Korean Job Discussion Forums

ChrisHannah · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Location: Daegu

I was wondering what you guys know about the visa/job process if you have a pre-existing condition. I have a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on the nerves in my body. There is no way to predict when or where they will grow, or to what severity. Some people with this disorder grow many, others none. Currently, I have no tumors growing, take no medication, and am quite fit. While there is nothing wrong with me, there's simply the possibility that something might go wrong in the future. My disorder has never affected my ability to work or perform, nor will I let it affect me in Korea.

My father thinks I should tell the schools before getting hired. However, I'm afraid they won't hire me. But, I also heard that if you lie about a pre-existing condition and have to take time off of work as a result of it, your health bills won't be covered and your school can fire you.

I'm thinking of risking it and not mentioning my condition during my health exam. What do you all think?

xingyiman · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

andrewchon · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 5:16 pm Post subject:

Is it contagious? If not, no problem.

Will you look unsightly when the tumours sprout? If so, you might get fired.

What sort of treatment is required? Expensive? Long time? Life threatening?

blackjack · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: anyang

If you come do not tell the school, repeat do not tell the school.

Would it stand out on a standard health check? x ray, standard blood test, piss test?

Worse comes to worse how quickly will you need treatment? remember in most cases health insurance here covers half of your medical bill.

ChrisHannah · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Location: Daegu

No, a genetic disorder is not contagious, so mine is not. I do not look like I have my medical disorder, in fact, I look like nothing is wrong with me whatsoever.

Someone would only know that I had a tumor if it grew someplace visible. This could happen, but I don't think so. The treatment is for a doctor to remove the tumor, a rather quick and painless procedure. I've never been hospitalized as a result of my disorder.

ChrisHannah · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Location: Daegu

there is no way they can tell I have my disorder from my blood or urine.

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Lie. Lie through your teeth. No disrespect intended, but your father is really wrong on this point. Korea is not a place for principled honesty, because you will inevitably become the victim of any honesty here (I'm a very honest person, but every time I've been honest here it's bitten me in the bum.) You soon realise that everyone lies in this country, it's how things work here, all part of the culture.

In Korea it's most definitely the case of what they don't see won't hurt 'em. If you do come clean, the probability is that you will be unfairly discriminated against. There is no reason on Earth you can't take a teaching job, so ethically, there is no reason to tell anyone about that condition.

If you tell them about the condition, they are going to overreact and you will lose an opportunity that you deserve and are fully capable of undertaking.

One thing I would say is make sure you are fully medically insured over here in the unlikely event of an emergency, and don't have any operations here if something pops up, go back to the States.

andrewchon · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:36 pm Post subject:

Then, don't talk about it. It's not worth the bother. Hiding baldness would be a worse social disgrace than that in Korea.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 7:48 pm Post subject:

Ahhhh... the K-kombover (dyed black)... like no one will notice. Sometimes I just want to reach out and give it a pull - ajoshie's head would be akin to the flywheel on a 3HP Briggs & Stratton.

Zaria32 · Joined: 04 Dec 2007

I agree with Hugekebob...honesty about things of this nature simply doesn't pay in Korea. I also sent you a PM.

ChrisHannah · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Location: Daegu

I really appreciate all of the responses. This is my last little hump to overcome before I accept a position. I had an interview with a school yesterday and hope to talk to another early next week. I'm almost certain I'll lie about having my disorder, I really have no other choice.

If there is anyone who has been in my position, or a similar one, I'd really like to hear what you did and what you would suggest I do.

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Yup, best to just tell a white lie. Once you do decide to lie, commit to it, don't give out half truths etc. Just lie like a politician, full faced, no holes barred. Works a treat here.

My new workplace is full on Christian and yup, I've had to lie about being religious. Just all part of the game here. Works brilliantly.

ChrisHannah · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Location: Daegu

Thanks Zaria32 for your message, but since I'm new to this message board, it won't let me respond to your message privately. I had a nice message typed up, but it's all lost now. Thanks again for your encouragement, and good luck.

sketcha · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Location: Seoul, South Korea

best is not to lie (mostly for the sake of your own soul)

BUT ~ I dont think you have to tell them anything ... since you dont have that tumour right now, then it can be said that you dont have that problem,disease, whatever it is

so I think you can honestly say there is nothing wrong with you right now

but do prepare for worst case scenario ... dont expect it, but just have a plan ready just in case you might have to go to the doctor/hospital, or maybe plastic surgeon to remove the tumour if it is visible

fredo39 · Joined: 03 Sep 2009 Location: USA

For further reference, please read a comment thread I started a couple days ago - "I have a health condition. Can I obtain a visa?"
I'm on the same boat as you. Pretty frustrating, huh? Stubborn goat that I am, I remain convinced there is a way around this problem.
The medical "self evaluation" form I downloaded from the internet asked if the applicant has had a "serious illness" anytime within the previous five years. (It's been three years since I had a Crohn's flare-up. Does that mean - if I go another two years with no flare-ups, I can answer 'no' to that question? Probably not...)
As with your thread, I have seen a variety of advice on this subject, ranging from "tell the truth and hope for the best" to "lie through your teeth."
A recruiting company representative told me there is no way her compan can help me (so, I learned something today. Seek your "hypothetical" advice from someone who will play no role in hiring you. That lady was kind, and she gave me good follow-up information about my questions, but that well is now poisoned as far as getting a job.)
She said employers don't want to hire a person with a condiion because of sick day concerns. She said the Korean government can also denya visa because of a condition.
I still remain somewhat unsure - does the employer have to find out the information that is on the self-reporting form? I'm less worried about the "health test." Apparently, it is not too extensive. Stay off the dope (they test for drugs,) and that' half the battle. No problem. If you're doing drugs, they've got good reason to keep you out.
One of the big problems with the advice I've received on this site is that many people have been in Korea for years and are unfamiliar with the most current visa requirements. I keep hearing that visa requirements have become a lot stricter within the past few years, due to negative publicity about the teachers and a glut of teaching applicants.
Come here for tips, but keep in mind that you (and I as well) may be better served by asking information from someone at the consulate, or someone who works in immigration law.
If you manage to overcome this and you get in Korea successfully, would you mind shooting me an e-mail? I am watching this issue intently. My e-mail is [email protected]. Thanks!