20 EF Education First Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at EF Education First, you can expect to be asked questions that are specific to the company and its culture. This is your chance to show that you’re not only knowledgeable about the company, but that you’re also a good fit for its unique culture.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample EF Education First interview questions and answers. These questions will give you an idea of what to expect, and how to craft your own responses to stand out from the rest of the candidates.

EF Education First Interview Process

The interview process at EF Education First can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening and one in-person interview. For some positions, there may also be a second in-person interview or a mock sales call. The interview process usually takes about a month from start to finish.

1. Tell me about a time you had to work with someone who was difficult. How did you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer get a better sense of your interpersonal skills. It’s important to show that you’re able to work with others and collaborate on projects, even if they may be challenging at times.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very critical of my work. I tried to take her feedback seriously but also make sure she understood that I wasn’t going to change the way I worked just because she didn’t like it. Eventually, we came to an understanding where she could give me constructive criticism while I continued to do my job well.”

2. What are some of the challenges that come along with being an ESL teacher?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience and how you’ve overcome challenges in the past. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific strategies or approaches that helped you overcome these challenges.

Example: “The biggest challenge I have found as an ESL teacher is helping students understand grammar rules. In my last position, I created a system where students would write down their questions about grammar on index cards. Then, they would place them into a box at the front of the classroom. At the end of each class, I would go through all of the questions and explain the answers to the entire class.”

3. Why do you want to be an English language teacher?

This question is a great way to show your passion for teaching and the impact you want to have on students. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share an experience that made you decide to become a teacher or how you developed your love of teaching.

Example: “I decided to pursue a career in education because I wanted to make a difference in my community. In high school, I had a wonderful English teacher who inspired me to learn more about literature and writing. She was always so kind and encouraging, which helped me develop confidence in myself as a writer. Now, I want to be able to provide that same support and encouragement to other students.”

4. Have you ever taught in another country before?

This question is a great way to show your experience and knowledge of working in other countries. If you have, explain what the differences were between teaching there versus here. If you haven’t, talk about how excited you are to learn more about different cultures and languages.

Example: “I’ve never taught abroad before, but I am very interested in learning more about other cultures and languages. I think it would be an amazing opportunity to teach students from around the world.”

5. Do you have experience teaching more than one age group?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience teaching students of different ages. If you do, share your experiences and how you adapted your lesson plans for each age group.

Example: “I’ve taught multiple age groups in the past, but I prefer working with older students because they’re more engaged and eager to learn new things. However, when I worked at my previous school, I had a class that included both elementary-aged children and teenagers. To adapt my lessons to meet their needs, I used visuals and examples that were easy to understand for younger students while also including more complex concepts for older students.”

6. Where would you like to teach?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have done your research on their company. When answering this question, it’s important to mention specific locations where EF Education First offers programs and highlight why those locations are appealing to you.

Example: “I would love to teach abroad in Europe or Asia. I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and languages, so I think teaching abroad would be an amazing experience for me and my students. I also think it would be beneficial for them to learn about other countries and cultures while they’re still young.”

7. How do you deal with students who refuse to cooperate or don’t listen to instructions?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle challenging situations and students who may not be motivated to learn. Your answer should show that you have strategies for motivating students, encouraging them to participate in class and helping them develop positive attitudes toward learning.

Example: “I find that it’s important to establish a relationship with each student so they feel comfortable coming to me if they need help or want to talk about something. I also make sure to give clear instructions during lessons and provide plenty of opportunities for students to practice new skills. If a student is having trouble following directions or listening to my explanations, I try to meet with them one-on-one to discuss their concerns and offer additional support.”

8. Describe your classroom management style.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching philosophy and how you would manage a classroom of students. To answer, think about what methods you’ve used in the past that have been successful.

Example: “I believe it’s important for teachers to establish clear expectations from the start of the school year so students know what is expected of them. I also find it helpful to give positive feedback when appropriate to reinforce good behavior. In my last position, I had a student who was struggling with math concepts. Instead of just giving him a grade, I gave him extra help after class to make sure he understood the material.”

9. What is your favorite part about being an English teacher?

This question is a great way to show your passion for teaching and the impact you have on students. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share an example of a time when you helped a student learn English or another language.

Example: “My favorite part about being an English teacher is seeing my students’ faces light up when they understand something new. I love watching them grow in their knowledge of the language and see how much confidence they gain from learning. One of my favorite memories as a teacher was when one of my students came back to me after graduating high school and told me that she got accepted into her dream college because of her English skills.”

10. How would you keep your lesson plan interesting and engaging for students?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your creativity and problem-solving skills. To answer, you can describe a time when you used an engaging teaching method or created a fun learning activity that helped students retain information.

