ODTÜ Gelistirme Vakfi Okullari (The METU Development Foundation Schools - METU DFS) invites international educators to join a dynamic learning community in Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, where modern facilities, academic rigor, and a globally minded ethos come together to create a purposeful environment for teaching and learning. At its core is a mission to develop globally aware students who are grounded in their own culture while remaining open, curious, and empathetic toward others.
Founded in 1989, METU DFS extends the legacy of Middle East Technical University (METU), one of the region’s most respected academic institutions. The school is part of a broader educational network committed to nurturing students who think critically, pursue excellence, and view science as a guiding force in understanding the world. This strong academic foundation is complemented by a collegial atmosphere where educators contribute meaningfully to both student growth and institutional development.
The METU DFS form a distinguished network across Ankara, Mersin, Denizli, Kayseri, and Izmir, uniting more than 750 educators and 8,000 students. Together, they share a commitment to shaping thoughtful, responsible individuals prepared to contribute to a sustainable and democratic global society.
Ankara offers international educators a compelling balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. As Türkiye’s political and intellectual center, the city is safe, well-organized, and family-friendly, with rich cultural offerings and easy access to the country’s most iconic destinations—from Cappadocia’s unique landscapes to Istanbul’s historic grandeur and the Mediterranean coastline.
Set within a green residential area just outside the city center, the METU DFS campus provides a calm, spacious environment that supports both student well-being and professional focus. The campus itself is known for its remarkable reforestation, offering a setting where educators work amid a thriving natural landscape. As part of the METU community, staff also benefit from access to university facilities, including Lake Eymir, cultural venues, and recreational spaces that enrich daily life.
A shared set of values shapes the professional culture: open communication, mutual trust, respect for diversity, and a strong sense of responsibility toward both people and the environment. These principles underpin a collaborative workplace where educators are encouraged to contribute ideas, innovate, and grow.
Grounded in the belief that imagination drives original solutions to complex challenges, METU DFS foster a culture where creativity and innovation are integral to both teaching and learning. This commitment is reflected in purpose-built facilities and programs that support the whole student. Advanced laboratories and smart classrooms place scientific inquiry at the center of the learning experience, while extensive sports fields, dedicated music and art workshops, and well-equipped multimedia rooms provide space for students to explore and develop their individual interests. A rigorous Turkish–English bilingual program further strengthens this foundation, preparing students to thrive in some of the world’s most competitive universities.
As a CIS-accredited institution, METU DFS aligns with international standards of educational quality while remaining rooted in the values of modern, democratic society. The school delivers the IGCSE program to its K–12 student body, the majority of whom are Turkish, within a diverse professional community that includes some educators from multiple countries.
Student life at METU DFS is vibrant and multifaceted, designed to foster holistic development beyond academic achievement. Our students engage in a diverse array of extracurricular activities, ranging from international clubs and environmental projects to competitive sports and performing arts. Through participation in social and cultural initiatives, students learn to collaborate, negotiate, and develop a global perspective while staying deeply connected to their own cultural identity. Regular events such as science fairs, art exhibitions, and community service projects empower students to apply their creativity and leadership skills to real-world challenges, ensuring a dynamic and balanced school experience.
METU DFS warmly welcomes international educators, who share their commitment to human dignity, innovation, and academic excellence, noting:
We place a strong emphasis on staff well-being, providing a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where our teachers are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where teachers are empowered to inspire and be inspired.
The school hires certified single teachers and would consider couples, including those with a non-teaching partner and newly certified candidates. While there is no age limit to obtain a work visa, certified candidates must hold their academic in the subject they will be teaching.
In addition to a non-taxed salary, the overseas teaching benefits package includes annual airfare and an 80% discount on tuition for the first child and 50% discount for ensuing children. For professional development, the school provides various trainings along with a performance development system. In addition to the private health insurance coverage provided by the school, local health insurance also covered, with the employee paying a percentage.
To learn more about ODTÜ Gelistirme Vakfi Okullari, educators can view the school’s profile on the Search Associates platform. New candidates can apply for membership by clicking here. Candidates already registered can easily access the school profile directly through their dashboards.
Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
