Common Interview Questions Teachers

So you’ve completed your TEFL course and started applying for jobs in your dream destination country? The next step on becoming a successful English teacher is the TEFL interview. Interviews for teaching jobs can take a couple of different formats and these are face-to-face, over the phone, or via Skype. Each type of interview has its own particular points that need addressing. For face-to-face interviews it is important to be early but not too early make sure that you research the route to the school before the interview day. You must remember to dress smartly; many teaching jobs are in holiday destinations and some people seem to forget the difference between what is suitable for work and what is suitable for the beach. If you are being interviewed over the phone, be clear on the...  [Read more]

hello hello and welcome my name is linda thanks so much for tuning in um yeah i'm back here again like every week i guess um live with itt talking about yet another very exciting and interesting teaching and tefl topic today and i think especially this topic is going to be so useful um and it's i think not talked about enough right we always talk about how to choose the correct tefl course how to choose you know how to find jobs and all this kind of stuff but not we're not going down into the nitty-gritty of the actual tefl interview and that's what we're gonna do today so we are talking about the 15 most asked questions in a tefl interview and hi guys thanks so much for watching i see we already have a couple of people here if you can see me if you can hear me as always please drop a...  [Read more]

When deciding on a TEFL course, it is vital to consider the standard qualifications EFL employers look for. A 120-hour TEFL certificate course is widely recognized as the baseline requirement globally. At ITTT, we offer multiple avenues to achieve this essential certification, ensuring our trainees meet the most sought-after criteria in the English teaching world. Travel to learn or stay at home? What are onsite TEFL courses like? What are online TEFL courses like? 120-hour TEFL certification Specialized TEFL courses Diploma level course Package courses Combined TEFL courses The first distinction in TEFL course type depends upon whether you want to travel to a training center to complete your studies or stay at home. If you wish to travel, then an onsite course is best for you. Should you...  [Read more]

During a TEFL interview, employers aim to gauge your teaching aptitude, experience, and cultural adaptability. Common questions you might encounter include: Being prepared with thoughtful answers to these typical TEFL interview inquiries will enhance your chances of making a lasting impression and securing the position. What are the most common questions to expect in a TEFL job interview? What work related questions should I expect in a TEFL job interview? Is there such a thing as a typical TEFL job interview? The employer will certainly want to form an impression of who you are as a person, so expect questions such as: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? If the job is outside of your home country...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a set of cards to practice unreal conditionals questions and short answers with your ESL students. They work in pairs or groups and interview each other.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Many employers prefer to interview and hire English teachers ahead of time, directly from their home countries. This approach is especially prevalent in nations such as China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the U.A.E., among others. The hiring process usually starts with email applications, progressing to interviews conducted via Skype or phone calls. This method is advantageous for novice teachers or those unfamiliar with overseas travel, providing them a secured position before arriving. What are the benefits of getting a TEFL job in advance? Which countries in Asia hire English teachers in advance? Which countries in the Middle East hire English teachers in advance? Which countries in Europe hire English teachers in advance? Which countries in Latin America hire English teachers...  [Read more]

hey guys it's lizzy here and i'm happy to welcome you at another ittttts live stream uh if you don't know me yet i'm a non-native esl teacher i also passed a tefl certification uh several years ago and uh if you are here to learn a little bit more about uh tefl certification uh and uh particularly how to be a non-native esl teacher uh these days i'm here to help you out so feel free to ask me whatever um comes to your mind whatever disturbs you maybe because i am that person who is like 100 percent on your side i'm also a non-native esl teacher and um it took me a while to overcome some challenges being a non-native teacher so feel free to ask me anything by the way i have prepared several questions from from our channel on youtube so i'm gonna take those questions um to answer but if you...  [Read more]

At ITTT, we firmly believe that English language teaching is one of the most rewarding careers, particularly for those yearning to travel and embark on life-altering journeys. But like any job, teaching English does have its highs and lows. Novice teachers often harbor specific concerns unique to the teaching profession about their classroom roles. Here, we address some recurrent concerns among our TEFL graduates before they embark on their first teaching assignment. What if I don't like my students? What if my students don't like each other? What if my students don't do their homework? What if I have a lot of students? What if my students are at different levels? What if I don't speak the local language? What if my school has no resources? What if I don't like my job? Many beginner...  [Read more]

