Job Discussion Forums

callmesim · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 279 Location: London, UK

Now, that I finally got round to registering myself I just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone. Well, not everyone but to those who had posted about ECC in the past.

I had my interview in Melbourne on Friday and after countless searches on here and reading all I could about the process, I felt well prepared. And it all paid off. I was offered a position, so early next year I'll be off. Woohoo!!

Now, for future searchers, here was my Melbourne ECC experience.

There were about 30 of us in total. The day was hosted by the two Australian recruiters (Alison and Roger) and Mr Watari from ECC. They were all extremely friendly and made the day feel relaxed. So 10 point for them.

It began with a chat about the company covering everything from housing, holidays, teaching programs to moonlighting and drug trafficking ("Japan and drugs... think Singapore" is how it was put.) Questions were asked and answered. All good. I was impressed that ECC did not try to kind the "cons" when talking about the company.

Then came the dreaded grammar test. Now, despite the amount of searching on this forum, I was not prepared for how hard it would be. To put it simply, you can't study for it unless you know the questions (and I can't remember many of them). The test is well constructed and you can only pass if you know theory on English and can speak it properly. I wish I could be more specific but it was tough. Obviously I passed by I dread to think by how little. And everyone after the test felt the same way.

After the test was marked, about 8 people left as they had failed to get the 70% pass mark. Then came the role playing. We broke off into groups of 8. Those groups then were broken if half with each smaller group being given their topics. Some groups got letters, others action (push, climb, skip, sit, put on etc.), clothes (jeans, belt, shirt, blouse, coat), colours etc. This was fairly straight forward. My only advice would be don't make it complicated. Sounds and actions are the best way of going. The brief is teaching to 4 year olds, afterall! Also smile and ham it up. Just don't be patronising! Children are young, not idiots.

Then came the one on one interview which was pretty straight forward. Why do you want to go? You are aware it will be a big culture shock? How much money have you planned for the trip? Any preference on location? And that was about it.

The day started at 9am and finished at 3.30pm for me. I got a call at 6.30pm that night to say I was successful.

So, that was my ECC experience. Japan, here I come. Very Happy

Dipso · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Location: England

Good for you! Very Happy

I wanted to apply for ECC but it would appear that they only interview in Toronto and Melbourne these days, which isn't exactly ideal when you live in Britain... Sad

callmesim · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 279 Location: London, UK

Yeah, they said they get very few people from Britain and I guess that's why. Someone in our session flew in from New Zealand which I thought was pretty impressive!

Dipso · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Location: England

ECC have made it almost impossible for Britons to apply. If you are listening ECC, I would like a job, please! Razz

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

Are you giving up on AEON already? If you look at how few people (relatively speaking considering they only recruit twice a year in London) were at the AEON interview, I think I can understand why ECC aren't bothering to recruit there at the moment. They're also not travelling to the States at the moment either. When I first saw that they weren't my first thought was that they're winding up...it's a worrying possibility!

PT

Dipso · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 194 Location: England

No, I'm not giving up just yet! I actually tried to apply to ECC in the summer, quite a while before I applied to Aeon. I suppose it is all a bit of a chicken and egg situation regarding recruiting offices in the UK. Nova and Geos are very active here though.

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

AEON was always at the top of my list, they seem to be the best in terms of reputation and benefits. ECC would be my next choice if things don't work out with AEON (if they would just tell us already!!!!) and they haven't said that they will never recruit in the UK ever again just that they have no current plans to do so. Maybe wait a year or two and you'll be in with a chance. Razz

PT