Job Discussion Forums

brandont_h · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 7

This is my first post here. . . Although I have tried to research this question, it may already have been asked a million times, so forgive me.

My girlfriend and I are planning to become ESL teachers in Japan this summer, once she's finished her degree. I have a friend who is employed by NOVA, and he and his girlfriend live in an apartment together, but I'm curious as to whether this is more the exception than the rule. Does anyone know what various schools/companies think of cohabitation? What about the Japanese? How do they view this kind of thing? We're trying to save money in every way we can, so sharing an apartment rather than paying for two would really be helpful.

Any input anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Brooks · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1369 Location: Sagamihara

I am sure it happens, but there are some Japanese who would disapprove. For example, my school refused to be my guarantor when my girlfriend moved in with me so my boss had to be the guarantor.
If he had refused, I would have quit and moved to Osaka.
Now that I am married my school could be the guarantor.

Some landlords may not want unmarried people living together.

I worked with an American who lived with her boyfriend but I think she kept it quiet. She came to Japan 2 months before he arrived and had a 2K so it was big enough for two people.

I know of another couple that lived together but the boyfriend moved in after the woman had been living there for a year and a half, and she has a 2LDK so it is big enough for two people.

spidey · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:03 am Post subject:

Brooks,

Most companies will stipulate in their contracts the policy concerning cohabitaion. In my experience, most companies tend to shy away from allowing their employees to have roomates of any kind. This, I believe, is because as an employee you are given certain benefits from the company. Such as not having to pay deposits or key money. To put is simply...You must be an employee to benefit from the companies policies. If you and your girlfriend are working for the same company, you shouldn't have any problems. Otherwise, expect resistance.

S

brandont_h · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 7

Thanks for the replies, guys. We are certainly hoping to work for the same company (whichever it may be), so hopefully that won't be an issue. We were planning to apply to JET specifically as a first choice. Are there any JET employees past or present who know the policy on two of their teachers living together?

chi-chi- · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 194 Location: In la-la land

DON'T GO WITHOUT BOTH OF YOU HAVING VISAS. If she doesn't have a visa beforehand, the Japanese, comparing her to "their" women, will think that she is supported by you and will be less likely to hire her. I speak this from experience. Well, most Western women actually work and are NOT supported (unless they are Anna Nicole-"meow" as the Trim Spa commerical goes) so make damn positive she gets a visa before she gets on the plane.
I am not kidding, the Japanese WILL assume that she does not need a job otherwise.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

Nova can gurantee that you two will be placed within an hour of eachother if you both get hired. At least, that used to be one of the perks they mentioned in their package. You might have to wait a while before a position opens up and one of either of your branch schools for the other person to transfer to. Don't get your hopes up - it will take patience.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Yup... Common question. Try these threads:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=8273&highlight=live+together

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=9655&highlight=live+together

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=14109&highlight=live+together

There are many others too... Try a "Search" and make your query specific.

Good luck!

Celeste · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 12:43 am Post subject:

JET seems to be pretty good about this. Be up front with them about it and you should be okay. I know several couples who came over with the JET programme and are living together. Some are married, some are engaged, one couple I know are not married and only one of them is on the JET programme, the other got a working holiday visa. This is both in larger cities and small towns.

The thing that they will ask you in the interview is: "What will you do if only one of you is accepted on the JET programme?"

The answer to this question is: "We will both go to Japan and the other will try to find a job in the area. We are both really committed to moving to Japan together."