Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ni(c)k]

Hi all,

I've done some searching on this topic but haven't quite found the information I'm looking for.

I've read that when applying for a work visa in Korea I absolutely must lie about any mental illness, or I'll likely be turned down.

Now what I'm wondering is what my chances are of actually being employed by a board of education if they are aware of mental illness. I have spoken with a recruiter who is going to forward several documents, including a medical report from my doctor. This report asks if I have ever been diagnosed with mental illness, and if I'm on any type of prescription. From what I've read on this forum I'm assuming that I'll either have to lie about this, or risk not getting a job. If anyone has thoughts on this I would appreciate it.

It also seems like I'll be subject to a medical test once I am in the country. If I failed to disclose a prescription medication, would this come out during such a test?

Now that brings me to my next point. As I read through this forum I feel like most people currently working in the country aren't entirely happy with their job. I'm starting to wonder if working in a place that would discriminate like this is for me.

[Netz]

[ceesgetdegrees]

Not to be rude man but if you have bi polar, don't come to korea.

[Zaria32]

As long as you are stable on your meds, and have been for some time, no reason not to come...but bring a year's worth of meds with you. You can't be sure that you will be able to find exactly the same prescriptions medications here.

It's pretty safe to say that if you reveal your illness you will not be employable in Korea.

[MotherJo6]

This is a good question. I am on medication for depression. I've been here for a year, and I brought a year's worth of medication to Korea. If I decide to come back here, am I going to have to get my doctor to lie about this? Does the doctor fill out the form, or do I fill out the form? Should I just find another country to work?

[Desiree]

OP: are you prone to violent outbursts?

Do you have a hard time controlling your temper?

Does the medication help? Do you ever stop taking it?

How much counselling/support/medical intervention do you require on a weekly basis?

When was the last time you went to the hospital?

Did you ask your parents if it was a good idea to come? Did you ask your doctor? Did you ask your counsellor?

Bipolar disorder is so hard to control or even keep level at the best of times and in the best of supportive environments. It's almost impossible to control in a foreign environment. Simply bringing enough medication to last the year is just baloney; it's the kind of advice someone gives who has never lived around someone with this illness.

Apart from the monitoring of medicine, or the support of family and friends, bipolar patients need long-term counselling, treatment, and sometimes overnight or extended hospital stays as well as access to crisis outreach intervention. You'll need access to a police force that can respond accordingly without the use of excessive force when they are called if you flip out and cause a scene in public. You will find NONE of this support if you come to Korea. In fact, if you have a violent outburst that involves police, you will find yourself shipped back home and more broke than when you came.

I believe that you should be completely honest and upfront about your illness. If they don't want you to come, it's probably because you'll be teaching children like a ticking time bomb.

[EH]

I had a bipolar roomate (& coworker) my first year in Korea. She was a great teacher. Really popular with kids and staff. A bit zany, but that was part of her charm. Only problems came when she cut down on her meds or drank alcohol while on meds. But even then she was only incautious about herself--never a danger to others in the slightest and never in serious danger herself, either.

My point:
Depending on your own form of bipolar issues, you could do fine overseas.

But this was before the new regs and she never had to tell our boss about her meds, which was just as well because he would NOT have understood. I don't know if you can omit your medical history and get away with it. But if I were you I'd think very carefully about how you describe your medical history when applying for jobs.

-EH

[twg]

[blade]

[Netz]

[ni(c)k]

Truth be told I don't believe the illness would hold me back from being an effective teacher and having a positive experience overseas. I've lived abroad before so the experience wouldn't be completely new to me.

The illness itself came to the forefront with one severe episode that occurred under very specific circumstances. For months, and months after I've felt fine. So it looks like I really am going to have to lie about this. That's a shame.

[ni(c)k]

[spliff]

I think you shouldn't lie about it on ant application...it's dishonest.

[ni(c)k]

As far as I can tell the only type of medical report required was provided by the Gyeonggi do board of education, which asked a few questions. I am thinking about going to a new doctor for the physical, and simply omitting any details about my medication and history.

To my understanding I will have to submit some other type of medical report to the korean consulate? Can anyone let me know other areas that this will be an issue, just so I can prepare, or perhaps scrap the idea of going altogether.

[ni(c)k]