Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sweetleaf]

Hello, everyone. I'm new here. I've poked around and this seems like the right forum to post this in. I apologize if it's not.

I want to teach abroad. I have a degree (B.A., digital media) and I'm working on a TEFL certificate, which I'm nearly done with. The problem is that after I began working on it, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have to take medication for it.

I'm as competent as the next person, but I'm worried about how this affects my prospects for finding a job. My best friend is currently teaching in South Korea, and I was hoping to join her. I found an older thread about this on here but it didn't have much information about it beyond a recruiter being unwilling to deal with the person in question. I haven't found any other information on whether or not it is possible for me to teach in South Korea. My friend has told me that there are teachers there who take medication for depression, but depression and bipolar are two different things.

I also need to know if it's even possible to get Geodon there. I believe I have to contact the consulate and ask them, but I'm wondering if there are any people on this board who have successfully taught in Korea after being diagnosed with bipolar, how they went about it, which medications they had access to, and which recruiter they went through.

[BoholDiver]

If someone has an illness that doesn't interfere with working, it is best not to tell. People here are not understanding, and will use it as an excuse to look down on someone.

[sweetleaf]

From what I understand, I'm required to disclose it on a form I fill out for the Korean government. I'm worried I may be denied a visa because of it.

Edit: Also, BoholDiver, that's true of anywhere, even places where people like to think they're more open-minded than that.

[ttompatz]

[sweetleaf]

Thank you for being so honest, ttompatz. I certainly won't be committing visa fraud.

Would it even be possible for me to simply visit my friend, or is that completely out of the question as well?

Where else might I be able to teach ESL?

[Steve_Rogers2008]

Bipolar disorder, or Manic-Depressive, as it used to be called, requires regular monitoring by at minimum, three people... the Shrink who prescribes, the nurse-practitioner who actually juggles the meds, and a therapist or socialworker who holds the hand...

Add on that all the stresses of making a major adjustment to an entirely new culture that is not well known for being touchy-feely to the foreigners among us, and it's not a rosey picture. You really should diesuss this with your 'treatment team' and not being looking for a blank-rubber stamping of your plan from people not qualified to offer an opinion.

[sweetleaf]

Steve, I've already discussed this with my psychiatrist. I'm not asking for psychiatric opinion here, I'm asking about visa denial and the reality of the availability of medication.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[ttompatz]

[oldfatfarang]

OP, I hope you take this advice in the spirit it is given.
Sorry, coming to Korea is not a good idea for you. Plenty of people come here and slip into depression for a number of reasons: social isolation, linquistic isolation, Korean xenophobia (and shyness), homesickness, lonliness, and just the sheer stress of living away from home in a culture that has very few similarities to western culture.

Further, Korea has different cultural norms: lying is OK here and widespread, cheating employees on wages/conditions etc is common place, and this is a hierarchical society that only recognises master/servant workplace relationships. All these variables (and a lot more) can make for a very stressful year for the average 'normal' person. Ask yourself, are you able to fight for your wages every month? Can you adjust to working in an environment where Western planning and logical thinking are non existant (or different than our cultural norms)?

Given that you've been diagnosed with bi-polar, you can expect to have a very rough time in Korea. Be aware that mental health problems/disorders are considered a discrace in Korea - and no school will employ you if you tell them about your condition. Also, be aware that if you have a manic episode, you will definitely not find treatment and support comparable to any western health system. Also, your employer will not be sympathetic to your condition, and will likely fire and disown you - not pay your wages - and then shunt you onto a plane.

For your own sake, please do not come to Korea.

I'm sure that you can find teaching work in another country. Bangkok has excellent western medical facilities. However, medical treatment for foreigners (falangs) is not cheap - and sadly, I can't give you any advice on psychiatric services there. You could make an inquiry on www.ajarn.com (thai teachers' website).

Good luck.

[NM14456]

[NM14456]

[languistic]

The is also the chance that the meds (I don't know a thing about what you are taking or how it looks on a tox screen, but still) may give an anomalous reading on the physical exam (urine test/blood test). This would also expose you if you fail to disclose the info on your application.

[kardisa]

PM sent.

[PatrickGHBusan]

OP,

Considering what you said, Korea is not an option or you.

Asian in general offers other options but I would seriously consider the implications of putting yourself in such a potentially stressful situation with your condition.

The condition you have requires meds and monitoring. You should at the very least make sure you have access to this in the country you wish to work in. Access meaning in your native language and with people who have the training to help you if need be.