Want To Teach In Asia?

I do think that an interview is an opportunity for both the potential employer and employee to, in essence, test each other out. Also, when the dreaded question comes, "Do you have any questions for me?" and you do end up asking questions, it does tend to give off an impression that you care and are thinking about the job seriously.

Now being on the job as an English teacher for almost three years, these are the questions I wished I would have asked! So here's a list of the questions I think there is no harm in asking. Because there are those questions that are a big no-no, these questions come from my English teaching experience. But I think they can easily be modified for any subject teaching job you may be interviewing for.

1. Do I have to prepare for class, and what exactly does it entail?

You always have to prepare for a class in some fashion. The common element is usually reviewing the material, checking homework, and grading tests. But at some schools, that is all you will do, while you will have to do much more in others.

For example, I am currently at a place where I have to make games, prepare the curriculum, make homework and tests, sing and dance, learn songs, occasionally cook, alongside reviewing the material, checking homework, and grading tests. If you are not an art or crafts person, the latter can be challenging.

Long story short, know yourself, look at the job post details, and if this element is not mentioned, then please do ask.

2. What will I be teaching, or what is the focus of the academy?

All the schools I have taught have tended to have a single-minded focus on either speaking, writing, reading, or listening. If one of these elements is your weakness, you will know how to prepare yourself. I would honestly say don't reject a job because that one element is a weakness. It could very much be the experience that you need.

Also, ask about what textbooks are involved. Which ones you will be teaching.

3. How involved are the parents? What does that mean for teachers?

In my experience, education is regarded very highly in most East Asian countries. So as a teacher, you will have to carry yourself very appropriately no matter where you work. This includes not only how you behave, but more importantly, how you teach. You better believe that you will hear about it if you didn't proofread the students' homework perfectly.

4. On this note, do ask what the dress code is?

Fortunately, the dress code is not as rigid as some would think. Leggings, jeans, t-shirts, dresses, shorter than knee-length skirts and dresses, I have worn them all. But no harm in asking still.

5. What level of fluency do the students and administrative staff have?

From my experience, any instruction you will get comes directly from the administrative staff. So if you don't speak the country's language where you wish to teach, and there's no bilingual adult, then good luck, especially if the students themselves are at a beginner level of fluency and very young at that too.

6. How many other foreign teachers are there at the school?

This can go both ways. I have no preference. I made friends in both situations. I will say this much that I have seen places with more people having a lot more drama than places with fewer people so far.

7. What are the breaks like? Is there a lunch component at the school?

There are places where you won't have any breaks, except for 3-5 minute breathers in between in each class. Then there are schools where you do have breaks or lunch. Also, ask what do other teachers usually do in those breaks or at lunchtime. Very likely, you will end up doing the same.

8. How far is the apartment from your school?

In essence, do you have to commute on foot or by bus, and how long does each method take.

9. How many days do you have for vacation or sick days in a year?

Very important. The idiot me thought there was a universal standard. But nope. Ask away, and jot down the dates. Also, do mention that you're only asking because you're a planner who likes to plan your whole year out.

10. What percentage of taxation, health coverage, or pension is taken out of your monthly income?

Honestly, it was not really important in my first year because I was so focused on getting the opportunity. But now, I want to know. Feel out your interviewer to see if they are open enough for such questions.

10. What are the teaching hours?

I should have mentioned this earlier in the post. But better late than never. It may not be obvious to some (like me), but your working hours are not necessarily the same as your in-class teaching hours. Some places may even insist on only paying for your teaching hours, but not your other work hours. So stay on point with this one.