Korean Job Discussion Forums

[proudman]

I'd appreciate any input and feedback that anyone can offer up on this topic. I was recently awarded a position with the SMOE for this coming school year, but quickly lost it because I wanted to be clear about any potential issues.

I had an ICD (implantable cardio defibrillator) implanted a few years ago as a precautionary move due to familial history of heart problems. It was not essential to have the surgery, and was mainly done to appease my mother. I am otherwise in excellent shape, very athletic, and workout five days a week.

After receiving the contract from SMOE, I called my recruiter to discuss section 9 of the addendum that pertains to disclosing of all surgeries to the doctor during the medical check upon arrival. I did my best to thoroughly explain what the device was, and the fact that it was done as a preventative move.

Long story short, my job offer had been withdrawn after sharing this info with the SMOE. The only explanation that I got was that the SMOE will not hire anyone that has had any kind of surgery that involves the heart. I told my recruiter that I am confident that I am probably in better physical shape and condition that most of the teachers in Seoul. But there is nothing they could do.

Did I shoot myself in the foot by sharing this information with my recruiter? I was afraid of going to Seoul, and having them send me home after the medical check, and I'd be out the cost of two one way plane tickets.

My recruiter suggested that I look for opportunities with GEPIK and EPIK. Should I share this information with them? I'm very disappointed that I am in the situation that I am in now, and am just looking for some guidance. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how I should proceed. I think there might continue to be a misunderstanding due to the language barrier.

I apologize for the long post. But I'd be willing to bet that this is not a common issue among prospective ESL teachers.

[sketcha]

my opinion ~

yes, you explained yourself out of the job ... or rather, I dont think the recruiter know exactly what it is, they just hear 'surgery, heart' = big no no

or if they know what it is and that it is harmless and it's nothing to worry about, they rather not take the chance still

if it is required (that you tell of any surgery you have had) I would advise telling but not go too much into detail

if you do have to explain, I would just state ~
I had an ICD implanted done to appease my mother

I would also put more attention to extracurricular activities (working out, exercising, being in good condition, etc) on the resume and interview - kinda hint that you are in an excellent shape

there are a lot of opportunities to work in Seoul/Korea, dont let this get you down
try other recruiters, EPIK, or just go straight to the hagwons (if you're looking for hagwon positions)

best of luck

[okayden223]

Honestly man...if this implant is legitimately not effecting your life and you really have no reason to believe you'll have cardiac complications in Korea, then I wouldn't mention it. I think there are many members of this forum and many ESL teachers who don't use eslcafe at all that may have answered untruthfully on the health assessment when asked if they had ever used any illegal drugs. That's just my guess. I mean the bulk of ESL teachers in Korea are, after all, Americans and Canadians. So I don't really think it's a stretch to guess that many have intentionally marked the wrong box on that one.

[proudman]

Hey! I appreciate the input. I was worried for when I got to Seoul and did a medical check. I assume that they will have you remove your shirt...correct? Obviously the doctor would see it, and more than likely have some questions and concerns. Even though I'm in great shape, seeing something that looks like an ipod nano in your upper chest is going to raise some questions. And I was trying to make sure it was out in the open prior to buying a plane ticket to korea, and then being forced to buy another one back to the states, in the event that the defibrillator would not be acceptable to the SMOE.

In your experiences, weren't you required to take your shirt off during the medical check? In my next opportunity, assuming I don't mention it, how should I handle if I am confronted by a doctor or school representative about my situation?

Again, thank you for your input.

[okayden223]

I don't remember removing my shirt...my medical test consisted of me giving a urine sample and a finger *beep* blood test. I don't remember doing anything else. If it's really noticeable when you are shirtless then you need to consider that many develop bronchial problems at one point or another because of the air quality. If you end up needing to see the doctor for that then they may discover it then. I'm not sure what I'd do it your situation.

[okayden223]

haha...I didn't realize p r i c k would be censored.

[the oak llama]

Any kind of prosthesis will show up in a chest X ray, which is something required for the EPIK medical check. Can't speak for SMOE.

[bixlerscott]

They're doing chest x-rays now? I only had blood and urine tests when I came into EPIK about 14 months ago.

[the oak llama]

swat i hear

[Carla]

[D.D.]