Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JaySee]

Hi guys, hope you're all good in the lead up to Christmas.

I just received an offer from an April school in Junggye dong, Nowon. Do any of you have any information on this particular branch. There is an old negative review but that review is for CDI in Junggye. As far as I know, April seems to be different.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[larry72]

Hey I can't comment directing regarding the school but know a bit about Junggye and CDI April.

It's very residential and I've met countless Koreans who spent time growing up there. A friend used to work for another major hagwon in the area that had upwards of 1000 students - basically you're unlikely to have the stress of attracting/losing students. Nowon offers an ok night out and has a decent foreigner bar along with plenty of restaurants. A taxi home from Itaewon is about 20,000 and Bundang 35,000

CDI April is a pretty easy teaching gig. There's additional grading to do most days but you'll have scheduled time for this. You'll likely work some holidays but depending on the branch might benefit from a weeks winter/summer vacation - be sure to check

People have failed the weeks training and others walked out. Consider arriving a few days before you start to get over any jet lag. To pass simply emulate your instructor by dressing well and putting on a good act. You should get your head down during the day to complete your assignments/prep and lay off the coffee for a decent nights rest.

Hope some of this helps

[JaySee]

Thanks for the detailed reply, Larry. Yeah it seems like a pretty good area and April seems to have better reviews than CDI so I'll probably end up taking it.

Thanks again.

[Coltronator]

April is both better and worse than the standard CDI. One issue is that while it may be an April many also get you to teach 6-12 hours of CDI classes a week. To teach these classes will mean an additional 15 hours of training you will have to go through which will be unpaid. You may also get assigned phone teaching time which will 50/50 not be counted as teaching hours and so if you go over 30 you won't get overtime. Like any place 75% of whether it is a good place to work or not will depend on the Branch Manager's business style.