Job Discussion Forums

elcabojota · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 13 Location: LODZ

Hey everyone!

I am looking for a job in Asia next year (maybe), but all of this depends on whether or not my European, non-native speaker can find some work. She has a Masters in business and technology and experience in printing industry and is a native french speaker (not a teacher though). I am not really fussed about where in Asia, would like to save a bit of money and have the cost of living be a bit low, the quality of the school and job are the most important.

Has anyone done something like this before? Brought their sig-other with them? I know this is a bit of a broad question, but I need a bit of help.

Cheers,
Jay

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

We get this question about once every few months.

Bringing a girlfriend/boyfriend means he/she can't get a dependent visa. You'd have to be married for that. So, you are both going to have to get work visas. Sounds like your gf has the degree for it (in Japan, anyway), but maybe her nationality (whatever that is) may be a barrier, as could her command of English. Over here, there is a little demand for French speakers, though, so you could look into NOVA or Berlitz. The key is to get a full-time job that sponsors a visa. (If your gf is French or German, and is 18-30, she could be eligible for a working holiday visa, good for 2 6-month stints only.)

Next question is, do you want to work together in the same company/school? That will limit you, too, although there are a few places in Japan that look for such things. (They might tend to be happier with married couples, but I wouldn't know.)

And, what about you? What are your credentials?

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

If she is over in Europe she may consider NOVA... because they do their interviews for Spanish and French in Paris ( I think... )

here's the requirements for a French teacher...

elcabojota · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 13 Location: LODZ

I am CELTA ceritified with 3+ years experience teaching and an American if that matters. My girlfriend is Polish but speaks French as her first language (her family lived in colonial Algeria during the communist times).

Working in the same company is not at all a must, not something we were even thinking about.

Thanks for the replies! Any other help will do just that.

J

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

I asked for your credentials. The experience and CELTA are nice to know but, do you have a bachelor's degree?

In Japan, you are going to need it to get a work visa, but you can get around it with 3 or more years of documented work experience. What sort of experience do you have? Can you prove it with tax records or statements from employers? No tutoring or private lessons.

elcabojota · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 13 Location: LODZ

Writing my thesis right now, will present it in the fall so that won't work.

I teach in Poland, they are not into paying taxes, and I am working a pretty well none school... :P

I will look around some more and she is trying to get a job on her own so it wont be a big deal..

Was leaning more towards china or korea, was in Japan before so...

J

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

What is a "none school"?

Tax records are just one thing you can use from an employer. Geez.

As for not finishing school yet, you might try to get a certified letter stating that you have met all of the necessary requirements and are expected to graduate on a certain date.

elcabojota · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 13 Location: LODZ

none=known...

I actually have that paper, intent to graduate I think is what it's called, didn't really think it would be useful. Thanks, I will expand my job search a bit more.

Cheers!