EPIK Interview

I had my interview for EPIK last Sunday night. My interview time was 10:50 a.m. KST. I had prepared answers to as many questions as I could, which I think definitely helped a bit when all was said and done.

The interview itself lasted for the usual 30-40 minutes. Truthfully I wasn't really keeping track of time. I was focused on speaking clearly and slowly.

The interviewer was not very nice. She seemed kind of robotic, almost lacking emotion! I tried to get a few smiles out of her, but was not very successful. It's weird, because with a bit more energy, these interviews could easily be entertaining for all participants. Interestingly, my interviewer had been partly raised in Canada (a lot of good it did her as you'll soon read).

I got asked the following questions and a few more!

Why did you pursue the education that you did?

What interests you about the subject you studied in university?

What appeals to you about your field?

What about your educational background would prepare you for this job/experience?

Why Korea? (Why not the place of your parent's birth (WTF?))

What is your 3-5 year plan?

How would you adjust to life in Korea?

Have you ever lived abroad before?

How would you deal with culture shock?

What did you learn from your TEFL/TESOL Certificate course?

Why EPIK?

What motivates you to do a good job?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

What sets you apart from everyone else?

How will you take constructive criticism?

How will you handle varying skills levels in the classroom?

How would you handle behaviour management?

Which level would you like to teach and why?

How would you incorporate technology in the classroom?

If your co-teacher is uncomfortable speaking English in front of you, how will you handle this?

A bunch of standard 'personal' and health related questions.

Other questions that will depend on how 'unique' you are (ie. race, religion, diet, etc)

All in all, the interview went well unless you factor in some very insensitive questions and remarks I received for wearing a headscarf. The interviewer basically asked me if I would unveil in order to secure a teaching job. I refused and told her that if someone would judge me as a person for a small piece of cloth on my head, I would absolutely not want to work with them! Lets just say she was quite surprised! haha

To be honest, after finishing up my skype interview with her, I decided South Korea would not be a happy place for me to live for a whole year! There's a friend of a friend who I know is currently teaching English in the ROK, and wears a headscarf. Unfortunately I have not been able to connect with her...not for a lack of trying! So after passing some e-mails with my recruiter, I've arranged to speak to her tonight about what my options are.

The last thing I would do is put myself in a situation where I am constantly disrespected or treated poorly. Tonight should settle things.

Time Zones & Daylight Savings Time

So it totally skipped my mind, but just last week Daylight Savings Time ended in time for fall/winter! You're probably wondering why this is relevant? Well, with my interview tomorrow (actually tonight for me!), I had miscalculated the interview time in my timezone. Yikes!

I knew there was a 13 hour time difference between EST and KST, but with our clocks having changed, the time difference is actually 14 hours at the moment.

Now, I skimmed through an article online explaining how the beginning and ending of DST is the opposite in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, which would keep the 13 hour difference consistent even through these changes. I'm assuming that the dates for the start/ending of DST keeps us in this 14 hour flux? I'm not sure to be honest.

I'm going to have to investigate further to understand the time differences better. In the meantime, I would recommend googling the 'current time in Seoul' well in advance to be sure you'll be ready on time! Missing this interview is not an option.

Hope this has been helpful!

My EPIK Interview: Preparation

I submitted the first leg of my application papers to my recruiter on October 26th. Submitting my documents really made me feel like everything was about to get serious. The following week, my recruiter e-mailed all her recruits to inform us that there was a delay in scheduling all the interviews and that we should be ready for a short-noticed interview. She also gave us a list of questions they would/might ask and a link to even more questions.

On Tuesday the 8th, I heard back from my recruiter and was told to get ready for my interview on November 14th (KST). So a 13-day wait to get my interview time isn't bad at all! I'm glad to have had the early notice so that I can prepare myself for tomorrow. I am very nervous though all the same! I hope I don't talk too fast which is something I can't usually help! Uggh, I'm wondering if there's even a way to mess up the interview! I'll have some more perspective after tomorrow. I'll be sure to report back here on my experience!

Since I found out my interview time/date, I've been vigorously preparing my answers to the following (and other) questions, hoping to wow my interviewer! I'm sure your recruiter will pass on some essential questions. But if you want some ideas on other questions you could prepare for, just let me know!

Why did you apply to EPIK?

What are some of the cultural differences between South Korea and your country?

Why do you want to come to Korea?

How would people describe you?

What is your teaching philosophy? How will you motivate students?

How will you handle large classes?

What is your educational background/teaching qualifications?

Do you have any teaching experience?

How would you deal with culture shock?

Do you know any famous Koreans?

Some tips and tidbits of information that I've gathered from my friend and the online community of English teachers in Korea include the following:

• You should expect the interview to last between 20-40 minutes!
• They like to see you smile and laugh.
• You should keep your answers straightforward and to the point.
• Do not speak too fast.
• The interview is not a North American-style job interview. Consider it a conversation where you need to be informed!
• My friend told me that the interview's purpose is to see that you speak English well, have a good accent and are friendly.
• Don't be surprised if the interviewer is kind of abrupt. Apparently they are quite busy or something!
• Be prepared!

Ask the interviewer a few (but not too many!) questions! Perhaps what the wait time might be between sending in your documents and getting a contract, or how many teachers have been hired already.

Bonne chance!

To go or not to go?

Teaching English abroad has always been something I've thought of doing, but always dismissed as an option. I always thought it would be too radical a change, that I wouldn't be able to function well away from my family, friends and everything that makes home, home.

In February 2012, I'll get a chance to see whether this is true or not! I am hoping to embark on a journey of a lifetime, as cliche as that sounds. I have done a lot of research and have not made this decision lightly.

The biggest push factor for me is the terrible luck I've been having in the job market as a History/Poli Sci/Social Service Work graduate. I'm hoping to build off the year I plan on teaching abroad, and possibly move into ESL teaching upon my return to Canada. Or, if that doesn't pan out, I might move into policing :-P (Inside joke for family/friends!)

I have a friend who is in her second year of teaching English in the ROK and I am really planning to rely on her to make a smooth transition! I'm not sure I would feel confident about just picking up and going if I didn't have the security of knowing I have someone there to watch my back!

I was told to start the application process about 5-6 months in advance of leaving and I did just that. At this particular moment, I am waiting until my EPIK interview tomorrow night and am hoping it goes well!

I was putting off getting this blog up and running until I was sure I wanted to be in the ROK in the new year! I think I am, so enjoy and please feel free to leave me questions, comments and general feedback. I would very much appreciate it!

Merci,
Noor