Job Discussion Forums

[jonnyt]

so whats all this yahoo about schools blood testing, im coming over and this type of talk is a little worrying. of course ive never tried any illegal substance anywhere, why ive never even been drunk, although i once drank a full half bottle of cider once at xmas...oh never again.

are there any normal people with normal bad habits out there who i could get the low down from before i make the move???
heres my mail
[email protected]

[Twisting in the Wind]

Hi Johnnie,

I've been teaching ESL in private schools and school districts in the US for almost twenty years. I've not heard a thing about them starting to drug test, but I doubt it. Drug testing is expensive and intrusive and I just don't think they would do it on any sort of regular basis with all their employees. It's possible that some schools may start to test at the time of hire, and thereafter IF THEY SUSPECTED AN EMPLOYEE. But to test randomly and regularly, which seems to be what you're afraid of, would not make a lot of financial sense for at least the private schools, since they operate so close to the margin anyway. As one who has been known to imbibe various substances from time to time, I've also done quite a lot of thinking about this topic and I decided it's not anything I should be worrying about. The only time I would start to worry would be if something happened, like a teacher on LSD jumped out a window, or a parent or student reported a teacher and the situation was very very over the top and it somehow got into the news. Otherwise, I just don't think they care.

So have some more of that, um "cider," and don't worry, mate.

[gerard]

johnymad-----Where is Over??? Is this a new country??? And do they have a footie team??? In China I was in the presence of evil people smoking "shish." I am afraid I inhaled some 2nd hand smoke. To make a long story short I passed the blood test and medical to obtain a work visa. They only check for disease. (ALLLright I am healthy!!! The picture of health.) Have never heard of drug testing for any other country except the USA.

Cigarette smokers are evil and should be...the door...

[arioch36]

In China the blood test is for HIV, because, as we know, China doesn't have many people with HIV, and they don't want us nasty foreigners bringing it over

[scot47]

Some employers in the Middle East include a routine test for recent drug usage as part of the initial medical. Many employers though just trust you and ask you do the medical for the visa which is basically for HIV and Hepatitis.