Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pidgin]

[Undercover]

Go to Taiwan and work under the table. Just gotta leave the country every 90 days. You'll have to pay your own medical too.

[i4NI]

Are you safe to be around? No offense

[the oak llama]

for those concerned about passing drug screen with prescription meds in their system...

I worked at a forensic drug lab for a while. We tested blood and urine for suspected DUI cases. The following were "drugs of abuse" that were tested for - though this was for the state of PA...

Benzodiazepines - chlordiazepoxide, diazepam (xanax), nordiazepam, clonazepam (klonipin), oxazepam (valium), lorazepam (ativan), halazepam, flunitrazepam...

Tricyclic Antidepressants - imipramine, desipramine, doxepin, nordoxepine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, cyclobenzaprine (not TCA but showed up as TCA), clomipramine, norclomipramine...I can't remember if clozapine showed up or not, I don't think it did

Diphendyramine - oddly enough

Traditional drugs of abuse: Barbiturates, Opiates, Methadone, Cocaine, THC, Amphetamines (Aderall would show up), Fentanyl, PCP, LSD - you'd have to be an idiot

Ritalin was not on our screen but it easily could have been.

So if they look at your urine theres a much better chance of them finding something in small amounts and then investigating further. We screen first for drug class and then look for the specific drug.

To see it in your blood you would need be taking it regularly (Rx) or currently tossed on it.

Things that aren't terribly interesting or very easily identified would be most prescription antidepression meds: lexapro (citalopram, escitalopram), Wellbutrin, cymbalta, abilify, clozapine, fluoxetine...many I can't think of. SSRIs and NSSRI's (i think that's the right acronym).

If you are concerned about a medication showing up see if they can be considered to fit into any of these classes. If they do, try to get an idea of how long it would take to get out of your system. You could conceivably do this at an independent lab, it would probably be expensive.

If you smoke weed give it a month, two months if you have a lot of body fat.

best of luck.

[the oak llama]

...

[Dazed and Confused]

I have mental illness and I've had no problems here. When asked if I've had "mental illness" on health forms I always check "NO" because I assume they are referring to schizophrena (sp?) or criminally insane behavior. Since my condition is mild and I don't need constant medication I don't worry about it.
I found a great doctor who speaks English well enough to treat me. He does need some translation from time to time when I am having an episode and can't communicate myself, but overall I'm very happy with him. If anyone needs his number please PM.
In any event, if you think about it, alcohol addiction is considered a mental illness. If ability to stay in the country were determined my mental status alone, a large portion of Koreans wouldn't be eligible.

[friendoken]

I taught in Korea for a year and that was plenty for me. My mind is rock solid but Korea tested it many many times. I also knew a few people whom I would consider to be mentally ill in one aspect or another; none of them made it through a contract.

If there is a genetic or psychological issue with your mental ability, and you need medication to help you maintain the norm, Korea should not be on your list of places to teach. IMHO

It's difficult enough on you as it is.