Korean Job Discussion Forums

NewbieCouple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

I've been looking for a few weeks, and CDI sounds really good to me. My husband and I are new to teaching, and the idea of a structured "known entity" is really appealing to us. We can handle the cameras and the corporate environment, as well as the set lesson plans. The schedule sounds great, the money sounds good, and they seem to offer the kind of security that would be really nice for newbies like us!

Before I invest a few hours in perfecting the application essay, I thought I'd ask you guys what you think. For people like us, with the perspective I've described, is there any reason NOT to work for CDI?

Thanks in advance for your help. I really appreciate the advice you've given us so far. Without you, we'd be sheep to the slaughter!

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

NewbieCouple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

I found some of these on a search yesterday, but you knew of some I didn't. Thanks!

I'm glad to have the info, but I'm a little disappointed at what it seems to indicate. I was REALLY hoping for confirmation that applying there was a great idea; now I'm not so sure.

If anyone currently works at CDI and could answer one or all of the following questions, I'd be forever indebted to them. Thanks!

1. Is the "typical day" on CDI's website true, in your experience? If my husband and I want to keep it to 6.6 hours a day, 5 days a week (each, of course), is that really possible? (We'd love to do 4 days a week, but that might be pushing it.)

2. If they make you a job offer and you accept from overseas, how solid is that commitment? Do they interview you again when you get there; is the training really some sort of week-long test? We're bright and qualified, but a little nervous about paying for our tickets, getting there, and then being stranded!

3. I've heard about the after (or before) hours meetings and workshops. Are these often? Does this dramatically increase the weekly time commitment?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give us!

rjrs0510 · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Hey there,

From what I have gleaned, from various aquaintances that work at CDI, the place has gone seriously downhill in terms of benefits for teachers.

Teaching 6 hours straight 5 days a week.
Working all the public holidays.
Minimum vacation time.
Rigid management system.

The place is burn out central. Also there is a difference between CDI branch and franchise operations. Make sure you know where you are going. Branch is better, in terms or reliability. The franchise operations are regular hagwons and may not be so reliable in terms of pay etc.

Also make sure and negotiate. I heard of a couple who started at a new CDI franchise operation. The both have masters degrees etc. and are on 2 mil a month. That is grossly underpaid!

Lots of places like the idea of hiring couples. Look around a bit before you committ to anything. Public schools are seriously in need of people and other hagwons are finding it difficult to hire. For some places it really is name your price and conditions.

CDI is no longer the money making machine (for teachers) it once was. For newbie teachers there it is more like Wallmart.

There are tons of better jobs out there and really the whole corporate nonsense that CDI are fond of really is silly.

Good luck.

braunshade · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Location: Somewhere better!

you will be working alot of unpaid hours from what i hear.....teaching from 4-10 straight without a break but you need at lease one hour to prepare and a half hour to do administrative duties after class and most teachers do grading at home! so its around 9 hours a day. there are much better jobs out there.

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

I was speaking to someone who works at CDI yesterday and she likes it there apart from having to work Saturdays!!