Chung Dahm Learning Private English School in Korea
When Chung Dahm Learning 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. Chung Dahm Learning’s unrelenting drive for excellence has resulted in a tremendous amount of success, winning over students, parents and instructors. Today over 59,000 students trust Chung Dahm Learning 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 450 corporate employees spread across 160 locations throughout South Korea.
Chung Dahm Learning’s Teaching Philosophy
Passion for Teaching, Compassion for Learners
Chung Dahm Learning 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 Chung Dahm Learning’s 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.
Chung Dahm Learning’s Students and Programs
Chung Dahm Learning 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 Chung Dahm Learning 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, Chung Dahm Learning offers several additional programs to assist students in their educational goals. CDI Prep is a specialized branch of Chung Dahm Learning 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.
Training & Workshops
Chung Dahm Learning 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 Chung Dahm Learning’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 Chung Dahm 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 Chung Dahm training up to 6 months before the start of employment.
Chung Dahm Learning Locations
Chung Dahm Learning has branches in 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 indicate a location preference, but there are no guarantees that such requests will always be met.
General Terms & Benefits
Working Hours
All Chung Dahm Learning instructors are guaranteed a minimum of 24 teaching hours per week, Monday through Saturday. Some school locations also offer Sunday classes. While many Chung Dahm Learning 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 2 to 3 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 run between 10:30am and 2:30pm.
Classes
Chung Dahm Learning 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
Chung Dahm Learning is known for offering monthly and hourly options at most schools. The hourly salary option provides a higher hourly wage than the monthly salary option and therefore a higher monthly income. Chung Dahm Learning 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 Chung Dahm Learning must arrange for and pay for their own flight to Korea. Chung Dahm Learning will reimburse the applicant either the full cost or up to one million KRW depending on the location.
Advantages of Chung Dahm Learning
Chung Dahm Learning 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 each classroom, as well as a whiteboard and a 42″ television for speaking and listening exercises. Every branch has an instructor lounge equipped with personal lockers, and coffee, tea, and snacks are provided.
Other advantages of joining Chung Dahm Learning 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 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