Korean Job Discussion Forums

seosan08 · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Location: Korea

You should fit right in! Most of the people who post at Dave's are probably running from something, losers or just plain psycho who couldn't cut it back home.

beast · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

What is mental illness? How many Koreans do you know would even admit that they have a mental problem? It's like being a loser, an outcast, a leper. Koreans would just say get over it. Go out and drink some soju and everything will be better in the morning. Imagine a guy in Darfur Africa who just saw his wife raped and his kids' legs cut off and he's complaining about mental problems. Imagine a guy in Palestine who just saw his family die because of a suicide bombing. That guy has a right to say he's mentally ill. North Americans are weak. I am a proud Texan and if anyone came into the family house and said that they are taking Xanax, they would have been kicked to the curb. How can you complain about anything when your problems are so small compared to the real problems of the world. Mental problems are for losers and dead beats. Tell the guy in Darfur to solve his problems with a visit to the shrink and a pocketful of Xanax. Pathetic. Suck it up and be a man.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Op. Please don't be offended by this advice. I hope you take it in the spirit it is given.

If you have any form of mental illness - please don't come to Korea. For your mental well-being and peace of mind. The stress of living in Asia (foreign cultures); teaching children in a 'foreign' language; and daily workplace dealings with Koreans/Asians and their cultures - will only exascerbate your condition. Medication will not alleviate the effects of the social, cultural and linguistic isolation you will experience in Korea.

Further, finding meds and a sympathetic doctor/psychiatrist will be hard. You should also know that the Korean medical system is unlike Western systems - there is a very real chance your doctor will tell your employer (and perhaps immigration) of your condition. And, importantly, you need to know that mental illness is viewed in Korea as 'shameful' and nobody admits to it - and, when your employer finds out about it, they will not view it kindly.

In short, working and living in Korea/Asia is very stressful - and will only exascerbate your condition. Please don't come to Korea.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

My school district's English 'camp' has accommodated many teachers with mental illnesses.

ni(c)k · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Alot of the advice has been great, but what I've been trying to get at is if anyone knows of any countries, basically anywhere in the world, where a mental illness diagnosis would give me no problems, in terms of the application process, and mental health support.

I realize it's kind of a shot in the dark and I'll likely need to do some extensive research, but where better to ask than a forum filled with ESL teachers.

ni(c)k · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Are you asking if there is anywhere in the world where people do not fear mental illness? Where there's no stigma? Surely the answer is no. We all do our best to act and appear sane and normal as much as possible, but obviously there is a lot wrong with a lot of us, diagnosed or not. If you are able to function and do a job I see no problem. Generally in many cultures, especially those as different as westerners find in much of Asia, you can fly under the radar because the difference of being foreign is a kind of explanation for everything you are. Many who appear sane or are else undiagnosed or not medicated flip out living in foreign countries for various reasons. Your condition is probably not as much of an issue as your ability to live overseas, where isolation might be the biggest concern. If you make friends and have a good job, you can have a fine time. Good luck and keep quiet about it.

ni(c)k · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Yeah I knew that was what you were talking about nick. I just felt like going off on a tangent about how people fear the concept of mental illness. It's a bit of a spooky term and not a pleasant experience.

Is there a form now? Whatever. They don't matter. I got prescriptions in Korea before without any ID when I just forgot to bring one.

Rebound · Joined: 04 Nov 2008

You can surely get into Korea by just lying. You can surely get your medications without anyone finding out if you dont live in a small countryside town.

The part I'd be worried about is whether or not you, with your illness, could handle living in Korea. Especially at first. If your diagnosis is that you are completely cured when you take your meds and you are otherwise OK, I dont see any problems.

However, alot of people without mental illness before they get to Korea become depressed and leave before their year is up. Something to keep in mind.

Korea is hard. You might want to consider another country like Taiwan or Japan or even China. It might not be as bad in those places re the stress, depression, etc. And its more likely you can find an adult teaching position in those countries, too. And if you have a TEFL cert, that will help.

the oak llama · Joined: 05 Dec 2008

the oak llama · Joined: 05 Dec 2008