Job Discussion Forums

kparise · Joined: 06 Jan 2009 Posts: 7

Hello travelers,

This is my first post on this fantastic forum. Has anyone gone through any programs where it was important to them to travel and live together in the foreign country? My girlfriend and I are in this together, and are planning on living together in whatever city we end up in. Do programs work with people in this situation or is it difficult? What is the best way to go about something like this? Is there a possibility that we will both apply and will be placed separately and thus not be able to live together?

Thanks a lot!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

1. Are both of you eligible for work visas?

2. Are you fixated on living in the same city in the same apartment, or will close cities be sufficient?

3. Are you looking only at working for the same company, or will a branch of the same company do, as long as it's not too far away?

Most employers don't hire couples, married or unmarried. This question gets asked about 3 times a year. Do a search on couples. I have listed a handful of companies that cater to some degree to hiring couples. It varies.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

Everything 'ski said.

One strategy you might consider is that one of you act as lead breadwinner and the other as a backup, taking a less appealing/stable job where the lead ends up.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I have met a number of couples who did exactly what markle said. One of them found a job, and the other one then started looking for a job in the same area.

kparise · Joined: 06 Jan 2009 Posts: 7

Have you known anyone who has, without prior placement, moved to or near a city in Japan, and THEN started looking for jobs? We are pretty serious about living together in Japan, so a lot of programs won't work for us because they can't guarantee placement.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Yes, I know people who have done that. It's not that unusual. You just need to make sure you have enough funds to last you for at least 3 months.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You are making the situation limiting already for the employer by asking to be placed together.

The big outfits, as you know, can't guarantee 100%.
The smaller outfits may not have enough openings for 2 people (or not want couples for various reasons).

Plan on a mid-sized city.
Come with enough money for 3 months.
Plan ahead to contact them before you land.
Keep looking when you come.
Expect to work for different companies in the same city.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

Aeon/Amity will place couples in same city (not neccessarily in the same branch) if couple both make it clear upon application that this is required. However 42 000 yen will still be deducted from each person towards the cost of that person's subsidised single apartment. Which apartment the couple choose to live in is up to them but part-payment for each will be deducted from salary.

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

ps You must apply to Aeon/Amity from your home country, not from within Japan.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN