I know that this happened a couple years ago but I just feel the need to share this experience that I had just in case any of my reader would find it beneficial and helpful (if you're interested in taking foundation in TESL).

My interview session was held at UiTM Machang. There were two slots for the interview; morning and afternoon. Mine was in the morning. It's at 8am if I'm not mistaken. My father and I had to leave the house at 6 because it took two hours to get there. Throughout the whole journey my chest felt like it's about to burst out, my hands were cold and trembling and all kind of worst imaginations flooded my mind. Because I was so scared and also worried that we might not make it on time, my tears started pouring down like crazy (lol). However, we managed to be there before 8, thank god!

By the time we reached there, we're greeted by a guard. He told us to go to the faculty building (where the interview took place). We were lost for a moment because the space was so crowded. There's supposed to be a signboard somewhere but we didn't see it. So, a kind officer came up to us and led me to the second floor where I was supposed to check my number and panel. I started panicking because I saw candidates were lining up outside of the lecture rooms, ready to walk in anytime. The interview was divided into two sessions which were writing and speaking. For writing test, there were objective questions, reading comprehension and essay. Before the test began, we're briefed by the lecturers regarding the rules and regulations. For me, the questions were a bit challenging, some were tricky. The essay question that I got was on 'how to manage your stress'.

Now that the writing test was over, it's time for the most nerve-wrecking moment, the interview session! Guess what, I was the first candidate. Being the first candidate in the interview process has its pros and cons. The pros are you no longer have to be anxious or worried while others are still in the middle of the 'struggle'. Also, I believe the most productive time is in the morning. The downside of it is you don't get to hear other people's opinions and experiences so you don't really know what to expect. Before the interview began, we lined up according to our turns. I didn't get to share conversation with other candidates because I was so nervous. I heard my name was called from the inside of the room. As I walked into the room, I could feel the tension began to ease. Strange. There were two female panels. I greeted them with a salam and handed out my files containing my exam slips and certificates. I stood in front of them until I was told to sit. Remember, do not sit until you're invited. The interview kicked off with question about myself.

"My name is ____. I live in ____. Previously, I studied in ____. Recently, I joined a post-SPM English language programme at ____ for 3 months.

Keep it simple. You don't have to explain everything about you, only essential information. I don't remember exactly what the next question was but I believe they wanted me to know more about post-SPM English language program that I participated for three months (prolly because one of the interviewers saw my certificate) so I told them all activities that were carried out during the program. The third question was the typical one, 'why I applied for this course'.

"I'm very passionate about English bla bla bla... besides both my brother and mother are teachers therefore they inspired me to become a teacher." Lame answer, I know. Last question was regarding the writing test. I gave them my most honest answer.

"How was the question? Was it hard?"

"It wasn't difficult but I find them tricky and challenging. I had to read through the questions several times before answering."

Here comes the most surprising part:

"What was the essay question?"

"The essay question was about how to manage your stress"

"So how do you manage your stress?"

WHAT?! Okay I totally didn't see this coming. So I just explained all my points from the essay. LOL.

And... it ended. It only lasted for five minutes. I never thought it'd be that short. I felt relieved because there's no 'killer' questions like latest issues or education-related stuff. BUT you still need to read on those things because who knows if they might ask you. So that's basically how my interview went. I don't have any tips for this interview since I suck at giving and following them.

The panels just wanted to hear you speak so just go for it. Don't be intimidated by them, they're just there to interview you, not interrogate you. It's okay to speak with accent but if your accent makes you hard to be understood by the interviewers, then you need to cut it off. Your accent doesn't matter, speaking clearly does. It's important to have good grasp of grammar. You're gonna learn a lot more during asasi therefore understanding basic grammar rules can be an advantage. It's okay to commit minor mistakes but never too much.  As you're reading this, I've already finished my foundation year which means I passed the interview, Alhamdulillah. If you wish to be selected for the interview, make sure that Asasi TESL is the first choice on your list. Good luck for your interview. May the odds be in your favor~