Korean Job Discussion Forums

[afsjesse]

I posted something similar a couple of years ago, but it turns out that the situation is still relavent. I plan on applying to EPIK next year and I have high blood pressure. Currently, I do not take medication for it, however, that is going to change, as I am determined to lower it. Knowing the way that Korea works, I understand that this is a big blow to any applicant wanting a job.

However, I'm going to take a shot and see what happens. I'm wondering if there are any current EPIK teachers out there who applied with any medical ailments while taking medication? I guess I'm hoping that there are some to up my hopes that I can still be accepted. If you're uncomfortable commenting in the forum, please feel free to PM me.

The last time around I just didn't say that I had high blood pressure, but that will be unavoidable as I will be taking medication soon.

Any thoughts about this or are these fears of being rejected solely based on this one factor unfounded?

[tanklor1]

Why do you want to be in epik. They be plenty of hagwon jobs out there. Outside of that. Don't mention it on the application form.

[afsjesse]

lol.... I did the hagwon gig, I'm almost finished with my MA TESL, I will never work in the private field again; atleast not while being hired from abroad.

[liveinkorea316]

Why do you say that it is "unavoidable" they will find out?

They only know what you tell them. Your medical records a private in Korea. Just lie. Problem solved.

[Caffeinated]

I doubt high blood pressure is a deal-killer like a positive drug test is. The doctor will just say it showed up on your test and see you off.

Not to alarm you but hopefully the medication won't show up as a false positive.

[afsjesse]

Hence the point, i'm worried that if I take a medication that it will show up on the drug test. The thought of not taking any possible medication for a couple of months to get it out of my system is not a good idea, in my opinion. That's why i was wondering.

[Wishmaster]

I would think that working at EPIK would increase your blood pressure further. Why risk your health like that? Have you not read some of the threads about EPIK? Run...run far away.

[afsjesse]

I've worked with EPIK already and know what it entails and how much it depends on your school. It's all how you take it. I'm up for it, trust me.

[Satchel Paige]

[afsjesse]

That's an interesting observation.

[balzor]

Don't mention it. When they test you at orientation, just say that you have "white-coat syndrome" or that you are anxious and excited to be in a new country, blah blah They will tell you to cut your sodium intake and then you can make a funny joke like "Does that mean I can't eat kimchi too?" To which they will say Kimchi is ok, but cut out other salts. My experience btw. Also, while results may vary form person to person, I had hypertension when I got here and was on Beta Blockers. I have been here 2 years and my BP is normal and in healthy range, must to the astonishment of my doctor since im a hefty boy. Better foods, more walking, stress-free lifestyle (compared to my old life) will help your heart

[imoscardotcom]

what kind of meds are you on? I doubt a beta blocker would show up on a drug test....besides, they only stay in the body for about 6 hours....more or less. And sometimes beta blockers are given to actors to prevent stage fright. So you could just casually mention your doc gave you a prescription because you have a fear of flying/were super nervous about coming here....
or you could just not mention it at all. I don't think it's gonna show up on any test though.

[FDNY]

I have high blood pressure. Usually around 130/90 with meds. But it goes higher if I go to a hospital. I think it is called "white coat" blood pressure. Anyway, for my medical test I had a Xanax and metaprolol beforehand and my BP dropped to about 120/80. No probs. And no, they don't check for blood pressure medications. I have absolutely no problems lieing or usings meds to pass tests. haha

[True_Blue]

There is no need to tell them about it. I have high BP and didn't mention it on my application. When I did my visa medical check my BP was 155/100 as I was rather nervous. My co-teacher didn't care and neither did immigration. With meds I got it down to 120/80 and the meds didn't show up in visa medical for my new job.

My advice: Don't mention it.

[shifty]