Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Toon Army]

[April6]

I work for CDI but don't know anyone at the April schools yet. Lucky April school teachers get 5 weeks vacation - we other CDI teachers work 365.

2.2 mil is good if it includes housing and DOESN"T include summer/winter intensives. A friend was offered an April contract with a little clause that included intensives for no extra pay. He rejected it and is now at a normal CDI campus which pays hourly including intensives which, at his new franchise, is optional.

Don't worry about the CCTV. I'm camera shy and I got used to it. Everyone technically could be watched and managers technically can watch everything. But few do for very long, they are overworked as it is. And in my experience, most comments about the viewings were positive or at least nice, and helpful.

Housing in Kungnam is really expensive. But the area is great it has lots to do - especially if you like to shop ;D (at 2.2 you might not be shopping much, tho)

[pungnapdonger]

I wanted to bump this up because I have an interview with them.

Has anyone here worked for CDI April at Gangnam-Gu Station? Or know anything good or bad about it?

Thanks!

[reliefrelease]

hey~
actually I work there now.
If you have any questions you can message me

[dirving]

O.P.:

This is the branch with the 7-11 in front of it and kitty-corner from the K.F.C. at Gangnam-Gu Office Subway Station. I've drank at the 7-11 right in front of the institute with the locals and Ying. Yeah, it is one of the best areas in Seoul, and the bus driver who drives April's Bus Number 7 for the kids is in a great cover band that does Beach Boys and other Surfin' covers. Really good band for sure and a sweet dude who speaks English fairly well.

EDIT: I did not notice the post from one of the institute's current staff members. P.M. that poster for the inside scoop!

I'd work for them for 2.4 and a good apartment in that neighbourhood. Really, Gangnam is quite a bit cheaper than where I work out in the boonies and she seems to have way fewer anti-expat types.

Go for it is what I say, eh.

Good luck!

DI

[pungnapdonger]

Sorry, I am unable to send pms. Can you?

Thanks for the replies!

[reliefrelease]

Ohh ok~
Well the job itself is pretty relaxed but you have to do a 1 week intense training session where you are required to take a grammar test and memorize the standardized teaching methods for each level. Also that involves mock-teaching to peers.
I suggest that if you don't get along well with kids then you might want to find a different position. The ages of the students range from 5-12 years old western age.
The staff is great. If you are an outgoing person who can work well with others than you will have a great time here. The housing is nice and really close to work. It's roughly a 5 min. walk. The neighborhood is quiet and there are markets near by to do some shopping. The location of where we live and work is excellent. You are able to make it through out Seoul easily whether by bus, taxi or subway. The COEX mall is near by as well as a beautiful park~

[pungnapdonger]

Awesome, thank you very much.

Maybe I'll be working with you soon?

[vassalage]

So did you get the job? I am just interviewing with that school now...

[pungnapdonger]

Hahaha, I haven't! They are supposed to be calling me again.. you must be my competition! Aww, snap.

[vassalage]

I would stay away from Chungdahm April Institute or CDI April which ever you want to call it.

I was offered the position after tons of interviews with 4 different people over a period of a week. That in itself wouldn't have been so bad but they would schedule an interview and then call at the interview time and say can we move the interview. This would happen about 3 or 4 times a day.

I mostly spoke with Peter who told me he was head teacher but a few other random people called me from there to interview as well and I still have no idea who they were.

I was offered the position on a friday and being told they would be in touch in a few days I waited until Tuesday to contact Peter. No reply back. Then contacted the recruiter. No reply back. Sent another email to recruiter near the end of the week and was told the school had thought I wouldn't take it do to the low pay. I have no idea where they got this idea from. I never once said anything about the pay, I only asked to see the contract.

Anyway beware that the school will mess you around and to not waste your time.

[deizio]

Reliefrelease is quite obviously a manager / non-native employee / stooge / all of the above at CDI April.

[pungnapdonger]

I ended up taking this job a year ago now, and when I started, it was great. The staff was excellent, the hours were good, it was super laid-back, etc. But about six months in, it turned to absolute shit and has been one crappy thing after another. The management has no idea how to run a hagwon, our boss will literally not talk to us and avoid dealing with all problems we have (and there are many), and CDI as a company has very little regard for their employees. So it is really no surprise that all the branches seem to be dealing with a decrease in enrollment and are pushing more work onto their teachers--not realizing that the problem lies in their crap curriculum development and the fact that the teachers are too underpaid and pissed off to give a shit.

I am leaving soon and feel awful for the person who is replacing me. If you ever get an interview with this school, or any CDI April as far as I know, DO NOT TAKE THE JOB!!!

[reft4268]

[shostahoosier]