SMTOWN AUDITIONS GUIDE

TRAINING

Q: Do you have to pay for training?
A: No.
Explanation: SM pays for 100% of the expenses for becoming an idol.

Q: Does SM pay us to train?
A: NO.
Explanation: You do receive an allowance of about $20 USD a week, but you are not paid anything until your groups starts making a profit.
Being a trainee is like going to a boarding school on a scholarship. You're "payment" during training is the privilege of being an SM trainee and the wealth you earn from knowledge.

Q: I'm not Korean. Will I be bullied?
A: Training is just like high school. While bullying is not okay, it does occur. Tao and Kris have been rumored to have been bullied. You'll probably have the hardest time when you're learning Korean - you aren't able to communicate or understand properly with those around you.
If you are bullied, tell an authority figure you trust (manager, teacher, etc.) immediately.

Q: My country has a test I need for school. Will I be able to put off training to study for and take the test?
A: Probably not. If you become a trainee (unless you're in middle school or younger), you will be transferred to a Korean high school (most likely Kent International where SNSD's Tiffany and Jessica, CSJH's Stephanie, and f(x)'s Krystal and Amber attended). If you're entering training, you should be expected to continue all the way up to becoming an idol, so the test won't matter. You'll graduate from a Korean school and that's where you'll receive your diploma. Then you'll use that diploma to enter a college in Korea or elsewhere.
However, if the test means a lot to you, I suggest not auditioning until after you complete the test.