Korean Job Discussion Forums

Texas2Korea · Joined: 12 Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX

I started completing my EPIK application yesterday, but was stuck by the question asking about treatment for depression or anxiety.

After going through a long, drawn out divorce which was caused by infidility on the part of my ex, I started seeing a psychiatrist and was prescribed Lexapro. I provided this information in an email to my recruiter, essentially asking "How should I answer this question?" The honest answer is yes, but there is a wide spectrum of people on anti-depressants/anxiety and I didn't want to run the chance of being viewed as one of the people on the extreme end of the spectrum.

The recruiter called me rather than emailing me back, essentially stating that he didn't want his answer to be in an email. He told me that if I select "Yes" on that question, then I absolutely would not be considered for a position. He explained that this is because EPIK used to accept "Yes" people, but had a few teachers freak out, etc. etc. So, according to my recruiter, they no longer accept anyone who answers yes to this question.

He did not tell me to lie; he simply told me what would happen if I told the truth. (Wink wink and all that)

Fortunately, I have already started talking to my doctor about weaning myself off of Lexapro as I feel like my life has settled down considerably since the time when I initially sought help (December of 2011).

My recruiter also mentioned that this would show up in a drug test (not sure about that considering Lexapro is a non-narcotic, but whatever) so I need to be off of Lexapro no later than three months prior to showing up in Korea.

Has anyone else heard about this policy? I'm sure that it is an unwritten policy, but I am curious.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

As others have stated in the past, the self proclamation form is something of an IQ test. Have you ever done narcotics? Of course not! Have you ever suffered from depression? No way! Your recruiter has that part right.

That said, the three months thing is BS. You might need to cut it a week or so before your medical check, but that's all. Weed stays in your system longer than anything and even that is out within a month. Here's what google tells me about lexapro: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070924115314AAE7qFI.

Zackback · Joined: 05 Nov 2010 Location: Kyungbuk

Perfection is what they seek...anything less is rejected.

nero · Joined: 11 Mar 2009

Okay, first of all recruiters/public schools/immigration don't give a toss whether you are on anti depressants because your dog died, you hate your job or you are stuck in a 'rut.' They simply don't care.
Most countries aren't so liberal with their use of anti depressants as USA. Anti depressants tend to be used for people suffering terrible depression and/or mental illness. Why would Korea want those people here teaching? In their mind you could potentially become a huge liability if you cannot adjust to a new environment.
So yeah, that is their policy and I can understand where they are coming from.

sml7285 · Joined: 26 Apr 2012

Gaegeum2003 · Joined: 08 Jan 2011

Unfortunately, they're not looking for the truth, they're looking for their truth.

Ballerina2012 · Joined: 17 Jan 2012

When did they start testing for anti-d's? I did not think they did..wth.

Gaegeum2003 · Joined: 08 Jan 2011

They don't. But AD can reveal a false positive for benzos.

Ballerina2012 · Joined: 17 Jan 2012

I did not think they tested for Benzos either..

http://www.internationalclinic.co.kr/hsc/HSC_doa.asp

Gaegeum2003 · Joined: 08 Jan 2011

Don't know. Sounds like you already know the answer to your own question.

Ballerina2012 · Joined: 17 Jan 2012

I am sorry I didn't mean it like that. It just seems like they change it everyday! Sorry.. I am leaving Sunday! I can't handle any more changes! lol

plchron · Joined: 26 Feb 2011 Location: Korea

Just lie about that on the application. It is none of their business.

Pablo · Joined: 15 Dec 2011

slothrop · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Psychiatry is still somewhat taboo in Korea.

Medication is also somewhat of a taboo.

Even in a hospital. I had a badly smashed hip and femur and would have killed for a little morphine. I begged for something. They did end up giving me 4 shots of something -- that did little good.

I talked to some of the doctors while I was there the next two weeks. They said that is one of the frequent complaints of foreigners who end up injured and in the hospital --- that they are stingy with the stronger drugs.