Korean Job Discussion Forums

sojourner1

EPIK requested today that I include a drug test as a part of my medical exam to get the job that starts in late February.

This has nothing to do with the required test after arrival on the new E-2 in applying for an ARC.

Looking at the new 2008 medical exam form, where can you find a hospital that can do it? I am having difficulty with this after trying in Changwon.

Changwon is a city of 500,000 people on the southern coast in the opposite side of the country that Seoul is located in. I really don't want to go on an expensive wild goose chase up to Seoul next week.

Is this a huge barrier presented by the government telling me I should just make a concession and move on to another country or back home? The new policies that went into effect yesterday present huge hurdles. I explained to my Korean friend today to expect plummeting numbers of foreign teachers in 2008 due to such difficulties the justice ministry is placing on us. He said he didn't read anything in Korean news about these new E-2 visa laws, how they are too effect the English teaching industry, and the issue with Korean hospitals not being equipped for drug testing while it is demanded of foreigners as of yesterday. He didn't know what illegal drugs and testing were as this is just not a Korean thing.

sojourner1 · Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:51 pm Post subject:

Bump.

No on Daves knows? I thought if I were being asked to drug test in Korea to apply for EPIK, others of you would also be seeking drug test right now to complete your medical exam in obtaining your EPIK '08 public school job.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

My understanding is that theres a self-assessment form (someone posted it up here on another thread) that you submit to get your visa approval.

No AIDS -- check.
Not on drugs -- check.
Aint nuts -- check.

Then before you get your ARC you have to go to a govt-designated hospital here in Korea for testing. Blood & urine, I'd guess. Problem is, they havent designated any hospitals yet.

But you knew that. I think your recruiter / would-be employer doesnt know whats actually required. Tell them to look into it more & get back to you.