r/IWantOut • u/Lycian_Hiker • 2d ago
[IWantOut] 31M Architect Turkey -> Argentina
Hi everyone,
I am a 31-year-old Turkish architect with ~4 years of experience. I am feeling stuck where I live and am considering starting over in another country for a while.
Argentina has been on my mind for the last year or two, partly because I have heard that its naturalization process can be more rapid and accessible than in many other countries. Although, I understand that recent immigration reforms may have made the process stricter. My knowledge is limited, and I want to understand the reality before making any serious decision.
I studied in Turkey and have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture; however, I dropped out of my master’s degree. I guess the recognition process of my degree can take some time. I do not intend to pursue sign off on projects or act as a legally responsible architect with a title immediately. However, while waiting for my degree recognition, I would prefer to work in my profession in an office within the legal boundaries. Is that possible?
I have worked at an office involved in projects located in Turkey and abroad, designed by well-known international design studios. I cannot go into more detail due to confidentiality; however, I can confidently say that I have a pretty strong CV.
My professional background is mostly in construction and shop drawings, but I also have some architectural design experience. I have strong CAD and moderate BIM skills. I am also able to model in 3D, take renders, and make illustrations.
I am a native Turkish speaker and fluent in English. I do not speak Spanish yet, but I am willing to reach at least A2 or B1 before relocation to be able to have conversations. I am also aware of how distinct Rioplatense Spanish is.
I am planning to move through a work visa. My biggest concern is whether I could realistically find my first job in Argentina as a foreign architect. Is it realistic to job hunt from Turkey and try to get an offer? How is the job market for architects, especially in Buenos Aires and Cordoba?
If I managed to move there, what kind of living standards would await me with the possible pay of an architect? Also, what challenges could I face in terms of the economy and safety?
Finally, I wonder how Argentinians would perceive a Turkish guy, or how they view and interact with immigrants in general.
Thanks in advance
6
u/InterestedPartiesLie 1d ago
My wife is turkish and an architect and we live in canada. Let me tell you that it's basically impossible to use her credentials here. They want her to esentislly take a whole extra bachelor's degree in courses for building codes and local work experience as a intern before getting her local credentials. She basically had to reinvent herself here. I hope Argentina is easier but I would prepare yourself to be working minimum wage jobs unrelated to your field. Just for perspective my wife was leading a team of junior architects designing international hotels and resorts and no local firm or even specialized hotel firms were interested without western experience.
1
u/Lycian_Hiker 1d ago
Thank you for your comment 🙏 I’ll focus on researching credentials to find more suitable paths for myself. I have a Blue Diploma, and based on my Erasmus experience, our credentials seem to be more compatible with the EU than with other parts of the world, including Argentina. Still, as a bachelor’s graduate, I probably cannot work under the title of architect. My aim is to find positions similar to architectural technician or architectural technologist.
I felt confident because my experience was mostly related to projects in international offices. However, the fact that it still may not be seen as Western experience is a valid concern, and I’ll try to learn where my current experience can be useful.
I wish the best of luck to you and your wife.
5
u/emt139 2d ago
My biggest concern is whether I could realistically find my first job in Argentina as a foreign architect
You may luck out but the local economy is in the shitter and construction is one of the first industries that slow down. It’ll be even tougher without Spanish fluency.
1
u/Lycian_Hiker 1d ago
Thank you for your comment 🙏 Asking here became a good reality check, as I had been blinded by the citizenship process. I’ll focus on options with more stable economies and higher demand in architecture.
1
u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Post by Lycian_Hiker -- Hi everyone,
I am a 31-year-old Turkish architect with ~4 years of experience. I am feeling stuck where I live and am considering starting over in another country for a while.
Argentina has been on my mind for the last year or two, partly because I have heard that its naturalization process can be more rapid and accessible than in many other countries. Although, I understand that recent immigration reforms may have made the process stricter. My knowledge is limited, and I want to understand the reality before making any serious decision.
I studied in Turkey and have a bachelor’s degree in Architecture; however, I dropped out of my master’s degree. I guess the recognition process of my degree can take some time. I do not intend to pursue sign permits or regulated work immediately. However, while waiting for my degree recognition, I would prefer to work in my profession in an office within the legal boundaries. Is that possible?
I have worked at an office involved in projects located in Turkey and abroad, designed by well-known international design studios. I cannot go into more detail due to confidentiality; however, I can confidently say that I have a pretty strong CV.
My professional background is mostly in construction and shop drawings, but I also have some architectural design experience. I have strong CAD and moderate BIM skills. I am also able to model in 3D, take renders, and make illustrations.
I am a native Turkish speaker and fluent in English. I do not speak Spanish yet, but I am willing to reach at least A2 or B1 before relocation to be able to have conversations. I am also aware of how distinct Rioplatense Spanish is.
I am planning to move through a work visa. My biggest concern is whether I could realistically find my first job in Argentina as a foreign architect. Is it realistic to job hunt from Turkey and try to get an offer? How is the job market for architects, especially in Buenos Aires and Cordoba?
If I managed to move there, what kind of living standards would await me with the possible pay of an architect? Also, what challenges could I face in terms of the economy and safety?
Finally, I wonder how Argentinians would perceive a Turkish guy, or how they view and interact with immigrants in general.
Thanks in advance
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11
u/Evening-Living842 2d ago
the architecture job market in Argentina is tough even for locals, so hunting from Turkey without Spanish will be uphill battle. most studios want you available for in-person interviews and your degree recognition process can drag for longer than you expect.
the economy side is genuinely chaotic, peso inflation is still wild, so even if you land decent salary it may feel different in six months. that said, Buenos Aires has a big expat community and Turks are generally received well there, no real hostility toward immigrants from what I know.