[Whistleblower]

Hello all

My application for CELTA has been accepted but I have to go through the formalities of the interview process. I always get a few butterflies in the stomach when I have to go to interviews. Anyhow, I would like to know what to expect during the interview and really how to prepare for it. The chap at the British Council said as long as I know the basics of grammer I should be alright. He also said there is a group interview (3 applicants) for 45 mins.

Has anyone done the CELTA and the initial interview? How was your interview? What should I expect at the end of the day? Am I too nervous?

[clivehawkins]

Yes, you're worrying too much.

When I went for the interview I knew literally NOTHING about grammar. I was given an exercise to do at home for which I had to buy a grammar book! 'Identify the tenses in these sentences' - present perfect - what's that?

The course is to teach you how to teach, not to teach you grammar. You will learn how to identify needs, evaluate material from course books, prepare your own materials, eliciting and concept checking, classroom management etc etc.

It was a great course. I learnt a lot and had fun too. It gave me the confidence to go out there and teach.

Good luck witrh the interview!

[Whistleblower]

It's my CELTA Interview tommorrow morning. I hope I get accepted on to the course.

[livinginkorea]

Best of luck and I'm sure that you'll be fine. Just tell them how much you love teaching and want to improve your teaching skills. Tell us how you get on

[Whistleblower]

Yep, I shall let you all know how I get on. Anyhow, just a quick question about teaching. Why do you love teaching so much? This is the only question I am dreading in my interview so any advice would help people. Thanks in advance.

[livinginkorea]

Hmm I would say because I love to help people to learn something new and I love to teach languages. Something like I always wanted to be a teacher and really found my goal in life in teaching

[Whistleblower]

Wow. Can't believe I had finished my interview. It really was good fun at the end of the day. I pretty much prepared to the best of my ability and tried my best. Now I have to wait a week till I hear if I have been successful or not. Luckily in my interview there was only another person, so two in total rather than three.

The other person was a Korean lady who lived in England for seven years total. She was pretty much nervous to the point where she was fluttering about whilst speaking. It can be difficult for speakers of another language to speak for a long period of time so have some empathy for her.

In my interview there was a quick roleplay, a discussion why you wanted to do the course, and some questions/discussions about the course. Luckily I was able to impress the interviewers about my knowledge of the CELTA Course, albeit limited.

So now is the worst time. Waiting for the result. If I get it I am going to have a major party. If not I will drink without the party atmosphere. So all in all I am going to get drunk whatever the result!

[livinginkorea]

Great that it went well. How long did it last? Where there many other people there?

Have a party either way!

[Whistleblower]

It lasted from 9:30am till 11:00am. So a pretty quick interview in my terms. There was only one other person today. But they are having group interviews this week and next week.

[clivehawkins]

Sounds like you're really up for this CELTA course. I hope you get it - it'll be nice to hear someone else's experiences from the CELTA.

I'll open a bottle of Novello tonight to help you celebrate :-)

[Whistleblower]

Hey thought I would reply to this thread again to mention that I have just got an email to say that I have been accepted on to the CELTA Course.

Everything seems to be working out now for the best.

[livinginkorea]

Quote Whistleblower

Hey thought I would reply to this thread again to mention that I have just got an email to say that I have been accepted on to the CELTA Course.

Everything seems to be working out now for the best.

Brillant. Now crack open that bottle of wine!!

(I'm nearly finished my Hite Pitcher )

[Donney]

Congratulations!!!!

[clivehawkins]

The first lesson (it was only 15 minutes) seemed like a month! After that it was fine.
Good luck. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[Beatrix]

Hello guys, you are all English and American, but how does CELTA work for non-native English speakers? What are the requirements? I suppose the interviewers are much more strict and it's far more difficult to be admitted to the course?

[clivehawkins]

Quote Beatrix

Hello guys, you are all English and American, but how does CELTA work for non-native English speakers? What are the requirements? I suppose the interviewers are much more strict and it's far more difficult to be admitted to the course?

Hi there,
A non-native friend of mine has just done the interview and has been accepted onto the course. Her level of English is a high standard (proficiency) and she already has some teaching experience. Apart from that she's an enthusiastic and well-prepared person, which I think is what the course organizers are looking for too.

Judging by your posts I'd guess that you'd have no problems either as far as the language is concerned. Why don't you apply and see? An interview costs nothing!

[Beatrix]

I have already applied, thanks for the advice!

[Beatrix]

thank you all for your answers, but do you know what are the job prospects for non-native speakers with CELTA?

I checked subforum 'Jobs' below, and native speakers, mostly British and American citizens are preferred.

[l.g.]

Quote Beatrix

thank you all for your answers, but do you know what are the job prospects for non-native speakers with CELTA?

I checked subforum 'Jobs' below, and native speakers, mostly British and American citizens are preferred.

I think it depends on where you are looking for the job.
If you want to get it in an English speaking country then probably it would be harder for you to get it.
I suppose it would be easier to get a job as a teacher in countries like Norway, Sweden where English is not their first language; that's my opinion. You can also apply for a teaching position in your homeland....

[Beatrix]

yes, of course. thanks l.g.