Lori Meadows
Skype interviews are often used as a way for universities to meet international students and judge whether they would be a positive addition to their student community. These interviews are also used to test the language and communication skills of international students. To prepare, students should research the university, review common interview questions, and practice answering them. During the interview, students should ask open-ended questions and be curious about the interviewer. They should also be prepared to answer questions about their academic performance, goals, and motivations. Additionally, international students may need to provide evidence of financial stability and their language proficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Interview preparation | Research the school, review common interview questions, and practice answering them |
| Interview etiquette | Greet the interviewer warmly, pay attention, and thank them for their time |
| Interview questions | Ask open-ended questions about the interviewer's experience, their favourite subjects, their travel history, and the school's class availability, housing options, scholarships, and student mentors |
| Interview answers | Provide concise and honest answers about your academic goals, motivations, and financial plan |
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What You'll Learn
Ask about their travel history and motives for studying abroad
Asking about an international student's travel history and motives for studying abroad is a great way to get to know them better and understand their reasons for choosing to study in a different country. Here are some detailed suggestions on what to ask during a Skype chat:
Travel History
- Ask about their previous travel experiences, especially if they have travelled abroad before. This can give you insight into their cultural exposure and adaptability. It also indicates their financial capacity to some extent, which is relevant when considering their ability to fund their international studies.
- Inquire about the countries they have visited and their reasons for those trips. This can spark interesting conversations about their interests, hobbies, and the value they place on exploration and cultural exchange.
- If they haven't travelled extensively, you can explore their motivations for wanting to study abroad. Are they eager to immerse themselves in a new culture? Do they see it as an opportunity for personal growth and expansion of their horizons?
Motives for Studying Abroad
- Ask about their academic and career goals, and how studying abroad aligns with those objectives. This will give you an understanding of their long-term plans and how they perceive international education as a stepping stone towards their future.
- Discuss the specific aspects of the host country or university that attracted them. Is it the academic reputation, unique course offerings, research opportunities, or the chance to learn a new language and immerse themselves in a different culture? Understanding their priorities can provide insights into their values and areas of interest.
- Inquire about their expectations of studying abroad. Are they seeking academic challenges, hoping to gain independence, or looking forward to cultural exchange and making international friends? Understanding their expectations can help set the right tone for their experience and ensure they are aware of the benefits and potential challenges.
- Ask about their plans for financing their studies. This is a crucial aspect of studying abroad, and understanding their financial situation and plans can help identify any potential challenges or obstacles they may face.
Remember to adapt these questions to the context of your conversation and the specific programme or university the student is applying to. These topics will help you gain a deeper understanding of the student's background, aspirations, and motivations for pursuing international education.
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Discuss their academic background and goals
Discussing an international student's academic background and goals during a Skype chat can be a great way to get to know their motivations and ambitions. Here are some paragraphs with specific questions and talking points to guide the conversation:
Academic Background
Start by asking about their previous educational experiences. This can include their favourite and least favourite subjects in high school, college, or university. Inquire about any awards, special recognitions, or projects they have undertaken. For example, you could ask: "What subjects did you enjoy the most and why? Were there any subjects you struggled with?" Their answer to this question can indicate their interests and how they might align with the program they have chosen.
Academic Goals
Understanding their motivations for pursuing a particular field of study is essential. Ask them about their short-term and long-term goals. For instance: "What are your academic goals for the next few years, and how do you see your studies contributing to your future career?" This will give them an opportunity to discuss their aspirations and how they plan to achieve them.
Academic Challenges
Discussing challenges or limitations can provide insight into their problem-solving skills and determination. Ask about any academic challenges they have faced and how they overcame them. For example: "Were there any subjects or concepts that you initially struggled with? How did you approach those challenges?" This shows their ability to reflect and their willingness to improve.
Extracurricular Activities
Inquire about any extracurricular activities, internships, or projects they have been involved in that relate to their field of study. For instance: "Have you participated in any extracurricular activities or internships that enhanced your academic profile?" This can demonstrate their initiative, time management skills, and ability to apply their academic knowledge in practical ways.
Choice of University
Understanding why they have chosen to study abroad and their specific choice of university can provide insight into their motivations. Ask about their decision-making process and what attracted them to the particular institution. For example: "What made you decide to pursue your studies at this university? What do you hope to gain from this experience that you couldn't gain at home?" This can lead to a discussion about their aspirations and the unique opportunities they seek.
Remember to adapt these questions to the specific context and always show genuine curiosity about the student's responses.
