Big companies: APRIL (CDI), DYB, etc.

I currently work at Avalon. Due to reasons that I won't post on here, I will not be renewing.

I didn't work at a franchise of Avalon -- I worked for main company. I know most of these other ones are NOT company-run and are franchises so, things can be a case-by-case issue. Our Avalon campus was pretty good until major staffing changes occurred.

Any advice for my new job hunt and about these companies or similar ones is helpful. I have had a terrible experience at a small franchise of another school as my first experience followed by Avalon which I intended to renew with but am moving on. I am working with recruiters and I want to pick only the best opportunities but the amount of negativity online is a bit much -- please follow it up with reasons if posting.

There is far too much negativity surrounding the big companies such as APRIL (CDI), Avalon, DYB, POLY, and many others online about these big companies: All I see is "XXX is terrible." "XXX? RUN!"

I'm not understanding what the point of all of this roundabout negativity is for. Does Avalon have problems? Absolutely. Am I leaving. Yes. But, was I intending to stay until extenuating circumstances prevented it? YES.

Now, looking for a new job, it seems like when I check this site and Reddit, all I see is that EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL is "horrible". It's not constructive nor helpful to see only these types of comments.

What I am trying to get at is that I have interviews set with some of these big companies. I turned down one with DUX because I have seen and heard NOTHING but bad about them for 3 years and I just didn't have a good feeling.

But, I would like REAL feedback from actual people who have either taught at these companies or knows someone that has. I'd like to know about these companies as well as other big companies. Also, any RECOMMENDATIONS for some good medium to large-sized companies is helpful.

**I know CDI (actual Chungdahm) has issues with red days not being given but I have heard that APRIL does NOT have this issue and is much better than regular CDI.

Thanks.

I currently work at Avalon. Due to reasons that I won't post on here, I will not be renewing.

I didn't work at a franchise of Avalon -- I worked for main company. I know most of these other ones are NOT company-run and are franchises so, things can be a case-by-case issue. Our Avalon campus was pretty good until major staffing changes occurred.

Any advice for my new job hunt and about these companies or similar ones is helpful. I have had a terrible experience at a small franchise of another school as my first experience followed by Avalon which I intended to renew with but am moving on. I am working with recruiters and I want to pick only the best opportunities but the amount of negativity online is a bit much -- please follow it up with reasons if posting.

There is far too much negativity surrounding the big companies such as APRIL (CDI), Avalon, DYB, POLY, and many others online about these big companies: All I see is "XXX is terrible." "XXX? RUN!"

I'm not understanding what the point of all of this roundabout negativity is for. Does Avalon have problems? Absolutely. Am I leaving. Yes. But, was I intending to stay until extenuating circumstances prevented it? YES.

Now, looking for a new job, it seems like when I check this site and Reddit, all I see is that EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL is "horrible". It's not constructive nor helpful to see only these types of comments.

What I am trying to get at is that I have interviews set with some of these big companies. I turned down one with DUX because I have seen and heard NOTHING but bad about them for 3 years and I just didn't have a good feeling.

But, I would like REAL feedback from actual people who have either taught at these companies or knows someone that has. I'd like to know about these companies as well as other big companies. Also, any RECOMMENDATIONS for some good medium to large-sized companies is helpful.

**I know CDI (actual Chungdahm) has issues with red days not being given but I have heard that APRIL does NOT have this issue and is much better than regular CDI.

Thanks.

As you know, the pay is garbage and many large schools are all the same in that regard.  But, I did see some higher paying offers sporadically on Daves and on some Korean ESL Facebook groups.  In a year or two if doing this long term, there is always China and elsewhere to consider once covid nonsense is done.  Much better money and more laid back contracts (the way Korea use to be).  For now, best to stay here (at least for another year).  A ma and pa hakwon comes with it's own risks, but may also be chill and relaxed if you are not fussy about location.  IE A small town or some other part of Korea.  A small family run hakwon may be a chill atmosphere.  Of course you run the risk they may or may not have cash flow problems.  Pay may also not be great. 

I'd see if you can ASAP offers where they wanted you yesterday.  You may be able to negotiate for a somewhat higher salary than their ad is listing if you are ready to go with documents and on a D 10.  Just find a place to stay or rent short term in between contracts.  Best of luck.