Korean Job Discussion Forums

[schieft]

I am aware that EPIK and GEPIK only provide couples housing to married couples. However, is it possible to find public school employment without going through these programs, and in turn be able to obtain couples housing without being married? Also, in order to receive couples housing is it required that both teachers be placed at the same school? Or is it possible to work at different schools in a nearby location and still live together?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[MollyBloom]

SMOE will try their best to place couples at schools near to their apartment, but one or both of you could have a long commute. When my husband and I were engaged, I came 6 months after him, and SMOE placed me in a school very close to his apt (which I moved into when I got in the country), while he was traveling 30 minutes to his school. When we got married and came back to SMOE, we both got placed at the same school in a nice 2 bedroom apt. close to our school. I know two couples that aren't married or engaged who started SMOE this Feb and they got a 2 bedroom apt. and a 10 minute commute to their respective schools. It really all depends on the positions that open up when it comes to placement. Also, some schools ask for a married couple so that they can save money on the rent. My current school has asked for married couples for 5+ years because of this.

In response to your first question, I'm not sure if it is "possible to find public school employment without going through these programs, and in turn be able to obtain couples housing without being married." I know some private public schools (like the Seoul International School) hire outside of EPIK/SMOE, and I'm sure they'd give you more than adequate shared housing because of their funding.

[schieft]

Thanks.

Anyone else have thoughts?

[plchron]

some provinces will allow couples not married or engaged to live together. Tell them your preference on the application and then Tell your school the first day you meet them. I know of 3 couples that are living together in my MOE's jurisdiction and not married. If you choose couples housing and then break up you will be really screwed though.