Before we answer this question we will first look at the three most common routes towards TEFL qualifications. A TEFL qualification is usually a prerequisite when looking for TEFL employment of any kind. These are: 1) Online courses: a 120-hour TEFL certificate course is the entry level qualification for most jobs. This type of course is conducted 100% online. 2) In-class courses: this type of course is conducted 100% in-class at a location somewhere in the world. Typically these courses also involve teaching practice. 3) Combined courses: this type of course is conducted by a combination of online study followed by a short in-class attendance to complete teaching practice. Three most common working options What other roles can TEFL teachers move into? School manager/director of studies...  [Read more]

hey there it's liza here how are you doing guys um i'm super glad to welcome you to today's live session and i should say it's an unusual time for me to start my live stream uh however from now on we're going to go live uh on different days at different time uh just to make sure that we can uh help out as many people as it is possible and there are some people who can't make it on my regular day and at my regular time so that is why i'm here today uh it's actually 10 am at my place and i should say it's just the best way to start my um day my work day because um i can meet this um interesting people who are motivated and um proactive to change their career or i don't know like develop careers so i'm super glad to be here and if you see and hear me please let me know via the chat box so uh...  [Read more]

After leaving the UK to travel in the mid-1990s, Mark has to date visited over 50 countries across six continents. After completing a TEFL course in Phuket, Thailand, he decided to make it his base and has since worked as an online TEFL trainer and a freelance writer. Mark Crocker TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Teaching online offers a great deal of freedom and flexibility that many teachers find refreshing in comparison to a regular in-class job. ✅ However, it can also be a tough environment to work in if you approach it in the wrong way. Take a look at these simple tips for maintaining motivation when teaching English online.Are you teaching English online and finding it difficult to stay motivated? Take a look at our simple tips to help you stay at the top of your game. Mark...  [Read more]

Schools in several Asian countries commonly offer free airfare to English teachers, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Many employers in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., and Qatar also regularly cover the airfare for English teachers. Typically, you might be required to complete a probationary term before getting reimbursed, but upon fulfilling the contract's duration, many can expect their return flight to be either fully covered or significantly subsidized. Do English teachers receive free airfares in China? Do English teachers receive free airfares in South Korea? Do English teachers receive free airfares in the Middle East? Do English teachers receive free airfares elsewhere in Asia? Do English teachers receive free airfares in Europe? In...  [Read more]

Job interviews are notorious for causing anxiety, but if you know what to expect and you prepare accordingly you should find they are not as bad as you are expecting. The essential nature of any interview is to show that you are confident in your teaching ability, keen to get started, and able to fit into the existing workforce. By doing some research and planning in advance, you should be able to demonstrate all of this and land the job on the spot. How do I prepare for an interview for teaching English abroad? What are the basic things to remember for a TEFL job interview? How should I dress for a TEFL job interview? What language should I use in a TEFL job interview? What cultural issues should I be aware of during a TEFL job interview? What are the most common questions to...  [Read more]

Hi, welcome Linda here, from ITTT. Back with another live session this week. And this week we're talking about the demo lesson and how to hold effective demo lessons for your TEFL interviews so you get hired. Yeah, welcome back, I'm back here again. You know we go live every week. I hope you know by now. Don't forget to like and subscribe so you always stay up to date, you never miss any of our upcoming live sessions. We usually go to go live at this time on this day so please stay tuned, give us a like, give us a subscription wherever you're watching from. We're actually live on Facebook and on YouTube at the same time, so whichever platform you prefer you can tune in. Of course you can leave a bunch of comments as well, please let me know where are you right now, where are you watching...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here is a list of the 15 most common confusing verbs in English any English teachers needs!   This handy infographic is ideal for explaining the 15 most common confusing verbs in English to your students. This verb is used when creating a physical object, an action/reaction, a sound/speech or food. For example: My dad likes to make furniture.   "Do" on the other hand, is used for jobs or activities, with "anything" or "something", and it also indicated generic actions. For example: I need to do housework.   This verb is used to decline to accept/give something and indicates an unwillingness. For example: I refuse to argue with you.   This verb is used for declaring untruth, disagreement, to withhold...  [Read more]

