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[plummer209]

'll try and make this brief. Hopefully those that have been to Asia can help since recruiting agencies haven't been able to give me a solid Yes or No answer on this.

I was born with a neurological condition called hydrocephalus. The condition doesn't affect me on a daily basis and I take no medication for it. However there is a small valve and tubing under my skin, and that is basically what keeps the condition from being a problem. Only thing is, for the rest of my life, the valve/tubing system may break or pull apart and I'll have to have surgery to replace it. I've been very lucky and have only had this surgery twice in almost 26 years. Last time it happened I was in and out of the hospital in 2 days and recovery was about 2 weeks. The last surgery was a year and a half ago, so the odds of needing it again in the next year or even 5 years are hopefully slim.

Since it's a condition and not a disease, I'm confident I can get a work permit and VISA here in America to teach in places like Korea or Taiwan. However, when I have my medical exam in either country, the chest X-Ray given for tuberculosis will show the tubing in my torso. My question is this....are the exams thorough enough that the doctor will follow up with questions about what he sees on the X-Ray and therefore having my condition will get me sent home? Or is it something that I can explain to my employer, and tell them that it won't get in the way of work at all, and on the off chance I'd need surgery, I could use all of my vacation days to recover or possibly extend my contract?

Nobody can give me a clear answer of what might happen and I don't really want to spend all that money to get abroad and be turned around right away. What are people's opinions on countries like Korea and Taiwan? Will they work with me, or send me home?

Thanks so much.

[ESL Hobo]

Hi,
I suppose it would be very difficult to get a direct answer on something like that.

Perhaps the best thing to do is get a TB skin test instead of the X ray before you leave and bring it with you or have it done here.

It seems if you are completely up front about something like that you may face difficulties in getting hired.

One good thing about Taiwan is the medical care. All schools pay for your medical insurance. Doctors visits are under $10 USD. Tests costs extra but are generally under $50. Extended care and operations cost more but you can buy your own extended insurance for that. But I wouldn't ask the school to help you with extended insurance, just find a Taiwanese friend to help you with it.

I have traveled so much and had so many chest x-rays for TB, it's just not healthy anymore, so if the need arises again, that's what I will say and request the skin test as proof.

Best of luck to you!