Job Discussion Forums

[bluebonnet]

I have a form of epilepsy and am curious about teaching ESL in China (as well as other parts of Asia). I am aware that there is a stigma in Asian countries in regards to epilepsy (even if mine is mild and treated with medication), and that this might give cause to employers to fire teachers. I have taught abroad in other places outside of Asia and have twice had an issue while at work, but it didn't affect my ability to work nor did it affect my relationship with staff and the students.

I would appreciate any thoughts or opinions of whether I should avoid teaching in China (or other Asian countries) due to this concern.

Thanks

[theoriginalprankster]

I had three seizures in 2016 (first one the Chinese just gathered around and took photos, second happened at the hospital, third two foreigners got me to hospital), and the doc put me on carbamazapine and clonazepam.

I wasn't happy with what I read about the carbamazapines effects on the liver, so after six months seizure-free I quit it. I still use the clonazepam from time to time for anxiety and insomnia.

No real stigma. Butt don't expect the Chinese to play Good Samaritan, they'll laugh, gawk and take photos OR run away. That was my real worry - collapsing on a road, sidewalk, in a subway/subway car.

Look how they responded to this foreigner fainting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYcLcDVnM8E

Disgusting.

[bluebonnet]

Thanks for the insight and response. Not sure if that comforts me after watching the video and hearing your story. It is disgusting that people would just take photos of a foreigner when they are fainting or having a seizure.

[OhBudPowellWhereArtThou]

[theoriginalprankster]

[bluebonnet]

It sounds like a person who has a seizure at school would likely get fired by most schools in china. I imagine that if you tell them you have epilepsy during the medical examination they wouldn't clear you for a visa. Is this generally the case?

[nomad soul]

Which health issues are likely to get a person rejected for employment or fired from a job?

[Non Sequitur]

Sorry OP
You are setting yourself up for a bad experience.
Will your Dr sign off on the neurological parts of the medical check?
NS

[bluebonnet]

[Non Sequitur]

Well first things first. Get the med form in front of your Dr and ask him/her to tell you if a good explanation is possible. The questions are very opaque and numerous previous posts have covered this.
The school will withdraw your application if they not satisfied with the explanation.
Really better to have it nipped off before you incur much in the way of expense.
Wish I could be more encouraging.

[OhBudPowellWhereArtThou]

I don't think that telling anyone about the epilepsy or a predisposition to seizures is a good idea, especially if it is under control. If you are controlling it with clonazepam (Klonopin) no one needs to know. However, unless you can get your doctor to write a prescription for a year's worth of the drug to take with you, you'll have a difficult time procuring it when you arrive in China. Diazepines, opioids, narcotics and narcotic-like drugs (such as codeine and percocet) are highly controlled in many parts of China. Others may have differing experiences with obtaining these drugs.

Conditions that I know that can prevent one from working in China are detectable severe emphysema, hepatitis (and other liver conditions), irregular heart rhythm (though in my case the FAO came to the rescue and took responsibility for me), most serious psychiatric conditions that require control by major tranquilizers (such as Thorazine and Compazine).

If you are a drug addict, your doctor must indicate it on your Q-2 (or is it Q-3?) survey. That's listed as "toxicomania". Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS would disqualify one (though I've heard otherwise about HIV/AIDS).

I am sure that total deafness, missing an eye or limb or two would be unacceptable, in addition to most STDs. Severe facial disfigurement wouldn't get past the recruiter when the applicant supplies his photo, though natural severe, terminal ugliness seems not to hinder the application process.

If one suffers from klazomania, glossolalia, or coprolalia, he might want to get special clearance.

[bluebonnet]