Korean Job Discussion Forums

seoulonmind · Joined: 25 May 2004

Hello all:

I have a degree in english and a minor in education. I want to go and teach in Korea but here is my problem. While I was attending the univeristy, I got a DUI and posession of marijuana conviction. This was a HUGE mistake on my part, but I don't even believe these are major crimes or anything. Nevertheless I have heard that I could be denied a visa to teach english in Korea. I have heard that they require you to submit a criminal check from your local police department, and that this will show up when I apply for my visa. Can anyone out there share their experiences with obtaining visas and let me know if they actually do ask for a criminal history and if a DUI and posession conviction will be a problem.

Thanks!!

Bri

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Well, it depends on the kind of job ytou want. You can get a hagwon job easily, even with a record. They don't check for this currently. Try to work for the Gov't in any sense (EPIK, for example) and yes, you need a record check, and yes, you will be out of luck,
Best to look into getting a pardon/purge for that.
I don't know why you said this:"I don't even believe these are major crimes or anything"...I agree that a MJ rap is kind of lame in this day and age (depending on the circumstances; one shouldn't drive high either!), but a DUI is serious, to me anyways. Too many people are killed because of this....innocent people.
Not passing judgement, mate, just commenting on your offering.

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

I've not heard of anyone being required to submit a police check when they apply for an E2 teaching visa.

Zed · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Shakedown Street

Even if you get a pardon doesn't your record check indicate "pardon granted" which could be problem still?

seoulonmind · Joined: 25 May 2004

I don't do any of those things anymore except drinking without driving. And when I was driving i was just a little stonned, not drunk or anything. Any more comments would be appreciated.

Bri

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

snufalufagus · Joined: 10 May 2004

There is NO requirement for a criminal record check for the E-2 Visa process, nor for any other Korean visa. A job could have it be a requirement of course.

And expunged in the proper legal term for having your record cleared and it's hardly an easy thing to get done

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

The judgements aside....

Im under the impression it won't be here that you have a problem with getting a job as 95% of the jobs would take a mass murderer and be non the wiser about it.

You might have more of a problem getting a passport depending on what severity of judgement was handed down in your case.

I had a friend in Australia who was arrested for possesion and growing (it was a large amount) and he can no longer get a passport without specific conditions, one of which being maximum time being allowed out of the country at one time(no where near one year in length).

Don't worry about some people on here, while they mean well they are extremely judgemental.

seoulonmind · Joined: 25 May 2004

I o not anticipate any problems becuase of this based on what has been sai ny you guys. Thanks!!! Any more comments would appreciated!!

Thanks!

Bri

seoulonmind · Joined: 25 May 2004

I am in the USA *Washington DC) from what I can tell I wont have any problens with submitting my paperwprk unless I am like a murderer or a child molestor )which of course I am not) So I am going on the assumption that a DUI and a posession conviction will not hurt my chanches or teaching in S. Korea.......At least this is what I gather from you all.....I certainly hope NOT, I want to do this sooooo bad, I have lived/studied overseas for a couple of years and now want to teach in Asia. Anymore comments would be appreciated!!

Thanks Guys

Bri

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

If a job posting doesnt stipulate a criminal record check as a required application document, the question wont come up. Youre good to go!

(Very few jobs do ask for one, & half the time those ads read: criminal record required!)

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Tue May 25, 2004 7:34 pm Post subject:

SOM,

Just so you know, I had a DUI arrest (no conviction, though), and I got my visa no problem (first in '97, so times may have changed). Oh, of course, I was never arrested for dope.

Shoosh,

Ryst

Oh, btw, also have a BA in English and minor is Ed.

lush72 · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: I am Penalty Kick!

I know of a born again Xian that was a major meth head in Arizona, working at a university here. He has track marks, multiple felony narcotics CONVICTIONS and he still landed a prime job with some questionable documents and his religion to back him up. It seems like all that crap in the states didnt matter. At least he is not teaching chemistry here!