Job Discussion Forums

[karenannehope]

Hi all

My husband and I are flexible, easy going and friendly South Africans in the process of applying for jobs teaching English in Japan. I have a degree so am eligible for a work visa but he doesn't, although at 27 he qualifies for a working holiday visa (on his own) and/or a "dependancy" visa (thru me, once I have a work permit). Has anyone else been in this situation, or does anyone have advice to offer?

For example, we'd like to know - is it possible to get work as a teaching couple? If I get a job with accommodation, could David live with me? Should I even mention that I am married when applying for a job?

I have done quite a lot of reading (mainly on Dave's ESL site!) so I already know the basics about living and working in Japan - I am hoping for couple-specific information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers, Karen

[chi-chi-]

Anyone bringing children, a husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, dog or cat from home needs to go to either Korea or Taiwan.
Japan is only good if you are a single expat with not much stuff and lots of $$$$.
Other countries are more cognizant of social values and will let couples live together, etc. Japan is much more isolationist.
I met a lot of South Africans working in Taiwan, and they were all happy. I would consider Korea, also.
It's easier to get money wired to you in those places, too, if you happen to go broke, which in Japan you probably will at some point.

[Gordon]

I would disagree. My wife and daughter are with me and we live on one income. Not a standard income, mind you, but it is certainly doable in Japan on 2 incomes. Try applying together, but most likely you will get a job and your hubbie will find one after he arrives here.

[Celeste]

My husband and I came on the JET programme, and in our city there are 3 JET programme people who brought dependent spouses. There have been no problems with couples living together or for the dependent spouses finding work. I would definitely recommend looking into it.

[chi-chi-]

Maybe ya'll could post some information to help this lady out then....it would be great if some more information were available...I know a lot of jobs, such as AEON, want couples to be housed seperately.

[Dorman]

Karen,

It is possible to live and teach together in Japan. Your situation differs from mine in the fact that your husband is not eligible for a work visa. My girlfriend and I both depart for Osaka in two weeks. After doing alot of research on various companies we did accept positions with Nova. Throughout the process we made it clear we were applying as a couple and wanted to be accomodated as such.

We are working for the same company, although at different branches. Our living arrangements have been set up so we will share the same apartment as well. Are you looking at coming over with one of the big four, or a smaller company? The reason I ask is that since you qualify for a full working visa, and he can get a working holiday visa, a company such as Nova could possibly place you the same as they have done in our situation since they offer employment for both visa types.

It would certainly be an option to consider, if you can take the good points along with bad. Then again, all companies have pro's & con's.

Cheers,

Brad.

[BenJ]

chi chi - coming as a couple means you can save that much more. I live with my fiancee and we have saved a lot more by living together and of course sharing bills, food etc.

Your hearsay about being broke in Japan is just that, hearsay.

[chi-chi]

Who said it was hearsay?
You guys make a lot of assumptions...

[BradS]

Hey. I'm working with Nova and they accept couples. They'll even put you up in a couples appartment (much better than a singles one!)

Their site is: http://www.TeachinJapan.com

[JimDunlop2]

[becmaha]

I can vouch for the positives in my own experience here too. I am currently living in Japan with my Fiancee and we had few problems living together here. I am working through the government and my Fiancee got a job form a private company, but both institutions know our situation and are fine with it. In addition, two of the people I traveled here with brought spouses/ girlfriends who were hoping to find work once they arrived. So far one has, and the other has not. They had no problem entering on tourist visas. There are many places (Interac in our friends case) that wil hire readily when the person is qualified and already here. In our case, our two institutions even found us jobs close together to accommodate our living together. Also on money, depending on where you work Japan is expensive, but I know couples here on one teachers salary. We are sharing expenses on two persons salry and doing great. I am sure every place is different, but depending on your spending habits, you can make it work.

Hope that helps.

[amberrollins]

Hi,

I'm sorry to horn in on someone else's question, but I've been wondering the same thing about my situation and was hoping you kind and experienced people could throw some advice my way, too.

My husband and I are Americans. I have a BA in English & education and taught for several years in the US. My husband has some college but does not have a BA or TEFL.

We've both been living in China and teaching at a university. Next year, we were thinking about going to Japan to teach. So by then, we will both have 2 years EFL experience in Asia.

I tried to get a job in Japan a couple of years ago, and had a lot of trouble because I was married. It sounds like things have gotten easier, but do you think we'll both be able to get jobs?

Any advice appreciated!

[Glenski]

amberrollins,

Since you have a degree, you can get a work visa, so you can work FT or PT. The work visa must be sponsored by your employer, and they usually only sponsor visas for FT staff.

Your husband, however, cannot get a work visa because he doesn't have a degree. If you get work and a visa, he can apply for a dependent visa and special permission to work (PT only).

Whether you both can get jobs depends on a lot of factors:
1. When you come
2. Where you plan to live
3. What type of work you each want
4. Whether you both want to work at the same company/school

There are no guarantees, but your own background makes you quite suitable for basic entry level work at eikaiwas (conversation schools). In my opinion, your husband will have a tougher time, but it is not impossible. Mind you, your own teaching experience in the US (you didn't say exactly what that was) may make you appear to be over-qualified for some eikaiwas, who usually want greenhorns that they can mold into their own teaching format.

[karenannehope]

All
I just wanted to say - thanks so much for your replies!
This site is fantastic
Cheers
Karen

[chi-chi-]

If you can get a working holiday visa, go for it!
The American couple asking about it...I forgot about this little detail-Americans are not eligible for the WHV like everyone else is-Yah!
So for Americans in general, get a visa before you go.