing large quantities of local produce, like pomegranates and olives.
• 😀 One of the benefits of living in Adana is the sense of community, with people being warm and welcoming.
• 😀 Although expats in Adana may face isolation compared to major cities like Istanbul or Izmir, Cecile found that not meeting many foreigners helped her integrate and focus on learning Turkish.

Q & A

What inspired Cecile to move from Canada to Adana, Turkey?

Cecile was inspired to move from Canada to Adana because of her husband's job transfer. They were seeking a change in lifestyle, particularly for a slower-paced life and a more community-oriented environment. After experiencing political instability in Istanbul, they decided to settle in Adana for a safer and calmer life.

What are some cultural differences Cecile observed between Canada and Turkey?

Cecile noticed several cultural differences, especially in parenting. In Turkey, people tend to dress their children in multiple warm layers even in the summer and avoid exposing them to breezes, believing it could make them sick. In contrast, Cecile, coming from Canada, had a more relaxed approach to child-rearing and found these practices unusual.

What are the advantages of living in Adana, according to Cecile?

According to Cecile, the advantages of living in Adana include the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, a slower pace of life, and a strong sense of community. People in Adana are warm and welcoming, and there is an emphasis on communal living, which contrasts with the more individualistic mindset in North America.

What challenges did Cecile face when adjusting to life in Adana?

One of the main challenges Cecile faced was the cultural differences, particularly in child-rearing practices, where there was pushback when she wanted to raise her children differently. Additionally, there was some isolation due to the lack of diversity outside major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, which made it harder to connect with other expats.

How does Cecile feel about the concept of 'community' in Adana?

Cecile appreciates the strong sense of community in Adana. She finds that the collectivist mindset, rooted in Turkey's tribal ancestry, fosters close-knit relationships among locals, making it easier for people to connect and support one another. This contrasts with the more individualistic culture she was used to in Canada.

What can expats expect in terms of social connections in Adana?

Expats in Adana may find it difficult to connect with other foreigners, especially outside major cities like Istanbul or Izmir, which can feel isolating at first. However, Cecile’s experience shows that immersing oneself in the Turkish culture, learning the language, and engaging with locals can lead to strong social ties.

What kind of job opportunities are available in Adana for expats?

Cecile highlights that teaching English is one of the main job opportunities available for expats in Adana. While salaries may be lower than in larger cities like Istanbul, Adana offers a more relaxed environment and lower living costs. Expats can also find opportunities in international schools, universities, or businesses seeking English speakers.

How affordable is the cost of living in Adana?

Cecile describes the cost of living in Adana as quite affordable compared to major Turkish cities like Istanbul or Ankara. Housing and rent are cheaper, and expats can live comfortably on a modest income. The slower pace of life also means fewer expenses related to entertainment and daily activities.

How does the healthcare system in Turkey compare to other countries, according to Cecile?

Cecile explains that Turkey has a two-tier healthcare system, with both public and private options. While public healthcare is affordable, private healthcare provides faster and more comprehensive service. Expats often prefer private healthcare for quality and efficiency, although public hospitals can be a good option for basic needs.

What is Cecile's perspective on the political environment in Turkey?

Cecile acknowledges that Turkey has had periods of political instability, especially in cities like Istanbul. However, she feels much safer and more at ease in Adana, which is quieter and less politically charged. For her family, moving to Adana offered a sense of security and peace compared to the unrest they experienced in larger cities.