Well, this is a response is in regards to a prior review of CDI that was accurate and inaccurate at the same time.

I work for CDI and it has been most pleasant. It's true that training is not paid, but if you ask questions (like most people do) they will tell you this over the phone.

Also, it is also true that your first paycheck does not come until a month of work. I can see how this is problematic but at the branches they have signing bonuses and at franchises the directors are more than willing to help you out (as in cash advances.)

As for the housing deposits, I have not heard of this. My director was willing to pay for the deposit in full without repayment. The things that have been docked on my pay was housing (which isn't that much), insurance, and one time real estate fee. All this is common if you are on any hourly contract.

The salary contract is different, they do pay for your housing but most people choose hourly because it eventually turns out to be better pay in the end.

My guesses are that the previous poster either: A. did not pass training or B. thought he was hot shit before he came to CDI.

Training at CDI is no pushover and everything is pending that you pass training (this is all explained over the phone.) You can't just flash your college degree and say, "Hey I know my grammar and I want to teach upper-level courses."

CDI does the right thing and starts most everyone teaching basic level courses, but if you are smart and teach well enough (that's if...) there is much room for promotion.

CDI is a real hagwon trying to find the best teachers. They are not going to stick just anyone with a degree in the classroom and say, "Here's a book, go teach." It's for serious students and teachers. There won't be any Hang-Man games or Halloween Parties, and I don't know why you think that is allowable at a serious institution.

So if you are serious about teaching I think CDI is the best option. The problem is that a lot of poeple come to Korea and just want to teach part-time and party full-time. I can't think of many hagwons that pay better or give you better chances of moving up.

I don't think there are many "screwover" clauses in the CDI contracts, it's pretty straightforward. Pass training, teach, get paid. If you want to hear about my experiences, feel free to email me.