Hi, welcome to another live session. My name is Linda and I'm here for ITTT. Today we are going to talk about 10 questions you should ask before accepting a teaching job abroad. You should ask these questions to your potential employer before you finalize things, before you sign the contract, to make sure everything is in order, to make sure you know what you're getting into and that everything is all good and okay. Basically, that's what we're going to talk about today. We've talked a lot about how to find a job, how to find a job in different regions, how to find a job in Europe, how to find a teaching job in Asia, different teaching programs, all of that kind of stuff. We also talked about how, or no, we talked about the most asked questions that you will be asked during a job...  [Read more]

An EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher specializes in instructing non-native English speakers, ensuring they develop comprehensive language skills. This includes guiding students in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English effectively. While many EFL teachers are found in public education settings, aiding children in their linguistic journey, they also teach adults in various institutions, enabling learners of all ages and backgrounds to communicate confidently in English. What does an EFL teacher actually do? What does an EFL teacher need to be successful? For many teachers the most time consuming aspect of the job is planning and preparing lessons in advance. While teachers with plenty of experience can often get by with minimal planning as they will have taught the...  [Read more]

hello everybody so lizzy is here and i'm super happy to welcome you to this uh itttt live session uh it's a bit unusual uh time to meet uh because my sessions are um usually on tuesdays and today is saturday anyway um i'm super happy that um you could make it and i could make it as well so today's session uh is going to be slightly different uh because we are going to um talk with my good old friend on the point of china and i know that many people are interested about this topic uh so stay tuned because just in just in a moment he will join me uh to talk about work in china and stuff like that and if you guys have any questions uh feel free to ask them via the comment section and as for the um as for the timing for today we are going to um talk um around 60 minutes approximately um and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Many ESL teachers have never even heard of phonetics or phonology, yet they use these aspects of speech naturally when they speak. Phonetics and phonology are two areas of linguistics that study the sounds of language. Phonetics focuses on individual sounds, while phonology studies the features and combination of sounds (McMahon, 1-3). There are two reasons why ESL teachers need to know phonetics and phonology: first, it helps them to conceptualize English in a way that their students can understand; and second, it helps them to address their students' difficult pronunciation problems. Why Students Suffer from Pronunciation Issues? Lack of Subject Knowledge Sound Awareness Teacher as a Role Model Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related...  [Read more]

In the wake of globalization and a rising demand for English proficiency worldwide, ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers emerge as vital educators. They instruct English Language Learners (ELLs), individuals whose first language isn't English, aiming to elevate their spoken and written English fluency to specific standards. How is an ESL teacher different from a foreign language teacher? What age groups do ESL teachers work with? Where do ESL teachers work? How do I become an ESL teacher? What are the benefits of being an ESL teacher? How do I get my first job as an ESL teacher? While both teach languages, ESL educators are specialized in teaching English to non-native speakers, often without sharing a common first language. Their teaching approach emphasizes repetition,...  [Read more]

To secure a position teaching English in Japan, a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification with at least 120 hours are essential for obtaining a work visa. However, in certain circumstances, such as having a working holiday visa, student visa, spouse visa, or specific Japanese visas, teaching opportunities may still be accessible even without a degree. Japan remains a prime choice for English educators, not only for its attractive salary packages but also for its unique blend of cutting-edge progress and rich historical traditions. If a blend of professional growth and cultural exploration is what you are after, Japan stands out as an ideal destination. What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan? What kind of jobs are available teaching English in Japan? What is the...  [Read more]

Attire expectations vary widely based on the school's policies: Pro Tip: To avoid confusion, inquire about the dress code during the job interview. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to err on the side of professionalism on your first day, adjusting as you gauge the school's culture. What should I wear for a TEFL job interview? What about tattoos and piercings? What about facial hair? Which countries have specific expectations when it comes to appearance? When preparing for a TEFL job interview, attire plays a pivotal role in making a strong first impression: In essence, prioritize a professional appearance throughout the TEFL job application and interview process to boost your prospects. Also read: What questions should I ask a TEFL employer? Although tattoos and piercings have become more...  [Read more]

