Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ni(c)k]

Hey guys,

I was initially supposed to start teaching this past September but unfortunately had to back out for reasons I won't get into. But what the application process made me realize was that, obviously, Korea and it seems Asia in general isn't very accomodating for those with mental illness.

What I'm wondering is if anyone knows what kind of TEFL opportunities are available that would be more accommodating to my situation.

Appreciate replies
Thanks

[samcheokguy]

dude if you're not insane before Korea...you will be after a year.

[Thedudeabides]

so you're bipolar? You can find a school that will accept you, but the police will lock you up as soon as you arrive. Good luck!

[ni(c)k]

I'm more going for countries with TEFL opportunities that don't discriminate based on genetics. Theoretically I could still go to Korea, but I don't think I want to.

[VanIslander]

"My name is Nick."
"No it's Nik."
"My name is NICK"
"No, my name is NIK."
"MY NAME IS NICK I SAY!"
"NO IT ISN'T. MY NAME IS NIK!!

(go work in a hagwon.)

[Thedudeabides]

I was just kidding. As long as the condition doesn't affect your work, just don't tell them. It's none of their business anyway.

[livinginkunsan]

STAY HOME..

It will be 10x worse here than back home.

[ED209]

If your illness is short term then I'd wait until the doctor gives the all clear. I wouldn't recommend working at a hagwon as chance are you will quickly become overworked and stressed. Even public school can this. Be very picky about what kind of school you want to work at. What is more likely to drive you loopy a job in the sticks where it is nice and quiet but you no friends or a job in the city where people spit around your feet and push you aside to get on the bus?

A problem you may also face here along with the stigma of MI is a shortage of medical supplies. Doctors are businessmen here and will try to get you to come back every week for a prescription.

If you do still decide to come make sure you have enough money to escape should the dream turn into a nightmare.

[VanIslander]

hide it and live with it, koreans will put up with it, thinking you're just another wacky waygook

work for a small hagwon that paid airfare and recruiter to get you and they'll pay you to work at least 3-6 months before firing you if you at least can dress in a suit and tie, not yell at or hit the students and speak English well

the bar is really low here: even with problems you can jump over it

do it!

[crusher_of_heads]

Look at the moral quality of most hogwan owners, and chains such as Wonderland and SLP; don't let anybody look down at you, when there are such pieces of crap and that nutjob Lee.

Best of luck to you, come on over.

[NoExplode]

keep posting here though so we can read about it when you stab your boss.

[VanIslander]

[semi-fly]

[bacasper]

It would depend on your diagnosis and how well controlled your condition is. If you are stabilized on a medication regimen AND remain compliant AND are monitored by a competent psychiatrist, you should be clinically OK.

Nevertheless, if you tell your employer he still may not hire you. Since some here have reported their schools finding out about their medical treatment, you may want to pay your shrink out of pocket rather than through the health insurance.

[ni(c)k]

I appreciate all of the replies, there is some good advice. I feel like I understand the situation I would be facing in Korea, I did a lot of research into it and was actually weeks away from going.

I'd probably benefit from doing some of my own searching, but do any of you know of other countries where mental illness is straight up not an issue? My biggest worry is proper access to medication and a qualified psychiatrist.