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Inquire about their hobbies and social life
When chatting with an international student over Skype, it's important to establish a friendly connection and show genuine interest in the person you're speaking to. Asking about their hobbies and social life can be a great way to do this. Here are some suggestions for how to approach this topic:
First, you can ask about their hobbies and interests. This can be a broad question, allowing them to discuss anything they're passionate about, such as sports, music, art, or any other extracurricular activities. You can inquire about how they spend their free time and what brings them joy. For example, you could ask, "What are some hobbies or activities that you enjoy doing regularly?" This gives them the opportunity to share their passions and gives you insight into their personality and interests outside of academics.
Another aspect to inquire about is their social life and the types of social activities they enjoy. You can ask if they prefer socialising in large groups or smaller, more intimate settings. This can lead to a discussion about their social dynamics and preferences, which can be insightful for understanding their personality type and how they build connections. For instance, you could ask, "Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? How do you like to socialise and make friends?" This shows a genuine interest in their social well-being and can help you understand their social habits.
If the student has mentioned specific hobbies or interests, you can delve deeper by asking about their favourite experiences related to those hobbies. For example, if they enjoy travelling, you could ask about their favourite destinations and any memorable trips they've taken. This demonstrates a genuine curiosity about their experiences and allows them to share engaging stories. Similarly, if they mention a hobby like painting, you could ask about their favourite pieces they've created or exhibitions they've visited.
Additionally, you can inquire about any social or extracurricular clubs they've participated in, either at school or in their free time. This can include clubs related to their hobbies, such as a school art club or a local sports team. Asking about their involvement in these groups shows an interest in their holistic development and gives them a chance to discuss their passions in a more structured setting. For instance, "Have you been part of any clubs or teams related to your hobbies? What drew you to join those groups?"
Remember, the key is to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere where the student can openly discuss their hobbies and social life. Show genuine curiosity, and don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing. This will not only make the student feel valued but also provide you with valuable insights into their personality, passions, and social dynamics.
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Explore their financial situation and ability to sustain themselves
When applying to study at an institution overseas, it is common for the university to request an interview to assess whether you would be a positive addition to their student community. One of the concerns that the interviewer may have is whether you are a frequent traveller or an economic migrant. This is because some student applications can be viewed as economic migration if there is insufficient funding to live and study in a country and no history of travelling out of that country. Therefore, it is important to be transparent about your financial situation and ability to sustain yourself during the Skype interview.
Firstly, you must demonstrate financial stability to obtain a student visa. The interviewer will require evidence that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself in the country and cover your educational expenses. Your financial plan should include expenditures such as tuition fees, accommodation costs, dining expenses, health insurance premiums, and transportation fees. If you have a sponsor, be prepared to discuss their financial background, the nature of their work, and their commitment to paying for your education.
Secondly, it is important to ask the interviewer about financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Many institutions offer scholarships to international students, particularly first-year freshmen, based on criteria such as GPA, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Inquire about eligibility requirements and application processes to ensure you can access all available resources.
Finally, be proactive in researching housing options early in the admission process. Universities have different policies regarding international student housing, and communities can fill up quickly. Some schools may require first-year international students to live on campus or in a homestay, so understanding these options and their associated costs is crucial for financial planning.
By addressing these topics during the Skype chat, you can provide transparency about your financial situation and demonstrate your ability to sustain yourself while studying abroad.
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Learn about their English proficiency and any relevant test scores
As an international student, you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency as part of the application process for studying at an English-medium university. Universities will require you to submit scores from approved English language tests to ensure you meet the required criteria for academic study.
There are several English language exams accepted by universities worldwide, including IELTS and TOEFL. These tests may be substituted with a Skype interview, which is designed to test the language and communication skills of international students.
To prepare for a Skype interview, you should test your English level beforehand to identify areas where you can improve your speech and elocution. This will help you feel more confident and increase the likelihood of performing well. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about your personal background, purpose of study, and knowledge of the country.
If you are applying for a United States student visa, you will need to demonstrate financial stability. The visa officer will ask for evidence that you possess sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself in the US as an international student and cover your educational expenses. They will also inquire about the nature of your relationship with your sponsor and their ability to pay for your education.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to ask open-ended questions to foster meaningful conversation. Here are some examples:
- "What made you want to work in this industry?"
- "What are your academic goals, and how do you think this program will help you achieve them?"
- "What are your favourite subjects, and why?"
Aside from asking questions, there are several things to keep in mind when speaking with an international student over Skype. First, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space to take the call. Greet the student warmly and ask how they are. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with Skype a few days before the call.
International students often want to know about class availability, housing options, and financial aid. They may also want to connect with current students to learn more about the university and its resources.
