Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sincinnatislink]

By random chance it came up that I have epilepsy in talking with a friend-of-a-friend who taught in Korea.

She expressed some concern about a stigma/something or other surrounding epileptics.

I know they need to know I'm an epileptic, but what's the story here? How should i tell them?

[Paji eh Wong]

[demaratus]

I understand that epilepsy is a misunderstood and often stigmatized condition but be honest with them. Make sure they understand the extent of your condition and that it has not been a hinderance before in your life or at other jobs. Your co-workers and students need to know what they can do if you have a seizure. Also if you don't tell them, you are being dishonest with them and they might se it that way if they find out later on. Any school that refuses to hire you because of epilepsy probably isn't worth working for anyways and if you lied about your condition and had a seizure how would they handle it? Probably not well. Lying is never a good option, it can only lead to problems.

[Sincinnatislink]

I've not been asked about medical conditions, and the little bit I've read and heard worries me.

If it helps, I will be working for YBM in a hagwon.

This sort of creeps me out.

[Sincinnatislink]

*And I already have a visa confirmation number.

[PaperTiger]

The thing you need to understand is that epilepsy may fall under Korea's rather broad spectrum of things considered a "mental problem". You and I both know that is not the case and you are probably a smart guy with a lot to offer...however, disclosing this to your employer may not be well received. If your epilepsy is mild enough to be controlled by regular medication, just bring a lot of it with you. Otherwise, people might start some conjecture about scenarios involving you having a seizure in front of the children and before you know it...you're on a plane back to where ever you came from.

No easy answers for this one, methinks. Anyhow, good luck pal.

[sadsac]

No! If it's controlled by meds and you haven't had a seizure in a long time, then don't worry about it. If it can be aggravated by stress or environmental factors, then you have to consider that when choosing Korea.

[Sincinnatislink]

Thanks for all your help, folks.

[Corporal]

A couple of other threads on the topic (the OP has since been deleted, but the rest remain):

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=40563&highlight=epilepsy

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=47962&highlight=epilepsy

[Sincinnatislink]

I appreciate the help.
I apologize for not searching first. Panic does strange things to people.

[demaratus]

Dang! After reading the links Corpral posted I don't know if I would disclose that info after all at least to the management or Korean staff. They see epilepsy as a mental defect or mental handicap? Thats crazy, tonnes of people live regular even extrodinary live with epilepsy. Countless historical figures have been epileptic however most I suppose didn't advertize the fact either. Regardless, good luck to you.

[Hotpants]

Yeah, Koreans are not too welcoming to people with anything that could be even remotely classed as a mental disorder.

If you are coming to work at a government school, then you will be asked to undergo a medical check by your physician back home. They may well list epilepsy on your form, which sadly will probably result in being turned down. If you go the hagwon route, you don't need to declare medical conditions. There will be no medical check required by the school.

If the condition is mild and does not affect your ability to teach in any way, then I would suggest keeping quiet about the condition from your employers and students.

I hope all works out for you. Good luck!

[gsxr750r]

This is why I laugh at Koreans who say there is very little AIDS in Korea. We all know darned well that a lot of things go unreported here.

[Toast and Kimchee]

I too am an epileptic and am seriously considering working in Korea. Although my condition is controlled with regular medication, I'm concerned about finding a doctor right away who will be able to prescribe this without any problems. I guess my question is, for a pre-existing condition such as this would I have to have my medical records sent to a doctor in Korea? Is this possible without too much red-tape? Is there any kind of doctor/patient confidentiality in Korea as in the U.S.?

Any info in regard to this would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Toast and Kimchee]

An interesting link on epilepsy centers in Korea:



http://www.ilae-epilepsy.org/Visitors/About_ILAE/StrategicPlan.cfm