Korean Job Discussion Forums

[anners]

Hi,
I am starting my research on Teaching English in Korea for February 2011. In process of reading the requirement to teach in this country, I noticed that they do a blood test when you arrive in the country.
My specific question lies in the TB test they perform. All my life when I have gotten a blood test I always test positive for TB. After the TB initial positive test the doctors schedules a chest x-rays and they always come back clear. It has something to do with being vaccinated as a toddler when I first moved to the United States.
Will this be an issue when I arrive to Korea? Will Korean doctors perform a chest x-ray before making their decision? Will a letter from my current doctor explaining my TB situation help with clearing myself to teach in Korea?
Thanks for all the input.

[fugitive chicken]

they do a chest x-ray during the medical exam

[Skippy]

You should prepare for that. Get some medical notes signed by some official that explains your condition. If your lucky you may not need it but it might come up and you do not want to be retested and tested again and try and fight and explain.

[Xylox]

My sister was tested positive for TB when she was getting her health check to teach in Canada, they did the x-ray and she was fine. I'm pretty sure I would test positive also, and I got into korea without issues.

[anners]

Thanks for all the replies.

When I start the application process either through a recruiter or directly to a facility should I state that I have TB, but the chest x-rays come back negative? Or should I not mention it?

[anners]

[Skippy]

It depends upon the doctor and the immigration official you are dealing with.

Doctor might understand and mark down negative (in conjunction with the X-Ray). Other will just mark postive and go one.

Same with officials. Some will be logical and understanding or can be made to understand. While others will be pedantic bureaucratic ........ and give no way.

So Plan for the worst. Hope for the best.

Get your paperwork. That explains you condition. Get a second opinion too, if money and time is possible.

Be prepared to be kicked out. Have some cash on hand if you are to be deported. It sucks to not have any money and find yourself stuck in a foreign country.

One slightly silly idea. Is many consulate in countries have an official hospital in which the process health check for visas. Ask the closest Korean consulate which hospital they use for visa. Maybe you can do your health check before you leave your country. It might be better to be refused before you spent thousands on a plane ticket.

[anners]

[Skippy]

As I said it is silly. It might not even work or be applicable. Still Good Luck.