Korean Job Discussion Forums

[canadianinkorea]

I'm planning on teaching in Korea in the fall and there is a medical issue that has been making me second guess whether I'm going to pull this off. I have a blood disease called spherocytosis. Thankfully there are no serious symptoms that affect my physical health, but unfortunately it causes mild jaundice. In other words, my skin and eyes are kind of yellow.

Most people tell me that they have a difficult time noticing this and are quite surprised to hear that it has affected my life in the past but its not imginary. In certain lights, I can appear quite unhealthy. I am however a very confident person and I'm sure that this will in no way affect my ability to teach in the classroom.

My concern is whether this is something I should be letting future employers know about. From what I've read Korea is a country that places more importance on looks that it does on ability and I'm worried that telling them will guarantee that I'll never get a call back. I'm just as concerned about a situation where I don't tell them and something comes up while I am there to convince them to end my contract based on my appearance.

Anyone have any advice?

[kat2]

I wouldn't say anything. If it doesn't actually impair your ability to function professionally, keep it to yourself. I know nothing about the disease at all, but since its a blood issue, thought I would let you know. Koreans don't have negative blood, as in B-. They only have positive. Also, O blood type is extremely rare. So, if you situation would require that you get any blood transplants or has the probablility that you might need one, you need to have a plan for that.