Your JPIC Interview

Welcome
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John Paul International College students talking together at a table

Welcome —

Every student who joins John Paul International College (JPIC) has a short interview first. This friendly guide walks you through it, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and feel calm and confident on the day.

You can go at your own pace. Read one topic, then tap Mark Complete & Continue to move on — or jump around using the Contents list. Your progress is saved on this device, so you can stop and come back any time.

First, the most important thing: the interview is not a test you can fail. It is simply a chance for the College to get to know you and work out how best to help you settle in and succeed. There are no trick questions — just be yourself.

What you'll learn in this guide

  • What the JPIC interview is, and why we do it
  • The two parts: the academic interview and the accommodation interview
  • How to answer "Tell me about yourself" — the most common question
  • Other questions you might hear, with example answers
  • Simple tips to prepare — especially if you are still learning English
  • A short knowledge check to see how ready you feel
About 15 minutes Written in simple English Great to read with a parent

What the interview is

After you apply, the JPIC Admissions Team arranges a short interview. It is a relaxed conversation, held online or in person, so we can get to know the student before offering a place.

We use the interview to understand three simple things: your learning background, your English, and your goals. This helps us choose the right year level and the right support — so you start well from day one.

There are two parts

Academic interview

About 20 minutes · everyone

A friendly chat about the student — your previous school, what you enjoy learning, your English, and what you hope to do in the future.

Accommodation interview

About 20 minutes · boarding & homestay only

Only if the student will live in JPIC boarding or homestay. It helps us understand readiness to live away from home so we can give the right care and support.

Not applying for boarding or homestay? Then you only have the academic interview. You can learn more about living options on the Accommodation page.

Watch: a quick introduction

The video opens from Vimeo when you press play.

Inside the academic interview

This is the main conversation, and every student has it. It lasts about 20 minutes. The interviewer is warm and encouraging — their job is to help you feel comfortable.

What we usually talk about

About you

Your name, your family, your hobbies, and what you enjoy doing outside school.

Your studies

Your current school, favourite subjects, and any subjects you find harder.

Your English

A gentle chat helps us hear how you speak and listen. There is no exam feeling.

Your goals

What you hope to study or become, and why you would like to come to Australia.

Good to know. The interview is not a pass-or-fail test. If your English is still growing, that is completely okay — it simply helps us choose the best starting point. Some students begin in the mainstream College, and some build their English first in the High School Preparation or Primary Preparation program.

The accommodation interview

This short second interview is only for students who will live in JPIC boarding or homestay. If your family arranges your own accommodation, you can skip this part.

Living in a new country is a big step. This 20-minute chat helps us understand how ready the student feels to live away from home — so we can match the right care, and make sure everyone is supported and happy.

Questions might include

  • Have you stayed away from your family before?
  • What food do you enjoy, and is there anything you cannot eat?
  • What is your daily routine — bedtime, study time, sport?
  • How do you feel about sharing a home with a homestay family?
  • Who can you talk to if you feel homesick or need help?
There are no wrong answers here. Feeling a little nervous about living abroad is normal — say so! It helps us look after you well. Learn more about Homestay and Boarding.

Watch: settling in with care

The video opens from Vimeo when you press play.

"Tell me about yourself"

This is the question almost every interview begins with — and the one students worry about most. The good news: there is an easy way to answer it well. You do not need to memorise a speech.

A simple three-part answer

Think of your answer in three short parts. One or two clear minutes is plenty.

  1. 1

    Who you are — now

    Your name, your age or year level, where you are from, and one thing you enjoy.

    “My name is Minh. I'm 15 and I'm in Year 9 in Ho Chi Minh City. I love playing badminton with my friends.”

  2. 2

    What you study & like

    Your favourite subjects, and something you are proud of or find interesting.

    “My favourite subjects are maths and science. Last year I joined the school robotics club, and it made me really enjoy solving problems.”

  3. 3

    Your goal — why JPIC

    What you hope to do in the future, and why you would like to study at John Paul College.

    “One day I would like to be an engineer. I want to study at JPIC because I can improve my English and get ready for university in Australia.”

Practice out loud. Say your three parts to a parent, a friend, or even to a mirror, two or three times. It does not need to be perfect — it just needs to sound like you.

Other questions you might hear

Here are questions that often come up, with a friendly tip for each. Tap a question to open it. Remember — the interviewer wants to hear your honest answer, not a “correct” one.

Why do you want to study in Australia?

Give one or two real reasons — better English, a good school, a future university plan, or a family who believes in the opportunity. Honest and simple is best.

What is your favourite subject, and why?

Name the subject, then give one reason or example. “I like history because I enjoy stories about the past” is a great answer.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Talk about a hobby, a sport, music, gaming, or time with family. This is an easy question — it helps you relax and smile.

What are you good at? What would you like to improve?

It is fine to say you want to improve your English or your confidence in speaking. Wanting to grow is a strength, not a weakness.

How do you feel about living far from home?

Be honest. A little nervous and excited is a very normal, very good answer. It shows you have thought about it.

Do you have any questions for us?

Yes! Asking one small question shows you are interested. For example: “What sports can I join?” or “What will my first week look like?”

Getting ready — simple tips

A little preparation makes a big difference. Here is a short checklist for before and during your interview.

Before the interview

  • Practise your "Tell me about yourself" answer a few times.
  • If it is online, test your internet, camera and microphone the day before.
  • Choose a quiet room with good light, and sit somewhere tidy.
  • Have your school reports or documents nearby, just in case.
  • Get a good sleep — a rested mind speaks more clearly.

During the interview

Do

  • Smile and say hello warmly.
  • Speak slowly and clearly — there is no rush.
  • If you don't understand, politely ask: “Could you please say that again?”
  • Give a short example when you can.
  • Be honest, and be yourself.

Try not to

  • Worry about perfect grammar — clear is better than perfect.
  • Memorise long answers word-for-word.
  • Answer with only “yes” or “no” — add one more sentence.
  • Let a parent answer for you — the interviewer wants to hear you.
  • Panic about a hard question — it is okay to pause and think.
A note for parents. You are very welcome to be nearby for reassurance, but let your child do the talking. The best thing you can do is help them practise and remind them that this is a friendly conversation, not an exam.

Quick knowledge check

Six quick questions to see how ready you feel. This is just for you — nobody else sees it. Pick an answer for each, then press Check my answers.

1 Is the JPIC interview a test you can fail?

2 About how long is the academic interview?

3 Where can the interview be held?

4 Who has the accommodation interview?

5 A good way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is to…

6 If you do not understand a question in English, you should…

However you go, you're doing great. This check is only to help you feel ready — the real interview is a conversation, not a quiz. When you're happy, mark this topic complete and continue.

You're ready!

You've reached the end of the guide. You now know what the JPIC interview is, what you might be asked, and how to answer with confidence. Take a breath — you've got this.

Remember the one big thing: the interview is a friendly conversation, not a test. Be yourself, speak clearly, and let your interviewer get to know the wonderful student you are.

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