Training Week at Chungdahm Part 2

So now that Day 1 is under your belt, what will happen on Days 2-4?

Basically the rest of the week will follow this model: 

-Mock teach! (while being filmed)
-Watch someone else mock teach. (also filmed, but you're not in the video specifically)
-Give feedback.
-Get feedback.
-Complete any online homework assigned for that day.

Depeding on the day there may also be a 1-ish hour seminar on something related to your future at CDI. For example, we had a seminar on how to use the different features of the tablets. We also had a seminar on how the housing contract works and what CDI's structure breakdown.

It sounds really simple, and you're probably wondering why everyone freaks out about it. It's pretty intense. You're probably a bit jetlagged and running on fumes from not being properly adjusted to the new eating times, etc. You're put in a small room and told to teach for what is most likely the first time and pretend that these adults are 12 year old kids. Maybe you're instantly good at it, or more likely you're reaaaaaalllyyy ok at it. Also, being filmed can make many people extra nervous. The filming serves a few purposes. The trainers and possibly your future boss can see if you're improving. You can review and look for things to work on (it's awful sounding, but you can see right away what you need to work on). Trainers also give short reports to the company on your teaching.

What are the trainers looking for: 
-Enthusiasm! Fake it till you make it, right?
-Are you trying to take in and incorportate their feedback?
-Are you somewhat ok at teaching?

It's generally pretty hard to fail, but it does happen. From talking to the trainers and other trainees experiences, generally, you will be given some kind of warning if this happens. They know you're not going to be perfect at teaching after less than 1 week, but just try your best. My biggest tip is to actually do practing teaching with your group in some way. Don't just study the material, actually do it.

The last day of training:
The rest of the week has passed and you're on to the last day. This day is basically the same, but also a little different. You'll still mock, you're still being filmed, but now there won't be any feedback. This is so that it's fair for everyone, no fixing something in your presentation that the trainer points out about another teacher. Generally you will be asked to mock mostly sections you're good at, and maybe one you're not so great at. The trainers aren't trying to trick you, they want to show you doing your best.

Once you're all finished, the trainer will go give their final 'report' on you. Either a yes or a no to the HR rep. (legally only HR can say you're hired or not at this point). It'll take about 10-15 minutes and then someone will come down to the room you're in and tell you the final result. After that you will generally (with some expections due to branch specific policy or requests, but it seems rare), go to the seminar room and sign your documents together. Someone will walk you through the paperwork, and answer any questions you will have.

Some things I learned:
-the housing deposit is for your first year only. So if you want to stay longer than 1 year you must save some money from your pay for next year.
-the 15 day holidays are your allotment for the next 2 years. If you plan to leave after 1 year, make sure you use them all up! If you plan to stay for more than 2 years, budget that in!
-Sick days are counted as holidays (branch depending, but probably the same for everyone). You will also need a doctor's note for this time.

After that you will be told to contact your branch Facaulty manager right away. They will generally tell you to come to the branch to go apartment hunting or for a tour, etc. Expect to go there right away so pack light for that day if you can. You might be out until quite late depending on your location. If you're going outside of the Seoul area (ie, can't get there by metro), you will be given instructions beforehand on where to bring your suitcase, etc. There will be transport arranged for you, probably a bus of some kind.