Job Discussion Forums

[danielle86]

Hello
My boyfriend and I have been together 4 years and would like to work and travel together some more. We were in Korea last year and would like to go back, however we were told we couldnt live together as a couple if taking the accomodation allowance provided. (We were on the TaLK program.)
.
I am English and he is American so most European countries do not allow him to work; meaning our options are limited.

Does anybody know where we can apply and be able to live together as well?

I have used forums before and always found them helpful so I would like to say in advance that we are grateful for any information which could be of help to us.

Many thanks,
Danielle.

[nomad soul]

Scratch the Middle East off your list. It would be helpful to know what qualifications (education, certs & experience) you both have.

[danielle86]

Hello
Thanks for getting back to me so quick.

We both have Bachelors Degrees (not in Education), I have my TEFL Cert (40hours) and we were both part of the TaLK Program last year (I did 6 months and he 12months).

I hope this information helps. Do you know what the circumstances in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan are like for couples?

Many thanks again
Danielle

[spiral78]

You could go to Central Europe where Americans can still get work permits. However, the job market is tight and salaries and benefits don't compare to Asia by any means. Further, you'd both need more in the way of certification: the standard for the region is CELTA or equivalent: 120 hours on-site with supervised teaching practice with real students. As most teachers on the market have this, anything less puts you at a disadvatage on an already tight market.

[nomad soul]

I don't know about Asia, but you'll get responses from other posters familiar with the region. You both have minimal qualifications. This might limit your options even more, especially if you're concerned about housing allowance benefits.

[danielle86]

Yeah, we realise we have minimal qualifications really. It's so stressfull trying to find something that fits us both in, but we will keep trying.

I am looking into China as we speak and hope to have a positive outcome.

ANY advice or knowledge people have would be great.

Thanks again

[spiral78]

If you haven't already, you might try posting on the China forum below. You may get more responses, faster.

[danielle86]

Will do. Thank you for your help!

[naturegirl321]

WHy weren't you allowed to live together? There are plenty of unmarried couples living together here in the land of the morning calm.

In other parts of Asia, as well as here, employers are glad to get couples. Two for one. Housing for two is less expensive than two separate houses.

Another option is to get jobs in the same city with different employers, you both get housing allowances and can live together.

[MotherF]

In most of the Americas it shouldn't be a problem as housing is usually not provided so you would just find your own apartment--and let the landlord assume you are married, not reason not to.
But as has already been pointed out you have minimul qualifications so you'd be coming to the Americas for the experience, not to earn money!

[danielle86]

We will look into couples applications for Korea - I thought cohabitation was allowed by certain companies. Good idea about working for 2 companys and taking the allowance as well. Thank you.

The Americas have been spoken about - we would like to save money at the same time though so perhaps we will have to go in a couple of years when we have some savings.

Thank you very much for your help. If you can recommend any companies to look into we would appreciate it very much.

Many thanks again everyone!

[naturegirl321]

YOu don't have to look into couples applicatons for countries. As long as you both get a job in the same city, can be with different employers, and ask for a housing allowance then you can live together. As long as religious rules don't forbid it.

best of luck!