Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mojogrrl]

Is there anyone teaching abroad right now who is taking medication for a mood disorder (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.), who is successfully teaching abroad? If so, what were some obstacles you faced in finding employment/health care/health insurance?

I have depression and I'm taking meds, but I've been in remission for years. Right now I would love to teach in S. Korea since I have a lot of tutoring experience in English, but I fear that I'll be rejected, or will have to pay out the wazoo for meds.

Any advice?

[mistermasan]

teach.

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

If you think you are capable of adjusting to the different surroundings, work environment, students, language, culture and food without it negatively affecting your mental health, I say go ahead. The main thing is to just be prepared for a lot of challenges and differences, and have plans to deal with any problems if they occur.

All the prescription medication available in the West are available here. Probably the best place to get prescription medication here if you need it is a 내과 'naegwa' clinic, they treat internal medical afflications but are essentially walk-in clinics. Medication here seems reasonably priced and is probably cheaper than what you have to pay in the West.

Koreans are still a little funny and old-fashioned when it comes to mood disorders and mental illness, though I do believe people's attitudes are slowly changing. Though, I wouldn't disclose the information unless required to do so as some people will treat you differently and it could affect your job prospects if you disclose too much to too many.

[skconqueror]

Stay home, or your depression wont be in remission for long

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Expect to go through a lot of ups and downs the first year. It's quite common for teachers to go through a honeymoon phase for three months or so - everything's new and exciting and interesting. Then somewhere between 3 and 6 months comes feelings of homesickness or boredom or coming to the realisation of what Koreans really think of you as a foreigner. Korea can also be a bad place to be if you're trying to avoid drinking.

[Join Me]

Also, come prepared to be part entertainer too. Some people don't like that part of the job, but it is part of the job. Koreans tend to stereotype white people as being all happy and excited and some employers expect it. Not all are like this, but some will give you are hard time if you are not a high energy type or can't at least play the part. You should be prepared for this. Instructors who can entertain kids and keep them laughing generally experience a lot less stress from the management. I have no idea what you are like in remission, but I think everyone that comes here regardless of their history should know this.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Most teachers here have to deal with a good deal of social isolation (because of difficulties with the language, being the only foreigner at their job and/or working weird hours at a hakwon). If your disorder makes dealing with isolation a problem, you may not want to come here. And as someone else mentioned, alcohol plays an inordinately big part of social life here for most people.

This factors should be considered in making your decision.

[Insidejohnmalkovich]

Crazy people should not teach children. You won't be able to handle the stress.

[esetters21]

[The Hierophant]

I'm bipolar, with intense manic highs and crushing depressive lows. I survived my year in Korea. The highs made it easier to be a clown for the hagwon kids and whenever I was in a depression I just flew on autopilot all day and then retreated to my apartment at night.

If you have a mood disorder then life is pretty much hell wherever you are. You might as well give Korea a go if you're up for the challenge.

[bacasper]

Meds here are cheap with the insurance that comes with your job, and all the doctors have studied medicine in English so language won't be a problem there. Just hook up with a good psychiatrist and therapist soon after you get here. That ought to be sufficent support to get you through your time here UNLESS your depressions have required hospitalization or you have made serious suicide attempts (not mere gestures). In the latter case, I'd recommend NOT coming to Korea as the cultural differences may make for suboptimal in-patient treatment.

And, of course, I would NEVER tell you to lie about your condition on your medical check as it might disqualify you.

Best of luck.

[matthews_world]

[mojogrrl]

[mojogrrl]

[pidgin]