Job Discussion Forums

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

planning to take the CELTA in chiang mai in oct and i have an interview this week... can anyone tell me what to expect? thanks!

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

A number of questions.

Some will be like "why do you wanna be a teacher?" or "Why Thailand, why not LA?"

Some will be like "Your experience", and some will be like hobbies and how you relax. Don't say you drink and party too much. U r supposed to be keen and compliant.

Some will be yr ideas on "How do children learn language?" or e.g. non-native speakers, adults, youth etc.

They may try to find out whether u know any basic grammar, like have u read any books about teaching TEFL etc.

Be honest with yr ideas and don't try to impress or bullshit. They want to see if you are keen and motivated. they know you won't be experienced.

In the main they are running a business and want yr money. If you sound bright and keen, they will take you.

AND---You should look at the IH site and other CELTA sites, where there will be an "introduction" to TEFL and even some warm-up tasks. Make some notes so you get an idea what is "expected". TEFL has its own kinda culture, some of which is a bit phoney, but sounds important.

They want students who will complete the course, and adapt, and be able to get up in front of class. what they don't want is kids they may have to fail, which can be embarrassing for both sides. Normally, people who have no prior experience will get a C pass--like average. You tried hard and worked OK, you get an average and everyone is happy. Only 5% or fewer get an A pass.

They don't want disruptive kids or ego-kids, but you need to have a personality. If you are an itsy bitsy bit normal, like u went to church, then thats OK, but dont be too boring. Unselfishness as in cheerleader or head scout is good stuff. Don't be a druggy club boy either. You will have 4 weeks of 12-15 hour days, and a load of essays to write. Show u can manage that and you can fit in with a team, learn from others and even make mistakes.

Eddy

MDDude · Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 8:06 pm Post subject:

As long as you were the one that filled out the pre-Interview task and didn't cheat (i.e. get someone else to write your essays), you'll be fine. I recommend having your pre-interview task displayed in front of you during the call because they may refer to it a few times.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

MDDude is spot on. They may refer to the task stuff.

You do not say whether your school will be IH or another in CMai. IH always gives a set of tasks/questions which require you to take a few hours and are quite detailed. Any other place which is any good will ask similar. I would be worried about any place which takes you without some kinda work-up like this. However, you say that the course is CELTA, so it will be a main provider.

Most people agree that a course should be CELTA or TESOL recognised. There are a number of home-grown courses in Thailand (and other places) which claim to be recognised by the gvmt but may only be valuable for local jobs. CELTA means that the course is accredited by the Univ of Cambridge and even has to have inspections/moderators.

Eddy

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

tasks that take a few hours? seriously? has this been everyone's experience? they told me that the interview will take 30-50 minutes. i filled out the entire application myself but am a little nervous because i have no teaching experience whatsoever!

ps, yes, it is with IH in chiang mai

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

Didn't they send you a booklet which has quite a few "tasks"? Not only an application form but also for your ideas about teaching and some grammar-type things to check out? When I did the IH CElta 20 years ago, it took a few hours to fill in. The interview is a different thing, it's an interview.

IH usually do that.

IH is good. The CM one is done in the boonies 20km away from the city. There is not much time for partying, but the setting is beautiful, they say.

Eddy

(Let us know when you are accepted)

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

thanks eddie Smile

anyone know how long i can expect to wait after the interview till they tell me if i'm accepted or not?

thanks!

MDDude · Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:01 am Post subject:

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

oh yea they did have me do a pre-interview assignment.. my bad i read the above response wrong!

gettin excited Smile

cassimira · Joined: 23 May 2009 Posts: 6

Hey hkimball,

how did your interview go?

If you were accepted (and I don't see why you shouldn't have been, from reading this thread you seem fairly well-spoken), we may be classmates! I'm going to be in Chiang Mai October 5th.

Have you paid your deposit yet? I"ve been having some problems, and was just trying to get an idea if other folks were experiencing the same thing or not.

Also, it we be nice to already know someone before I even got there! Very Happy