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When Chung Dahm Institute opened for business in 1998, its sole objective was to revolutionize the nation's ESL industry by combining the best programs, instructors, researchers and staff. CDI's unrelenting drive for excellence has resulted in a tremendous amount of success, winning over students, parents and instructors. Today over 30,000 students trust CDI to provide a distinct program through cutting-edge language acquisition methodologies that inspire each of them to learn and achieve their goals. This is possible with over 550 native English-speaking instructors and 300 corporate employees spread across 60 locations throughout South Korea.
CDI Teaching Philosophy Passion for Teaching, Compassion for Learners CDI prides itself on maintaining a professional environment where instructors are respected as educators and not just employees. As teachers, instructors hold the highest responsibility to demonstrate respect for students and adhere to their roles as intellectual guides and life counselors.
Company CEO, Young Hwa Kim, coined the phrase, "Passion for teaching, compassion for learners," based on his 15 years of ESL teaching experience. Passion for teaching, tempered with a genuine compassion towards students, is the defining premise of the CDI teaching philosophy. Passion is what makes individuals devote themselves to their profession. It is this driving force that allows instructors to go above and beyond their job duties to truly motivate students. However, becoming an effective educator requires more than just passion.
It is also necessary to help students face the challenges of learning not just another language, but the nuances of a culture different from their own. Students need proper support, care and inspiration from instructors to face these difficult challenges.
CDI Students and Programs
CDI requires all prospective students to take the TOEFL Exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to matriculate, where students must achieve minimum target scores to gain admission. This ensures that each student is placed in the course level that accurately matches their English proficiency.
The grade levels of CDI students range from elementary through high school with the majority of students coming from middle school. There are no kindergarten students. Students typically have lessons twice a week from one or two instructors throughout a course of study, typically lasting from one to eight academic terms. Each term is three months long. 
Launched in September 2007, CDI April Institute targets elementary school learners to develop communicative competence based on intrinsic motivation and immersion. Leveraging education-based technology tools such as automated speech recognition and e-learning systems, students can improve their expressive skills and logical thinking abilities via experiential learning. CDI April teaching positions are available throughout the year.
 In addition to standard classroom options and online programs, CDI offers several additional programs to assist students in their educational goals. CDI Prep is a specialized branch of CDI that consists of unique programs to help prepare students for major exams. Primarily focused on preparing students for the TOEFL exam, CDI Prep offers focused and concentrated courses to guarantee that students' test scores reflect their English and critical thinking abilities.
CDI Training & Workshops CDI has earned a reputation for having the finest instructors and teaching methods. Initial training ensures instructors are well versed in the methodology, structure and expectations of the classroom. All instructors are required to receive up to one week of initial training at one of CDI's corporate training centers prior to their first day of class.
Teachers have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain feedback and support from their trainers and fellow trainees. For individuals with limited or no teaching experience, initial training will provide a strong foundation for growth and development. The CDI training center is comprised of experienced and professional teachers who are dedicated to ensuring an optimal environment for both students and instructors. CDIC - Chung Dahm Instructor Certificate A CDIC is given to all those who successfully complete training. It is valid for up to 6 months. This means that one can receive CDI training up to 6 months before the start of employment. CDI Locations CDI has branches over 60 locations in South Korea. Each location is equipped with world class technology to assist students and teachers in continuing to provide quality education. Teachers can provide a location preference, but there are no guarantees that such requests will always be met.
| CDI General Terms & Benefits |
Working Hours All CDI instructors are guaranteed a minimum of 24 teaching hours per week, Monday through Saturday. Some school locations also offer Sunday classes. While many CDI schools are open for business 7 days of the week, it does not mean that teachers will work every day. Teachers will receive a 4 to 5 day schedule (on average) with two to three days off per week (i.e. Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday and Monday off).
Typically, weekday classes run from 4-10pm, however a few locations have classes that begin at 4:30 and finish at 10:30pm. Weekend class times may vary, but they typically start between 10:30 and 2:30pm. CDI Classes CDI teachers teach elementary to high school students. Typically, there are 8-12 students per class, with a maximum of 16 students per class. Monthly Salary CDI is known for offering some of the highest salaries in the industry. Monthly and hourly options are available at most CDI schools. The hourly salary option provides a higher hourly wage than the monthly salary option and therefore a higher monthly income. CDI guarantees a minimum of 96 hours/month (provided that teachers start full time employment at the beginning of one of the four academic terms), but the average is approximately 118 hours/month. All teachers will be informed of their hourly wage upon receiving an offer of employment. Important note, income on the hourly option is taxed at a mere 3.3%. Housing Option The monthly salary option includes a semi-furnished single apartment with fully paid rent (utilities are paid by the instructor). The hourly salary option does not provide rent-free housing however the instructor makes a much higher wage in return. Insurance The monthly salary option also includes 50% of the medical insurance plan cost paid by the company. Instructors choosing the hourly salary option can purchase their own insurance at a very minimal cost from within Korea or abroad. Vacations The monthly salary option includes up to 7 days of paid vacation, while the hourly salary option includes up to 7 days of unpaid vacation. Airfare All successful applicants invited to join CDI must arrange for and pay for their own flight to Korea. CDI will reimburse the applicant either the full cost or up to one million KRW depending on the location. Advantages of CDI CDI prides itself on maintaining a professional environment where teachers are respected as educators, and providing the tools to affect change in students. A computer with internet access is provided in all CDI classrooms, as well as a whiteboard and a 42" television for speaking and listening exercises. Every branch has an instructor lounge equipped with coffee, tea, snacks and personal lockers.
Other advantages of joining CDI Holdings include: - Lucrative salary - International exposure and professional experience - A comprehensive online system to assist with student administration - A CCTV camera in each classroom - Valuable skills through CDI's comprehensive training program and career development support - A diverse faculty composed of educators from countries worldwide - A professional environment with superior facilities - An opportunity to experience Asian culture - An opportunity to save money due to low cost of living - Opportunity for career advancement  
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