Job Discussion Forums

Calories · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 361 Location: Chinese Food Hell

I have a question about China. I'm not there yet but, hopefully will be soon. I know there is a required health exam. Is this typically done in the country one originates or upon arrival in China?

I have old scars all over my arms from being a stupid teenager and self injury. I haven't done it in years. Will this cause me problems during a health exam in China? It doesn't here in Canada but, as if that would have any to say about somewhere on the other side of the planet. I certainly don't walk around in t-shirts or draw attention to my past stupidity.

stil · Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 259 Location: Hunan

Not to worry. I have quite a few scars from being a little (ok a lot) rowdy when i was in my teens and early 20's. I have a 9 inch metal plate in my arm with the obligatory huge scar. they never even asked. It's more about disease.

If they ask, tell them you were in a car accident or something, but they won't care. If you are Canadian, then you probably look like any other hockey player.

As for psych evaluation, well, just by coming here you have proved you are off your rocker. Laughing

cj750 · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 3081 Location: Beijing

it is unlikely they would ask...but if they do..follow the other posters advice and tell them it was an accident...better to wear long sleaves .they may not roll up your shirt....
More importantly..will be the state of your mental heath in China..although as I told some one else who had problems of an emotional nature..there is so much to keep your mind on in China..it is hard to be depressed...

ryleeys · Joined: 18 Jan 2005 Posts: 1101

I have some interesting marks on my back from growing nearly a foot in a year... stretch marks and all.

They asked about them, making a joke about looking like a tiger. But nothing serious.

More importantly, do not let them take your blood without you seeing the needle coming from a sealed new pack and them changing their gloves. If you're going to be working outside of one of the 5 or so major cities, then leave your smaller town and go to a major city which should have a hospital for foreigners.

Noelle · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 361 Location: USA

The health exam is not too big of a deal... I don't think. Advise being prepared for the blood test though... sometimes they are a bit rough. I was lucky but some of my co-workers were traumatized after being poked and prodded by some clumsy nurse. The same happens in U.S. and Canada though... I'm sure.

Good luck in China!

Oh and one more thing... if you're healthy when you get there... and you want to stay healthy after you begin living there... DON'T EAT the Chinese food!
Just a thought...

jeffinflorida · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 12:05 pm Post subject:

The health exams here are a joke so don't worry about it. The X-ray machine where I took mine did not take a scan or produce an x-ray - that would cost the hospital money.

If you really ever did have any of 'Yes" answers to the questions they may ask you that might bar you from employment simply answer "NO" if you truly want to work here.

Don't waste your money getting an exam in Canada - it is much less expensive here and maybe your employer pars for it - mine does.