Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MaestroCantus]

Ok, here's a big question for me:

I've submitted an application to a place in S. Korea, and am waiting on the date/time of my interview which they are still arranging (probably for March).

I have diabetes, and I was wondering if and when I should bring it up. Should I bring it up in the interview, or after I've (hopefully) been hired? Should I wait for them to ask me about health issues?

I'm doing all of my own research on supplies and medications (I might just bring a year's worth with me if I can't figure out how to get my pump supplies delivered to Korea), so, hopefully, all my employer might have to do is possibly let me know where I can go to get a new perscription for insulin ... because I heard that Korean doctors like to write a new perscription for every refill.

[sadsac]

I have type 2 diabetes and I have never disclosed my condition to my employer, it's none of their business. It doesn't affect my ability to teach and therefore is irrelevant. Find a good doctor who will write you a script for your insulin. Diabetes is a major health problem for Koreans, so finding a doctor won't be too difficult.

[meangradin]

I just went for my medical check in Korea (I'm an F visa holder but had to it for a part time public school job) and they tested my urine for diabetes, so I assume that your medical test will reveal your condition. My father is a type one diabetic, and it really offended me that they test for this. I am not sure if diabetes is a reason to be denied a visa; you would have to ask others.

[HBC007]

Do NOT say a thing unless they specifically ask you. Diabetes is a treatable condition, and is a genetic disease. However, the person who interviews you may not know that or blame you for having it. There is a misconception here that you can give yourself diabetes through your lifestyle choices. The potential for miscommunication is just too big.
If you do get the job you should go to the Diabetes Center at Severance--the endocrinologist is excellent and very empathetic. (Two things that are very rare with doctors here)

[cbclark4]

I am being treated for Type 2 Diabetes, Arthritis, Hypo-Thyroidism,
Barrett's Esophagus, Acid Reflux, and Cholesteral. I answered all the
quetions on the medical statement honestly and completely. I get my
meds from stateside sources though. The National health plan does not
cover pre-existing conditions.

No one has mentioned any problems and I just re-signed for another year
at the same school.

[blonde researcher]

Diabeties like epilepsy is a big problem for many employers if they know you have it. If they know abou tit you can kiss the job offer/interview goodbye in 90% of cases.

Before the medical statement declaration came in on December 15th you did not have to declare ailments such as this, but now you do.
If you are dishonest and think; it is not their problem ...it is OK .... I have medicine from overseas..... then you are in for problems when the official new tests before the ARC registration at 90 days may reveal you do have ' conditions' in the blood test or other tests.

This problem may be reported and under the new law you will have your E2 canceled and you have to pay back airfares and exit Korea.

So now it is a very fine line as to whether you are honest or deceptive and say ' its none of their business' or get caught on the new medical testing form and then fired with heavy costs to yourself.
Or you just hope it is never discovered that you disguised the fact and lied on a legal declaration form - the medical statement.

I was at a school 5 years ago where a teacher arrived who had failed to declare any epilepsy as he felt it was minor and no problem. However after a long haul flight to Korea, jetlag and a night on the soju with other teachers to welcome him into the school, he had a very bad attack in the local HOF.
The director was furious about this as this very public 'fit' cost him 2 million won in damages to another Korean who got his clothing damaged and for an injury to another Korean who got a broken glass cut.

The new teacher fled to the airport the next morning instead of reporting to the police station as my employer had requested. Then the school was in trouble with the parents for many weeks as this was witnessed and talked about in the community.
Parents were scared to send their children to the school in case of more crazy western teachers. This episode gave me an insight into how many koreans view medical unspoken off illnesses foreigners have that they never have been told about

[Mi Yum mi]

It's none of their business. Don't tell anyone.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Will it ever effect your teaching in any way? Might you at some point have to stop your lesson briefly to drink some juice? Might you have to stop what you're doing to test your blood sugar level? Have you ever had an insulin attack?

I'd be careful, as some Korean employers might not be very understanding if anything like that happened. You should also know that some Korean food that doesn't taste very sweet has a surprising amount of sugar in it.

[Dazed and Confused]

[quote="cbclark4"]I am being treated for Type 2 Diabetes, Arthritis, Hypo-Thyroidism,
Barrett's Esophagus, Acid Reflux, and Cholesteral. I answered all the
quetions on the medical statement honestly and completely. I get my
meds from stateside sources though. [size=24]The National health plan does not
cover pre-existing conditions.[/size]
No one has mentioned any problems and I just re-signed for another year
at the same school.[/quote]


Are you sure about this? I have a genetic disease, migrains, girlie problems, IBS, and depression/anxiety episodes. All are pre-existing conditions before arriving upon the shores of ROK. I've never, ever had problems getting treated and everything that is normally covered by insurance has been covered by it.

[Fishead soup]

It should be illegal to fire someone based on any ailment including HIV

[nicholas_chiasson]

-it should be illegal to sue a guy cause he knocked over a glass while having a seizure.

[blonde researcher]

In Korea all smaller matters such as traffic accidents, injuries, damage etc never get to court, they are settled by negotiaton -read 'heated argument' and a cost is agreed upon that is paid over to stop further expensive suing. The innocent Korean standing in the wrong place who got the glass smashing on his face was paid out by the director so it did not go further.