For Americans planning to teach English abroad, obtaining a criminal background check is often a critical part of the job or visa application process. Countries like South Korea, a major hub for foreign English teachers, mandate this check for securing an official work visa. Likewise, various nations and schools have similar prerequisites. Typically, the most frequently sought-after background check for American teachers is the FBI's Identity History Summary Check. Although locally-sourced checks are also accepted, the FBI's version is more universally recognized but may have longer processing times. Also read: What is the EPIK program for teaching English in South Korea? What is an FBI criminal background check? Can I get an FBI criminal background check abroad? Once you are in your...  [Read more]

To excel in a TEFL job interview, whether it is conducted online via platforms like Skype or Zoom or in-person at the school's location, consider these key strategies: By addressing these common themes, you will be well-prepared and can set yourself apart as an ideal candidate for the TEFL position. What are the basic things to remember for a TEFL job interview? How should I dress for a TEFL job interview? What language should I use in a TEFL job interview? What cultural issues should I be aware of during a TEFL job interview? What teaching related questions might I be asked during a TEFL job interview? One thing to remember is that we form a first impression of someone within seven seconds of meeting them. If you want to get off to a good start, there are a few simple techniques to keep...  [Read more]

If you have already researched teaching English abroad you will probably have come across a few stories of people who have had a bad experience due to one form of scam or another. The truth is that the TEFL world is just as open to unscrupulous people looking to make a fast buck as any other sector. However, the vast majority of teachers have no problems and by being aware of the most common scams you should be able to avoid any unpleasant outcomes. So what are the most common TEFL scams to look out for? The job sounds too good to be true Skimming off the top The vanishing job Technical difficulties Use reputable sources Google search Facebook Speak to a current teacher Double-check your contract When looking for potential job options you might come across adverts offering jobs that come...  [Read more]

  Daniel is from the United States and completed his TEFL in-class course in Prague, the Czech Republic. He enjoyed the intensive training and had a great time working with the teacher trainers. He was able to approach anyone in case he had questions before and during the course. The most challenging part of the course for him was lesson planning and how to keep a lesson interesting. Now, he is able to create interactive and fun lessons for a wide variety of students. He is confident that he can now teach overseas as a professional English teacher. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

As there is a strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers in many countries worldwide, most course graduates should have little trouble finding a suitable position. However, to maximise your chances of securing the best jobs there are a few things you should be aware of. Where you should look for work, how to apply for jobs, and how to prepare for that all important interview are all covered below. Where can I teach English abroad? Which is the most popular region for teaching English abroad? Where can I earn the most money teaching English in Asia? What other popular spots are there for teaching English in Asia? Where are the most popular TEFL destinations in the Middle East? What are the pros and cons of teaching English in the Middle East? Where are the most popular TEFL...  [Read more]

At ITTT we are dedicated to training new teachers to become effective and confident professionals who are capable of working in English language classrooms worldwide. Throughout the training process we are here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right course all the way through to finding the best job to suit your plans. Inevitably you will have many questions along the way which is why we have put together the following FAQ section that should help to answer some of the most common queries. What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL?    TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These descriptions are generally used interchangeably, however, TESOL is more common in the...  [Read more]

There are four main categories of English teaching programs that we will consider here: Each program is designed with a specific audience in mind, involves distinctive educational activities, and has unique highlights. General English Academic English (Also referred to as English for Academic Purpose EAP) Business English Young Learners Other Notes Audience: Primarily taught in governmental schools and private language institutions worldwide. Curriculum: Typically, it covers five study levels with a predefined syllabus, utilizing popular book series like 'New Headway' or 'Let's go'. Highlight: It caters to millions of students worldwide who are keen on learning general English. Also read: Should I take a TEFL course bundle? Audience: Tailored for students who need to demonstrate their...  [Read more]

To secure a job teaching English in Portugal, you will typically need a bachelor's degree and a recognized TEFL certification. Prior teaching experience will also significantly boost your prospects. While the nation's economic state might mean teaching salaries aren't always high, many are drawn to Portugal for its rich culture, pristine beaches, and Mediterranean lifestyle. What are the requirements for teaching English in Portugal? Who are the main employers of English teachers in Portugal? What are the visa requirements for teaching English in Portugal? What is the best way to apply for English teaching jobs in Portugal? Where are the best places to find English teaching Jobs in Portugal? To teach English in Portugal, the essential requirements are a 4-year university degree and a...  [Read more]