IICS New Teachers' Handbook 2011-12 - Istanbul International ...

IICS New Teachers’ Handbook 2011-12 Page 20 of 72
ACCOMMODATION
4.3.1. LOCATION
The person who met you at the airport will take you to your new home. Newly hired teachers are
given the option of living in Bahçeșehir (also called B-Town), or in downtown Istanbul in an area of
the school’s choosing. Each location offers different advantages.
Major Benefits & Drawbacks of
Living in Bahçeșehir
Pros
-Apartments are all
of a standard,
newer, larger
-Closer to Marmara
Campus
-Utilities paid by
IICS (within
allowance)
-Furnished
-Many parks
-Relaxed
environment
Cons
-45 km from
downtown
-Fewer restaurants
-Less nightlife
opportunities
-Fewer international
offerings in the
markets
Major Benefits & Drawbacks of Living
Downtown
Pros
-Close to cultural
events and many
nightlife and
weekend
entertainments
-Trendy area
-Many restaurants
-Many international
offerings at markets
-Easy to get around
-Area is buzzing
with energy
Cons
-45 km from
Marmara Campus,
more traffic to deal
with during
commute
-Can be noisy and
often crowded
-Utilities not paid by
IICS
-Not furnished
-Flats vary
considerably in size,
age, condition
-Security is more of
an issue
4.3.2. BAHÇEȘEHİR
Bahçeșehir, a suburb 25 minutes from school, 45 minutes from the airport and about 45-60 minutes
from downtown, is a newly constructed planned city suburb which has won several awards for its
design. It was built with comfort and convenience in mind and contains mini-malls, grocery stores,
restaurants, a small hospital, and many other attractions. Faculty with families are advised to live in
B-Town due to its family-friendly environment, facilities and proximity to school. Maintenance fees
are covered by the school for those residing in B-Town. IICS provides a shuttle bus from B-Town to
downtown and back twice a month on Saturdays if there is sufficient interest.
Apartments in B-Town are furnished, meet western living standards, and are quite large. In essence,
it is a condominium apartment. In many cases there will be 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a combination
living room/dining room, a kitchen, and 1 balcony. Below are photos of a typical B-town apartment.
They may vary in size and aesthetic quality, though.
IICS New Teachers’ Handbook 2011-12 Page 20 of 72