Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PepeAntonioAlemanes]

I am looking to teach in South Korea starting in Spring of 2015, but I have recently run into some stumbling blocks regarding health and medication. So here's the deal:

I have had 2 heart valve replacement surgeries in my life, once as a small child, another 3 years ago. I am, and have always been, regarded in good health by my doctors and have never been restricted in any activities, diet, or otherwise. The only thing is that I take blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, not blood thinners) to take the load off of my heart a bit.

I initially had planned on teaching through EPIK, but my recruiter (Korvia) said that my medication will preclude me from being hired by EPIK because there is a stigma against this sort of medication. Upon further research I learned that I should not have disclosed the fact that I take this medication, but I never imagined it would be an issue (it never has been for me anywhere else in the US or in South America).

Anyway, as I would still like to teach in Korea, I am looking at teaching at hagwons. I've heard horror stories but I also have heard of some good ones and I'm willing to take my chances as I've always wanted to spend time teaching in Korea. My main concern, however, is the health check required for the visa.

Do private schools care about medications the same way that EPIK does? I can lie about my medications and my blood pressure is normal, but I can't hide the large scar on my chest, nor can I hide the (medically insignificant) heart murmur that any doctor or nurse would detect in a heartbeat (pun sort-of intended). I have also heard that a chest x-ray is standard, and so obviously evidence of my surgeries would show up there too.

I guess to sum this up into a few questions:

Should I bother trying to teach in Korea at all, hagwon or otherwise? Or will I run into too many problems because of my medical history?

Should I try to apply to EPIK by myself or with another recruiter, simply lying about my medications?

Again, I am in good health (25 years old, regularly do charity runs, play contact sports, in the past 3 years since my last surgery I've gone hiking in the Andes in Bolivia and Peru with no issues, done other jungle treks, etc.) I live with no restrictions and have always done so, and so this entire ordeal is incredibly frustrating to me.

I'm sorry if this has been answered before on the forums, but from my search I couldn't find anything that answers my specific question. Thank you all for any advice you could give this aspiring English teacher!

[ttompatz]

The meds and medical are an immigration issue and not an employer issue as such.

If you answer yes (to medical issues) on your visa application your visa will be declined (just as a visa application by a foreigner applying to work in the US would be - reciprocal treatment).

Your only other option is to commit visa fraud, lie on your visa application and say no to the questions about medical issues. You will probably get the job and the visa. If it is discovered at the (mandatory) medical after your arrival in Korea and issues are raised then you get to deal with them and any potential consequences.

Just remember - Korea isn't the USA - different country, different laws, different rules and you have to play by their rule book - not yours.

.

[PepeAntonioAlemanes]

[Voyager2]

PAA,
I too am interested in this issue, whether or not Korean immigration will deny a visa to an (otherwise healthy) applicant who has had heart valve replacement. As per TP's response below, seems declare and be denied or falsely answer the health questionnaire and try to explain away a chest scar. Please do keep us posted with how you go. Regards,

[beentheredonethat777]