Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Netty_oz]

Hi there!

So, i've just been offered a couple of jobs in the Seoul area.

The first is through CDI (Chung Dahm Learning) in Dongdaemun. The hours are from 3pm-10pm. I'll be getting 27,000 won per hour and they guarantee 100 hours per month. They don't provide accommodation or severance pay. Apparently i'll be teaching elementary - middle school students.

The second offer is through Kids College in Janghanpyeong. It's 9am-6pm teaching Kindy-elementary. I'll have a share house with 3 other teachers and get paid 2.1mil. It includes severance, etc.

Which position do you think would be better? I'm fresh out of University, I have completed a graduate diploma in Education and have a TESOL certificate. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[northway]

Is this a joke?

1) Google "ESL Cafe CDI" and see what comes up. You'll soon realize why that's a bad idea.

2) Working a kinder job you should be making 2.2 starting, based on my school and those of everyone else I know. Even if you're willing to forgo the 100,000 a month, shared housing with three other people is something I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

Wait a bit longer, be a bit more demanding, and you'll find a better offer.

[jrwhite82]

Unfortunately, neither. CDI is usually awful. Kids College is very hit or miss and the shared housing thing is a major gamble (a losing one for you).

With your certifications you should be getting 2.3 minimum. Don't sell yourself short if you can afford to wait a couple of weeks to find something better.

[ElephantJumper]

I was offered that kids college job last week. Turned it down because the contract was BS.

[ssuprnova]

As others already said, neither. CDI is a ripoff by definition and the kindy job... well, let's just say I'd pass if someone offered me 3.0 per month + standard benefits for 9-6 kindy. And the shared housing thing is a joke.

[northway]

[oldtrafford]

CDI, say no more, like pp said GOOGLE!!

'Teaching' kindy 9-6=burnout

sharing house with people is never easy, even with friends. Now consider sharing a house with strangers, strangers that are highly likely to be nut jobs!! In the six years I have been here, I've met way too many nut jobs, who have shockingly poor personal hygiene to ever contemplate sharing.

Out of Uni, looking for an adventure eh, be careful for what you wish for kid!!

[tophatcat]

I might consider kinder if I really liked working with kids. However, shared housing is enough to make me turn down any contract.

I would have to be really desperate to consider working for CDI.

Keep looking...

[mikeybhoy]

Avoid both jobs.

[nena]

I definitely agree with your answers.

Those offers both have MAJOR drawbacks. Someone with your qualifications really doesn't need to settle for that.

(By the way, I'm one of those people who prefers working as a kindergarten teacher. But the hours can cause major burnout if they're too excessive.)

Hold out for better living arrangements and a reputable school. You deserve it.

[Hotpants]

[BankOfRC]

Has to be a joke or do people actually volunteer to be tortured? Neither offer is worth coming to Korea for. My god.

[Netty_oz]

Maybe I was a bit too wide-eyed and in want of adventure, eh?

Thanks everyone for your advice and/or mild wonder at my complete naivety, it is much appreciated. I've been offered a job in Ilsan which sounds better.