Korean Job Discussion Forums

[strider7]

Hello, everyone. I'm a recent college grad looking to break into the TEFL market via Korea. By now, I've researched a fair amount on everything which this entails, and I know I have a fair number of obstacles to overcome. None of these obstacles concerns me more, however, than the fact that I have some rather deep and rather obvious self-injury scars on my upper left arm. It would be extremely difficult, even ridiculous, for me to attempt to explain these away by way of a sketchy cover story; it is pretty obvious they're self-inflicted.

I was initially going to sign up with Chungdahm, but I was so sure I'd end up failing the health exam due to my scars that I decided I'd save myself the ~$2,000. I don't know how much you guys know about Chungdahm, but they actually make potential employees pay their own airfare upfront; if these potentials end up failing training, Chungdahm doesn't reimburse them for airfare at all. Overall, they seem like a pretty shady group.

But if, say, I were to go over to Korea with an employer that pays the whole package upfront (airfare + housing), do you think my chances of passing the health exam would be better? If a potential employee under such a contract fails the health exam, do the seemingly generous companies turn around and ask for their airfare back? Anyway, my thinking was that, having already invested in me by paying airfare and housing, these schools could someway pull some strings for me at the health examiner's. They wouldn't want to lose someone they've already invested in, after all; whereas a company like Chungdahm, which loses virtually nothing when a potential employee fails training or the health exam, wouldn't care if he/she were sent back home.

I can think of no other strategy save actually getting a few tattoos over the areas where I have the scarring. I'm not sure how effective this would be in actually hoodwinking experienced health professionals, but from what I've heard they don't look specifically for SI scars.

What does everyone think? I would appreciate the advice. I'm signed up for a CELTA course in September, and I'm trying to decide if I should go through with it, as it's pretty pricey.

[hogwonguy1979]

well I'll beat somebody to the punch here, somebody can clarify what I say.

1) Lie on your E2 health statement about mental health issues saying you haven't had any mental health issues. Somehow immig finds out you lied, you get deported, fined and may have repay your airfare over plus airfare back. Plus you likely won't be able to come back into Korea.

2) Tell the truth on the E2 health form and no way you get a visa Korea. Koreans have a backassward view towards depression etc. Think ttomplatz will tell you in this case you can find a job in a number of other countries where you won't be asked these questions

3) Lie, come and the odds are if immig doesn't catch you in the lie you should be fine if you keep the scars covered at school. The health check will not pick that up, they do a chest x-ray and I bet the technician won't speak much English and likely wont ask, if they do bs something

Given your history though I would highly advise not coming to Korea. It is a very stressful and old issues could come back and the level of mental health services is nowhere near what you will find in the US if something comes up. Decent pysch help for meds and some therapy is available but very expensive as NHIC doesn't cover psychotherapy.

there you go

[PRagic]

I don't think they test for scars on the health exam. Get your docs in order, hit up a bunch of recruiters, and go for it.

[strider7]

[CentralCali]

[CentralCali]

[hogwonguy1979]

[strider7]

[ttompatz]

Just my 20 won worth of free opinion (and I make no judgements about your past).

Mental health issues and Asia (not just Korea) do NOT mix - full stop.

hogwonguy1979 outlined the 3 potential scenarios you would face in Korea.
Be honest = no visa.

Lie and you take your chances:
- you might be lucky and have a great year or 3,

-you might be discovered and the *beep* will hit the fan for visa fraud (lying on government documents is never a good idea).

Discovery might not be from the medical exam.
Perhaps a co-worker sees and says something.
Perhaps a consort learns and talks.
Perhaps it becomes an issue for other reasons.
You will ALWAYS be faced with looking over your shoulder.

As a foreigner in Asia you will ALWAYS be under the microscope.

If you have a degree and a CELTA then there will always be work in China (but again you will be faced with a medical exam and the same other issues that you will face in Korea) but there is money to be made.

Japan is another option but the start-up costs are something you will have to deal with.

Cambodia and Laos are pretty much open and loose but not sure how much longer they will stay that way with AEC coming into force at the end of this year.

Vietnam can be pretty loose but if you want the proper paperwork the issues are the same as Korea.
Thailand is still pretty easy and the medical exam is not very extensive but the pay isn't very good for entry level jobs.

If you are American then MEXICO is a viable option for someone with a degree and CELTA. The money is not bad and it is close to home should the need arise.

Dealing with your mental health is another matter you need to consider.

In ASIA mental health help is NOT always readily available, is often marginal, is always expensive (and usually needs to be paid in advance of treatment) and there is no shortage of footnotes about foreigners (including EFL teachers) doing nosedives off of their balconies.

IF you are prepared to gamble $5k+ on your adventure then give it a go.
If you don't have the $5k to gamble then you may want to re-think your plan.

.

[CentralCali]

[northway]

[northway]

[strider7]

[Weigookin74]