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"Do you have any tattoos" in the contract!
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Samapi



Joined: 07 Jul 2010
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 1:41 am    Post subject: "Do you have any tattoos" in the contract! Reply with quote
All right, guys?

I would have used the search function, but it's not been work for me lately.

Basically, I know tattoos are pretty taboo in Asia (particularly on foreigners) and tattoos haven't been brought up at all, until now. I've just received my contract, and there's a question:
Quote:
7. Do you have any tattoos on your body? Yes No
If yes, please specify


The answer is 'yes' (otherwise this wouldn't be a problem!) and although it isn't obvious, it is in a place that is easily covered (upper right arm) and it's not an offensive tattoo, could it still pose a problem even if this is the contract for the job?

It is quite big, from my shoulder to about 3/ 4 inches above my elbow and I have pretty big arms.

The position is in an elementary school...
Thanks in advance!
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ttompatz



Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 2:01 am    Post subject: Re: "Do you have any tattoos" in the contract! Reply with quote
Samapi wrote:
All right, guys?

I would have used the search function, but it's not been work for me lately.

Basically, I know tattoos are pretty taboo in Asia (particularly on foreigners) and tattoos haven't been brought up at all, until now. I've just received my contract, and there's a question:
Quote:
7. Do you have any tattoos on your body? Yes No
If yes, please specify


The answer is 'yes' (otherwise this wouldn't be a problem!) and although it isn't obvious, it is in a place that is easily covered (upper right arm) and it's not an offensive tattoo, could it still pose a problem even if this is the contract for the job?

It is quite big, from my shoulder to about 3/ 4 inches above my elbow and I have pretty big arms.

The position is in an elementary school...
Thanks in advance!


I have NEVER seen a clause like that in an employment contract - especially one for a Public school.

That means one of 2 things:

1) it is in the application section of a PS employment package (not part of the contract) answer "no" and don't worry about it.

2) it is NOT an elementary school but a hagwon teaching elementary aged students. CAVEAT EMPTOR. If this is in the contract I would be very careful about other "clauses" that are non-standard in said contract.

.
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Samapi



Joined: 07 Jul 2010
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 2:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thank you for the reply!

It's through GEPIK and I am confident it is for a ele school (given the working hours 9-5 mon-fri) and the requirement to be at school during winter and summer vacations. So, am I safe to assume that it is just part of the package and to just write 'no', sign it as being true and to think nothing of it?

EDIT: It's actually attached to the contract on a self-assessment health report. However, it does state that "upon arrival in Korea, you are then required to undergo a formal medical check at an
approved public hospital or clinic center and provide the result to the nearest Korean Immigration Office as
part of your ARC (Alien Registration Card) application within 90 days."

If I have to have a medical when I'm over there, aren't they going to see a tattoo on my arm?
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Taiwantroll



Joined: 10 Sep 2006
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Not necessarily. And at that point it wouldn't matter.

Just say no. I did.
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Richard Krainium



Joined: 12 Jan 2006
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Taiwantroll wrote:
Not necessarily. And at that point it wouldn't matter.

Just say no. I did.

If it becomes an issue, tell them you got the tattoo after you signed the contract. Wink
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PigeonFart



Joined: 27 Apr 2006
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
What a stupid clause.
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Samapi



Joined: 07 Jul 2010
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks guys!

Yeah it's not even part of the contract, just part of the medical form attached to it.

Taiwantroll, did they ever find out you had a tattoo? What happened?

I'm considering that, if I just tell the truth, I'd put something like this:
"Yes. It is a tasteful tattoo by a reputable tattoo artist and is easily covered when by a short sleeve shirt."
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tokkibunni8



Joined: 13 Nov 2009
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
When I first came, I, too was afraid that my tattoos will effect my employment status, but 3+ years and it has never been an issue with my school, students or parents. My entire left arm, from upper to wrist is tatted.

Reactions will vary from school to school. If you click with the teachers at your school, it shouldn't be a problem. If they like you, they will like you.
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PatrickGHBusan



Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Location: Busan (1997-2008) Canada 2008 -
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
That is a dumb clause.

Answer no. If it comes up after you arrive, deal with it then.


As far as work is concerned, your best bet is to cover it up while teaching.
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Samapi



Joined: 07 Jul 2010
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
PatrickGHBusan wrote:
That is a dumb clause.

Answer no. If it comes up after you arrive, deal with it then.


As far as work is concerned, your best bet is to cover it up while teaching.


Could they fire/ deport me after finding out that I have one after I said I didn't?
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tokkibunni8



Joined: 13 Nov 2009
PostPosted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 5:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Samapi wrote:
PatrickGHBusan wrote:
That is a dumb clause.

Answer no. If it comes up after you arrive, deal with it then.


As far as work is concerned, your best bet is to cover it up while teaching.


Could they fire/ deport me after finding out that I have one after I said I didn't?


If they don't like you, they will find a reason to fire you. Keep it covered for the first month or two. Get to know the teachers first. Try to get on their good side Smile

I, too, had to answer that and was completely honest. However, when I did my interview, it was never brought up. I ca