Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nathanrutledge]

Here's the scoop:

My school told me last spring that we all paid for a physical exam every year through the national health insurance and that I should get one. I said thanks and ignored it.

Then they told me a little later, that I had to get a physical for the job every year and that I had to pay for it. I had already renewed, gotten my visa, and been working for 4 months when this came up. Again, I said thanks, okay, and ignored it.

Now, my co teacher is telling me (with less than 4 months remaining) that I need the physical, that the school has paid for it, and if I don't get it, I have to pay a fine.

Anyone have this situation happen with them? I emailed the coordinator and she seemed to not understand the problem (that I don't want the physical, that it's not in the contract that I am required to, that it's none of their business what my health is, outside of the obvious communicable diseases, etc...)

I have a few months left, I don't want to do this. Any thoughts?

[nathanrutledge]

bump

[andrewchon]

nathan:
if you are staying then do the medical.
if you are NOT staying then pay the fine.

[proustme]

Why did you ignore their request twice? A bit unprofessional, aren't you? You have a government position in the education system. Show some modicum of professional/responsibility. However, I suppose this is the way you go about things in your work life...

It's your fault you've waited so long to get a physical, which is required. Yes, it's not in the contract, but every public school NET is requested to get one each year. I got one, I didn't have a problem with it. You go to a health center during school business hours. You get out of teaching for perhaps half of the day.

If you had a problem with the fact that you were requested to get a physical, perhaps you should have voiced your opinion EARLIER rather than ignore it until now.

[nathanrutledge]

Proustme - let me be a bit clearer. The first time they said anything it was a suggestion, that through the insurance, everyone is entitled to a free physical. It wasn't a required thing, it was just a "Hey, so you know, you can do this." I didn't want to do it. I said thanks for telling me, smiled and nodded, and left it at that.

The second time was months later and I emailed the coordinator about it. Receiving no discernible answer (despite 3 emails back and forth regarding the subject), I ignored it. If it's really that important, it would come up again.

Well, now it has come up again, the school wants to fine me, and the coordinator is as useful as *beep* on a boar when I ask about this.

The physical is obviously not required as the teachers around me who have been here more than a year haven't been required to get one. They want me to go on my own personal time and they want me to pay for it.

I do have a problem with this, I did voice my concern to my coteacher and the area coordinator, neither of whom seem to understand the problem.

SO -

The question is: how many GEPIK folks have been REQUIRED to get a physical FOR THE SCHOOL? How many were told they had to do it on their own time and pay for it out of their own pocket? How many people email their coordinator about anything and get a decent answer in a timely manner?

[tokkibunni8]

Yes, it's required. It's not in your contract but the school needs it to renew your national health insurance. They are good for two years. I did one when I first got here and is now due for one again.

[Countrygirl]

I was told to get one last year (School pays the fee) I asked my co-teacher if I was required to do anything before the exam (ie not eat breakfast) and she said, no, I didn't have to do anything. I get to the hospital with my husband and they said that I couldn't do the exam because I had eaten breakfast.

I haven't really found the time to get it done (I meant to but things happen) and the school never bothered to ask. That was 1 1/2 years ago.

Might come again but so far it hasn't.