Things are moving along quite fast really. I honestly thought i wouldn't be in China til about May or June, but its looking like its going to be more March/April!! I have two interviews set up for this week :D Which is scary and also exciting!! One school in Hunan province, Loudi and another in Wehei, Shandong. They are both middle schools...which i think is 8-12 years...correct me if i'm wrong? So yes, looks like i'm going to have to be selling all my furniture and belongings sooner than expected!
Any interview tips anyone? The schools know i don't have a degree, or teaching experience, but you have to get that experience somewhere right! I'm hoping to get a years experience in a classroom before maybe moving onto Indonesia. Who knows maybe i'll like China so much that i'll stay!
Well, i'm off to practice interview techniques, fingers crossed!
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i want to become a tefle teacher , what should i do
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Had an email this morning from one of the schools. They want us to do a mock lesson on Skype and webcam. It has to be a teacher/Student thing, you know, Nick as the student and me as the teacher for 15 minutes then we have to swap. They said it can be writing, oral or listening. haha, i really don't know what to do!
I spoke to a lady from China on the phone last week, i know the line was probably not great, but really, her English was terrible. I couldn't understand her and i don't think she really knew what i was saying!! I hope whoever i speak to at my interviews can communicate better!!
I saw the things your sister said and Emma, all good stuff to remember! I had about 20 things written down to ask at the interview, but i think maybe thats way to many, especially with the language problem. What do you think?
Rin, how amazing that you've got so far already. I know what you mean about mind blank! I've been researching this school a bit but there's not much info about them out there. All the advice my sis gave me is on my page and she knows her stuff. Emmafoers has an excellent post on things to ask before you sign the contract. Stay calm and good luck!
Sounds like you've done your research - good stuff.
Staying calm is definitely the best option... you'll be fine!
That's great schools will put you through your TEFL course and train you up etc - just make sure you get everything in writing!
Good luck with the interview and let us know how you get on :)
Hiya :)
thanks for your tips. My mind just goes blank at interviews, so i must stay calm!
Yes i've heard that there are things called English Corners which are kind of like contests that you generally get roped into doing for free in China if you're white and british, so i have to be careful of that.
Also read to ask them to paint/clean/repair your apartment before you arrive as they don't normally think of doing it. Also, to ask if the school is SAFEA registered to employ foreigners.
I've been reading up on China and ESL teaching and interview techniques all week and its starting to get all muddled! I'm sure there was other stuff to remember though >.<
No, i haven't done a TEFL, i'm just gonna go for it! I've told the schools and they both said that i will have training for two weeks when i start, then an assistant teacher to help you in your classes. I thought i might do an online one in China if i feel i need it. One of the jobs i have the interview for actually put you through a TEFL course if they like you enough to have you work for them!
Ooo, exciting stuff - congratulations on bagging not one, but two interviews!
In terms of interview tips speak slowly and clearly (as English will almost certainly not be your interviewer's first language), sound enthusiastic about the opportunity and focus on your transferable skills (like communication skills) and how you've used these in the past. They might also ask you things like why you want to teach middle school kids etc.
You probably also want to have a think about questions for your interviewer, as this is as much a chance for you to size them up as them you. So, things like how many hours a week you'll be teaching (remember you'll need lots of prep time), whether you'll have to get involved with extra-curricular activities, what your salary is, whether you get a bonus at the end of the contract, where you'll be living etc.
Last but not least, good luck! If you need any more tips get in touch with Emma - she's had quite a few TEFL jobs, so will have had quite a few TEFL job interviews! http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/emmafoers
Meant to ask - are you going to be doing a TEFL course before heading out, or are you just going to go for it?
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