Job Discussion Forums

[lucy lace]

Hello all -

I have a job interview tomorrow at a school located in a major Western city in Canada. Their website is undergoing construction. From a previous drop-in interview, I have discerned they mostly teach "diploma" programs, TOEFL, TOEC, etc. (My acronyms may not be spelled correctly; bear with me.)

Here is my question: On my answering machine I was told that on top of the position I had applied for, I was also being interviewed for an "interpretation - translation" class. What's that? My Celta didn't cover this - and my imagination has me requiring a second language or something in order to teach it, which is silly. So, how does an "interpretation - translation" class work?

I'd obviously like a little bit of info before heading into my interview. I'm researching all fronts, but I thought I'd just throw the question out in hopes of getting a response.

Thanks!

[Super Mario]

You're better off phoning the school to find out, rather than fronting the interview and then looking like an idiot!
My wife taught these classes in China, but as an experienced translator/interpreter, it wasn't a problem.
Does the student group have a common language? Did you apply for the job and state that you had a second language?

[lucy lace]

It's after six o'clock, so I am unable to call the school. I confirmed with a volunteer secretary, and unfortunately had no chance to ask the question. I speak a bit of French, but do not have that dubious skill touted on my resume, and can't for the life of me see it coming in handy anyway. That's why I am confused; I can see no way for a translation class to work without having unilingual students (the school's international) and a bilingual teacher. I thought maybe there was some industry secret I had yet to stumble upon in my two months of ESL-land thus far, some kind of magic translation class where the prep is minimal and the pay outrageous.

Sigh. I'm going to have to wing it, aren't I?!

[Guy Courchesne]

Could it possibly mean that you are being asked to show a class of two methods. One that has the students translate grammar back to you and another that asks you to interpret grammar functionally? I'm only guessing here...it doesn't make sense does it?

[Cdaniels]

I wouldn't take it too seriously. Remember you're finding out if you want to work with them as much as them finding out about you (there's maybe more pressure on you for monetary reasons, etc. but it should work both ways) They might have a pressing need to fill another position (I assume a lower paying position with fewer qualifications) I see no harm in actually checking it out, but if you didn't apply for the job, there should be no pressure on you to do anything extra or different. Why should you? Relax, go ahead and feel free to refuse to accept the position, or even refuse to interview (although I see no advantage in refusing, and a risk of appearing uncooperative and rigid)