Job Discussion Forums

[AdamP]

Hello everybody,

I'm graduating college this May, and I've decided to spend several years teaching abroad before I go to grad-school (at least that's the plan right now). In July I'm traveling to Prague to get a TEFL certification, and will seek employment after that - probably in Japan. Unfortunately, there is something that may make this more difficult for me than it is for others.

That is, I was born with a fairly severe congenital heart defect and have had several surgeries to correct it. As of now, there is not a considerable negative effect this has on my life - I can still function normally and be employed full-time. However, I am concerned that this may prevent me from working abroad or at least might complicate matters.

I am not concerned about finding appropriate medical care - I've spoken with my cardiologist and she has told me that there are several specialists in Japan that I could see. However, I am concerned about being denied a visa and being hired for a job. I tried to find out what the regulations are for visas, with regard to health, but couldn't find any clear answers for Japan. I don't have any communicable diseases, but may be considered in 'poor' health - so will that make me ineligable for visa-status?

As far as jobs go, I don't want to lie to employers, so will my honesty bar me from employment? Moreover, do I, in Japan, have to be honest with regards to personal matters such as health? If a potential employer asks me in an interview about my health - do I have to answer? I saw in another thread that employers sometimes require that their workers get health check-ups, is this true - and would this be a problem for me? If I don't tell my employer about my condition, could it's revealing lead to my firing?

There are probably other questions related to my situation that I should ask, but haven't - perhaps some of you can anticipate them.

Thanks in advance for the help,
Adam

[earthmonkey]

Immigration has no requrements regarding health that I'm aware of. Individual employers may require a health check, but I don't believe that this is common. The school where I first worked didn't require any type of medical exam.

Good luck.

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

[abufletcher]

I'd say that first you need to be honest with yourself about what sort of medical treatment you might need. If it's just a matter of checking in with a local cardiologist a 3-4 times a year that's one thing. But intensive treatment is another. I'm sure that whatever condition you have, there are also people in Japan with the same condition but still you'll need to honestly evaluate your needs.

I'm not saying you need to afraid to move overseas. I have epilepsy and I've been working overseas for over 20 years. Most employers really don't care at all as long as you can do your job. Especially here in Japan where employees aren't supposed to have a life anyway.

[kdynamic]

As with most other personal information in Japan, my advice is - don't lie, but don't offer up any information unless you have to. You should be fine.

[shuize]

[AdamP]

Thanks to everyone who replied. You've been very helpful and have removed a considerable amount of stress from my life.

I'm confused about one thing, though. earthmonkey said:

[PAULH]

[AdamP]

Thanks for the clarification. I don't think I'm worrying too much (but maybe I am). This is the first thing I'm doing after I graduate and I just want to make sure it all goes as smoothly as possible. My fear was that I'd go to Japan, get a job, apply for a work visa and then have it denied due to health concerns. Now I don't have that fear anymore.

Thanks again,
Adam