Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Scottie Alan]

I'm a newly hired teacher heading off next month to Korea. There is conflicting information on the internet, to say the least, and I was hoping to get as many responses as I can from RECENTLY hired teachers about the drug test for the E-2 visa:

1. On the pre-arrival health from, if you answer "YES" and write marijuana under the narcotics question, does that automatically disqualify you? AND

2. If you tell the truth and they detect marijuana, would that highly go in your favor to not getting deported?

2. Do they test for marijuana or not? I've heard they don't anymore, and I've also heard that many/most hospitals do anyway.

3. If you test positive, at whose discretion is it to deport you? The school or the government?

ANY information about this would be useful. Personal or solid secondhand experience only please.

[banjois]

I think you should definitely check "yes." Also, smoke up in the car on the way to the airport, it'll relax you for the flight.

[mattdsoares]

I'd recommend that you DON'T smoke for at least a month before going. I can't remember if they do urine or blood tests, but either way, if you're clean for a month before getting tested, you should be ok.

I would think this is common sense though...

[Scottie Alan]

Thanks guys. When I take the test, I will have been clean for about a month exactly, but the information on the actual length of time to "clean up" is even more conflicting.

If it's the school's decision whether to deport or not, I'd rather warn them before of a possible positive test to see whether they'd take me anyway- the guy I've been dealing with lived in the US a long time so would be more understanding than your average Korean?

[mattdsoares]

[Scottie Alan]

Pretty good shape, not fat at all, but sometimes heavy smoker.

And if it's not the government's decision, then I find it hard to imagine the school would send me home when I'm going to arrive right at orientation, no? It's not a hagwon, it's a multiple-subject elementary school with a pretty firm deadline they need someone by, I believe.

[banjois]

Um, in case you missed the at the end of my last post, you should do what you have to to clean your system and NOT MENTION YOUR PAST DRUG USE TO ANYBODY IN KOREA! School, government, whatever. They won't look on it kindly. And if they get finicky they can do a follicle test, so, unless you wanna do a full-body wax, ya know, shut yer yap.

[mattdsoares]

[banjois]

Feel free to remove the word "possibly" from that last statement.






I'm beginning to understand why many who've been on this forum for nay length of time get snarky...

[mattdsoares]

[Scottie Alan]

I don't mind "snarky". I just want straight facts from people who might've had relevant experience.

btw, I'm an experienced teacher in 3 foreign countries. Just never one that does (or perhaps doesn't) weed tests for visas.

[banjois]

[Scottie Alan]

That's cool Banjois and this isn't going to turn into a back and forth I hope (you've said your piece), but to all the teachers in Korea waking up thinking "hoo boy!", can we use this thread for what it's NOT for: trying to think up the most "clever?" comment to make someone feel like an ass...the most obvious and first piece of advice is not always the best. That's like taking the first YELP comment you read as gospel.

I want to hear ACTUAL experiences from people who've been through this process IN KOREA.

Do they test for ganj or not? Who gets the results? Who decides? If you test positive is it AUTOMATIC visa denial? Is there anything you can do if you test positive to not get deported? This is my initial ARC application.

I know it supposedly takes one month to clear your system but there's nothing I can do about that but quit, which I've done but I want to go on the worst case scenario that I fail the test.

Looking for some peace of mind. I'd love to hear your no spin stories.

[banjois]

<insert cello theme music from Jaws here>

[nomad-ish]