Korean Job Discussion Forums

kart · Joined: 25 May 2005

Hi everyone. My boyfriend and I are looking at working in South Korea. We have interviews with CDI and YBM lined up. We are looking at working in their schools in or around Busan. Any info, stories (good and bad), recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks.

YoungLi · Joined: 06 Sep 2005

I think you need to be more specific, especially about YBM as it's very large and has many divisions, branches etc. You didn't say if it's YBM ECC or YBM SISA or what. You have to compare apples to apples.

kart · Joined: 25 May 2005

Sorry about that. It's YBM ECC. I know they are both very large companies, but was hoping some could advise if one school is better than the other. I know the term "better" is pretty subjective, so we are primarily looking for a good work environment, contracts respected... But any info about these two companies would be fantastic. Thanks.

nrvs · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Location: standing upright on a curve

Do a search for "CDI" on the board.

The only bit of advice I can offer you is to make sure you're applying to CDI itself, not a franchise that has bought the CDI name. As far as I know, CDI has no branches in Busan -- only independently-owned franchises. Your experience may be very different than if you worked at one of the "real" CDI branches in and around Seoul. Look for my post about this when you do the search.

daninkorea · Joined: 06 Sep 2005 Location: Seoul

I worked for one of the ECC's in Busan until recently and it was fine.

When you work with one of the bigger franchises there tends to be a bit of a trade off in terms of salary for security, but it worked in my case and I was always paid on time, and had a nice apt.

You need to meet as many people who work there as possible when you go for interview and see the accomodation. Some of my coworkers were not so well treated but on the whole I think most people were happy. Alot of it comes down to your bosses - they can make your life great or hell...

PM me if you want to discuss in detail, and remember that recruiters will say almost anything to get you to sign on the dotted line. They can even lie sometimes (heaven forbid!!), so confirm any queries you have with the school itself.

Anyway, I had a great time in Busan, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Let me know if I can be of any help.