Job Discussion Forums

[nicos1173]

Hello! I would like to teach adult ESL in Japan. I hold a CELTA cert., and have taught ESL for ten years in the U.S.A. Both my son, and I have dual citizenship (German/ U.S) and I desire to take my husband and son with me to teach in Japan. However, I heard that companies/ schools wish for either a single person or a married couple, and not a family. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[fluffyhamster]

As your husband's and son's visas will be your task to sort out, there's no reason to really mention them to an employer (who, this being TEFL we're talking about rather than high-flying expat relocation, will only be willing to sponsor your individual visa anyhow). The main thing then is that you get yourself a visa, which will then give you the basis with which to apply for dependent visas for your husband and son. I imagine that process could however require a bit more time than many employers will be willing to let you take off from work, and there could of course be issues simply because you "neglected" to tell them you were married, living three to an apartment etc. But like you say, some employers may not be keen on hiring somebody with not only a husband but a child too, so a bit of subterfuge may be your only option.

[Glenski]