Korean Job Discussion Forums

shininxpinay · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

Hi everyone. I know there are many CDI posts in here, but I didn't find one that could direct this question. I just got an offer and they haven't sent me my official contract or location yet. They are encouraging me to send in my visa materials for my E-2 asap, but I am weary given that I don't have the fine print nor an actual location. Is it common for CDI to do this? I really don't want to get screwed over, especially since now they're encouraging me to send in my original diploma. I'm afraid I'm going to get trapped! =T

Darkray16 · Joined: 09 Nov 2008

I would say not to send in any originals, especially before they send you an official contract with a location on it.

PigeonFart · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

I talked to CDI last year. I requested some specific locations in Seoul but they said that those weren't available. So they offered me another position in a different part of Seoul, giving me the exact location. It wasn't where i wanted to be so i declined.

So the point is, they told me the exact location and showed me the contract before they asked for the documents.

I'd tell them that you need to see the contract and location before you send off the documents. That's not in any way unreasonable. In fact, it's standard practice for hogwons. I for one want to know exactly where i'm going to be. Location is very important to some people. Good luck.

toonchoon · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Location: Gangnam

don't send any docs until you you have the contract signed. and don't sign the contract unless you like it.

shininxpinay · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

NSMatt · Joined: 29 Dec 2008 Location: London

I was just hired by CDI, I told them that I would take Seoul, Busan, or nothing.

They didn't ask for my documents until I received my contract. There was a 10 day lag between the MOU being sent and the official contract.

They won't send out an MOU until they are sure they are going to hire you.

I don't really see the point in submitting your originals without the contract because they need that for the E-2. It doesn't matter if your other docs are there because without the contract Immi isn't going to work on it.

shininxpinay · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

thanks! they actually sent me an MOU, but said there's an official contract and location coming. been waiting awhile now. I made it very specific I wanted Seoul a long time ago, and remained generally open to a school location as long as it was not Seoul suburbia. Not sure why it's taking this long. Did you happen to take Pusan instead of Seoul?

majesticmako · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

*double post because this website is so slow*

majesticmako · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

there are 7 main branches in cdi (last time i checked)

they are located in or very close to seoul and are owned by the company.

the rest of them are franchises.

these main branches are typically a bit more strict, but much more organized.

franchises can be hit or miss, but some of them i hear are actually better than main branches in terms of giving you more hours when you want them.

i worked at the daechi-dong (gangnam-gu) branch last year and it was a pleasant experience. my cousin works at the songpa branch and she also likes it there. i have also heard good things about mok-dong and chungdam-dong. these are main branches.

my recruiter was julliane clark (directly at cdi) and she was great to work with. i straight up demanded that i needed to be in the gangnam area and she was very accommodating.

however, i was somewhat of a package deal so i had some leverage. i was making a deal for my friend, cousin, and myself (we are all gyopo) at the same time. they actually didn't let us know the exact locations we would be working until about halfway through training. they did keep their end of the bargain with gangnam though.

shininxpinay · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

i was told i'd be in one of the main branches as well... i'm going for an e-2 visa, which is more restrictive, and am trying to take every precaution possible :T