Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AnnaBreit]

Hi All,
I am looking at teaching in Korea (or anywhere else), but have ADHD and currently take concerta (methylenphendiate). I am mentally and cognitively able to teach (I have a masters degree) but absolutely need to be medicated to be able to function on a professional level, but am fearful that this lovely condition would deny me the opportunity to teach. If I could get some advice on how to navigate this on getting a visa as well as getting medication while abroad this would be wonderful.
Thank you,
Anna

[Couchsurfer]

I can tell you right away, if there are any medical disclosure forms given to you by ANYONE in Korea, do not admit to having any disorder. In fact, do not admit to having the sniffles last week. You are 100% healthy in mind and body, according to them.

I don't see why ADHD people can't teach. In fact, you may have a lot in common with your students.

[Couchsurfer]

How about your pills...do they have an expiration date? Are you able to get a years supply before coming over to Kimchistan? It would be the easiest way.

[ttompatz]

With your particular meds you would fail the mandatory drug screen test (required for your ARC) and quickly be send home at your own expense. Korea is not a viable option.

Getting your meds would be problematic in much of East Asia, not just Korea.

Carrying a year's supply would cause problems, even with a doctor's prescription.

Thailand and Taiwan are probably the only 2 viable options and even there you would encounter problems (but not insurmountable ones).

Japan is another realistic option but getting a job there from abroad isn't particularly easy in the current economic climate.

.

[AnnaBreit]

Nothing has shown up on a drug screen before. Most ADHD drugs that show up are amphetamine based. A year's supply is not an option, both financially and logistically. I will look towards Japan.

[AnnaBreit]

Would China be an option? Lots of recruiters are reaching out to me.

[ttompatz]

The good news is, once you get outside of the US, Ritalin is pretty cheap.

And I am surprised that it doesn't show up in a drug screen since T's and R's are a poor mans heroin.

.

[AnnaBreit]

Its never shown up on a screen before, or at least I've never been told its shown up.

[Rutherford]

I don't see why taking ritalin would stop you from teaching in Korea. Ritalin is available here, though I don't know if brand name concerta is. Ritalin is usually cheap.. Here's a relevant article:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/10/319_111757.html

Moving to a new country is not the best time to change medications but you could switch from Concerta to Ritalin. Ritalin might show up as an amphetamine on your drug test but won't show up after several days without it. Take a week off, pass your test, and find a local doctor to prescribe it to you. Try to bring enough with you for a month or two while you get settled.

[Dodge7]

anyone who "needs" legal speed at our age for a mental illness is abusing the meds.

[young_clinton]

[Couchsurfer]

Talk about blame the victim.

[augustine]

[wishfullthinkng]

as much as it pains me, i'd agree with dodge on this one. adhd is a largely western "condition" that is almost entirely made up in my opinion. no known cause? how convenient.

just get your life together, drop the drugs and do what you need to do.

and for anyone questioning my statement, i was "diagnosed" with it (falsely as most are) when i was young and i took the meds. it wasn't until later when i realized it was just psychosomatic and more fallacy than reality. i started dealing with things like a real human and realized how stupid it was and how much big pharma was making off medication for a condition that isn't even understood as to why it happens. (hint: it's mainly the cultural environment, too much tv and not enough mental capacity to do things on ones own)

[newb]

OP, don't worry about your ADHD. You'll get along well with K-students.