Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HANGRY]

I noticed on the possible interview questions, they mentioned something about how the interviewer might ask you if you have received counseling. I know one of their big points is that they don't want anybody who is going to have a nervous breakdown when they get in country.

I don't have any serious mental illnesses, but I have seen a university counselor recently regarding some self-esteem, relationship, and stress issues. The counselor doesn't think its that big of a deal. I'm not medicated or anything.

I don't want to get passed up for a job just because I'm trying to work on my personal issues. If I get asked that should I just lie? They can't find out right? Is it that big of a deal to have been to a counselor?

[clewis]

No. This is private information that no one needs to know about. Do you really think they are going to investigate you so deeply they will discover you visited a school counselor?

Also, I bet around 85% of the people on here have spoken to a counselor at one time in their life for something or other.

[hamsteRRiFic]

85% of people on Dave's seems a smidge high. I bet it's more like 15%--and it's the other 85% who are in desperate, serious need of counseling.

Anyway, OP, I seriously doubt if they are going to ask that. If they do, just hold your head high and tell them that you've never needed counseling because you eat plenty of kimchi.

Honestly, they can't find out anything about your medical or psychiatric history (unless you did something that made the news) because in some non-Korean countries they have this silly concept called privacy.

[willteachforfood]

I definitely wouldn't say anything.

[ttompatz]

You have 2 choices:

1) say no. You have never needed counseling.
2) say yes and pick a new country to find a job in.

Pick one.

.

[willteachforfood]

[CasperTheFriendlyGhost]

I was never asked that question. A place asking that might be a little weird to work for. I'd politely conclude the interview and move on to the next candidate.

[BoholDiver]

Say no. It's none of their damn business.

[Skippy]

I would say NO. Unless it is a whole lotta counseling like twice a week for years or whatever. I think that is too much information for a school to know it is not like a TOP SECRET government or military job. I think they are trying to weed out the crazies.

I would say honesty would be great to have and to say yes but here in Korea just saying yes ruins everything for you. No consideration or logic gets used. IE - Oh you have a criminal record okay you are know a horrible terrible crazy criminal so you can not work here but they do not ask for what lets say a parking ticket but here in KOREA they brand you (figuratively).

Justing saying yes to counseling says to them yep he or she is crazy or mentally unstable.

[jrwhite82]

[methdxman]

[Hotpants]

I'd say for any 'condition' that poses ZERO risk to the students you will be teaching, don't disclose it.

While Koreans soldier on without a single gripe, only the rest of the universe can accept seeking help for our debilitating mental health problems from time to time

[jrwhite82]

[marsavalanche]

[West Coast Tatterdemalion]

Yep, if you check the "yes" box, then forget a visa. You won't get one. There is a lot of hypersensitivity regarding western teachers here and with the stigma of mental illness here, you can forget about teaching here if you let them know. The ball's in your court.