Example: “I once had a student who was easily distracted in class. I noticed he enjoyed playing video games, so I started incorporating gaming elements into my lessons. For example, I would give the students points for answering questions correctly and allow them to use their points to unlock new levels of the game. This strategy worked well because it kept the student engaged while also helping him learn.”

11. If a student was struggling, what would you do to get them back on track?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you would help students overcome challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of a time when you helped a student overcome a challenge or improve their grades.

Example: “If I noticed that a student was struggling in one of my classes, I would first try to find out what the root cause of the issue was. If they were having trouble with a specific concept, I would break down the information into smaller pieces so they could understand it better. If they were struggling because of something outside of class, such as personal issues, I would make sure they knew I was there for them if they needed someone to talk to.”

12. What makes you qualified to be an ESL teacher?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your background and qualifications. They want to know if you have the skills, knowledge and experience that are required for the job. Use your answer to highlight any relevant education or work experience.

Example: “I am passionate about working with students who speak English as a second language. I’ve worked in an ESL classroom before, so I understand how important it is to create a fun learning environment while also maintaining high expectations. I’m committed to helping my students develop their communication and literacy skills through hands-on activities and games.”

13. How familiar are you with different cultures?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with people from different backgrounds. This can be an important skill for teachers, as they often work with students who come from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Your answer should show that you are open-minded and willing to learn about other cultures.

Example: “I grew up in a multicultural neighborhood where I was exposed to many different languages and customs. My parents also took me on several trips abroad when I was younger, which helped me become more comfortable around people from different countries. As a teacher, I would love the opportunity to expose my students to new cultures through field trips or guest speakers.”

14. Are you prepared to live away from home for a period of time?

This question is a good way to assess your level of independence and maturity. It also helps the interviewer determine if you are prepared for the challenges that come with living away from home.

Example: “I am prepared to live away from home, as I have done so in the past. In my last position, I lived on campus while attending college full-time. While it was challenging at times, I learned how to manage my time effectively and balance schoolwork with other responsibilities. I’m confident that I can do this again.”

15. What would you do if a parent wanted their child to drop out of classes because they thought it wasn’t working?

This question is a great way to see how you would handle conflict in the workplace. It’s important to be honest and show that you can work with parents who may not agree with your decisions.

Example: “I would first try to convince them to stay, but if they were adamant about leaving I would help them find another program or school that might better suit their child. If it was my class causing issues, I would do everything I could to fix it so they didn’t want to leave.”

16. Would you consider yourself a generally patient person?

EF Education First is a company that requires its employees to work with students and parents from all over the world. The interviewer wants to know if you have the patience required for this type of job. Show them that you are willing to help others learn, even when they may not be as patient as you would like.

Example: “I consider myself a very patient person, but I also understand that some people take longer to learn than others. In my last position, I worked with many international students who were learning English as their second language. While I always tried to speak clearly and slowly, I understood that it took them more time to process what I was saying. I learned to be patient with them and give them the time they needed.”

17. Could you describe your experience working with children?

This question is a great way to determine if you have experience working with children and how much. It’s also an opportunity for you to show the interviewer that you enjoy working with kids. If you don’t have any experience, it’s okay to say so and explain why you would be excited about getting some.

Example: “I’ve never worked with children before, but I love being around them. I think they’re adorable and always want to play with them. I’m looking forward to learning more about teaching children and helping them learn new things.”

18. What are some of the things you wish you could improve upon as an ESL teacher?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your teaching style and how you view yourself as an educator. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but try not to focus on negative aspects of your teaching experience. Instead, highlight areas where you’re actively working to improve or things that you hope to learn more about.

Example: “I wish I could speak another language fluently. I’m currently taking Spanish classes at night so that I can become fluent by next year. I also would like to have more time during the school day to work with students one-on-one. Right now, we only have 15 minutes between each class for tutoring.”

19. What does diversity mean to you?

EF Education First is a global company that values diversity. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. In your answer, try to explain how you’ve used your own experiences to help others understand other cultures or overcome stereotypes.

Example: “Diversity means celebrating our differences while also recognizing the commonalities we all share as humans. I think it’s important for everyone to have an open mind when learning about new cultures. For example, in my last role, I worked with a student who was visiting the United States from Germany. He had some preconceived notions about Americans before he arrived, but after spending time with his host family, he learned that they were just like him—loving parents, hardworking children and kind neighbors.”

20. What are some effective ways you have found to engage students during a lesson?

Teachers must be able to keep students engaged during a lesson. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have any strategies for keeping your students focused and interested in what you’re teaching them.

Example: “I find that using visuals, such as videos or pictures, is an effective way to engage my students. I also like to incorporate hands-on activities into lessons when possible. For example, I once taught a class on ancient civilizations. To help my students understand how people lived back then, I had them make their own clay pots and other items out of clay.”