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Learning Korean, Working at CDI, and making Bank in Korea
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big_blue_21



Joined: 02 Nov 2005
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 8:55 am    Post subject: Learning Korean, Working at CDI, and making Bank in Korea Reply with quote
Hey, I don't know if this helps, but for people who are going to Korea to learn the language I found studying at Konguk University really helpful.

Last edited by big_blue_21 on Fri Feb 24, 2012 6:31 pm; edited 2 times in total
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driftingfocus



Joined: 08 Feb 2007
Location: Boston, MA
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 9:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
What's CDI?
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Bryan



Joined: 29 Oct 2007
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I made a thread asking for experiences on intensive language classes while working: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=121892&highlight=

Most people said they killed themselves, but I still might like to try it.
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Bryan



Joined: 29 Oct 2007
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 2:24 pm    Post subject: Re: Learning Korean, Working at CDI, and making Bankg in Kor Reply with quote
donselma wrote:
The first is about studying Korean and working at CDI at the same time; the second is about getting cheap housing (since CDI does NOT provide housing for its teachers).


How much of a housing allowance do they give you?
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enns



Joined: 02 May 2006
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 5:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
No allowance. They pay the deposit and you pay the rent. However, you're also making double the average hagwon salary.
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xCustomx



Joined: 06 Jan 2006
PostPosted: Wed May 07, 2008 6:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
enns wrote:
No allowance. They pay the deposit and you pay the rent. However, you're also making double the average hagwon salary.


I find that hard to believe.

Avg. hagwon salary $2,200 /month
Pension $90/month
Severance $183/month (assuming you complete 1 year)
Housing $500 - paid by employer, but it's technically part of your salary
Airfare $100/month ($1200 over 12 months)


Total $3,073

I doubt most CDI instructors are clearing $6,000 a month. Keep in mind you also don't get any paid vacation time at CDI, nor national holidays.
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enns



Joined: 02 May 2006
PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 10:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Many wage workers receive airfare and pension.
Maybe 1.7x the average hagwon.
I suppose you should shop around, like all chains, not every branch is great.
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Suwon23



Joined: 24 Jan 2008
PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 1:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
FWIW, the OP is talking about hourly pay, not salary (which, obviously, does pay housing and such). I'm pretty sure you would have to work your ass to a nub to cancel out the rent, airfare, pension, vacation, etc., and still make twice as much take-home pay as a salaried employee. It's easy to make more than us, but twice as much? You'd have to make like 55,000 an hour to do that, or work lots of hours.
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enns



Joined: 02 May 2006
PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 7:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Like I said, many CDI workers I know get pension and airfare and make about 1.7x more than your standard hagwon after rent. No severance though and the vacation time is unpaid. Benefits to both sides, all depends what your priorities are.
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DCJames



Joined: 27 Jul 2006
PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 7:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
It's now come to the point that CDI is actually paying LESS than your average hogwon.

Last edited by DCJames on Fri May 09, 2008 2:42 pm; edited 2 times in total
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SirFink



Joined: 05 Mar 2006
PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2008 12:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Is that Alan Watts?
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samd



Joined: 03 Jan 2007
PostPosted: Sat May 10, 2008 5:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
What kind of friend recommends a goshiwon? The only value I can see in living in one would be the opportunites for practicing Korean, but there are easier ways.

Decent goshiwons go for 400,000+ in the Konkuk University area, which is about what you'd pay for a small place if you put up some key money, and got a decent one room, or even officetel.

I checked out some of the cheaper ones in that area, in the price range you mentioned, and I wouldn't live in one if you paid me.
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