Expat Life in İzmir (Izmir)

Dear Friends,

I've received a job offer for Izmir and in order to take a decision I need your help. If you could tell me about the city, the life there? Which difficulties are you facing there as an expat?

How is the life there as an expat? Is there an important international community or is it very Turkish?
I am currently in Istanbul since last June and I find it quite difficult in terms of languages, I am learning Turkish but I only have the basics, do people speak more English than in Istanbul or is it very difficult to communicate if you don't speak Turkish?

What are the advantages and disadvantages compare to Istanbul?

Thanks in advance for your help
Davina