Korean Job Discussion Forums

travelhappy · Joined: 21 May 2008 Location: Vancouver

Hi all,

I need some advice. I want to teach in Korea and have already applied to a couple of schools, though things are not set in place yet, so I need to know what to do before I settle on a school. Okay, so in Canada, as many of you know, it is the norm for an unmarried couple to live together. However, I understand in Korea an unmarried couple living together is deemed improper and frowned upon. My boyfriend does not have a bachelor's degree but wants to come with me to Korea, so I am wondering if I should ask the school if he is able to live with me, or should I forget even asking them and instead ask my boyfriend to get a place of his own? I am concerned that him living with me will give my Korean co-workers or other Koreans a negative opinion about me, is this an unrealistic assumption? What are other people's experiences about taking or leaving behind their significant other when going to teach in Korea?

I really appreciate any opinions/advice you can give me.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

He could live with you but you wouldnt get a bigger, couple housing. I think it depends on your school and principal. Some of those hardcore Christian administration frown upon it and might give lectures.

lowpo · Joined: 01 Mar 2007

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Yeah, just keep calling him your husband. You have to think about his visa though. If you're not married, he can only get a tourist visa and leave the country every so often (I think it's 6 months for Canadians).

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

travelhappy · Joined: 21 May 2008 Location: Vancouver

Though, if he is not legally considered my dependent (since he is not my spouse) then he would be able to reside in Korea legally under the H-1 Working Holiday Visa, correct?

Good advice on refunding the ticket once I get there, didn't think of that:)

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Does he have a 2 year degree or at least some uni? There are schools that will hire him if he does. Check out the Korean Job forum and see what you can find.

bobranger · Joined: 10 Jun 2008 Location: masan

Unless he is going to work money will be tight and he will be restless. Do you currently live with him? What will he do while you are at work? How serious is your relationship?

These are the questions you should ask yourself.
Somethings to consider..
If he is a drinker Korea tends to increase intake.
Korea is not good for personal space.
You will be out on an island so to speak if things go wrong.

travelhappy · Joined: 21 May 2008 Location: Vancouver

Thank you for your reply's Smile

He doesn't have a 2 year degree, I think only one or so, so that won't help. But I was thinking of encouraging him to take a TEOFL course so that he could get some tutoring jobs or something. Does anyone know what kind of jobs are available to someone who has a TEOFL certificate but no bachelor's degree? I heard even some tutoring jobs want a four year degree..

Yeah, we have been together for quite a while (8 years ish), and have lived together for about 4. So that's why I want to figure out something that will include him. Though, in reality we could work it out if he were to stay home and I were to go, but it would just be nicer if he came with me. We have debated about whether he should remain behind and not give up his life here to be with me there, in a place he might not be entirely happy due to boredom, not knowing the language and culture, etc. (he is not that adventurous and likes stability). But now he has decided to come with me, so now there the question of what he should do while he is there.

the ireland · Joined: 11 May 2008 Location: korea

i wouldn't fancy doing what he is going to be doing.....he will get very very bored espcially if he doesn't get any work, could he possible look at getting a job in korea similar to what he is doing in Canada??

as for the apartments, myself and my girlfriend lived in a small one roomed typical korean apartment for year and a half, it wasn't difficult at all, if yu get along all the time and don't have fights then it doesn't matter.....if you do....just send him to the bathroom to sleep for the night Very Happy

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007

justaguy · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Location: seoul

Teaching without an appropriate visa is a crime in Korea. Your boyfriend can be jailed, fined and will be deported is he is caught.

Also Koreans (and most of the world) do not share your cultural values in regard to shacking up. They consider shacking up to be immoral and wrong. Your school will not want to support it.

What you do is entirely your own business. But be aware of the consequences.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

On an H1 visa there are editing and acting jobs (EBSe is a good place to look) that are readily available.

There is also tourist related work or working in places like Itaewon where English is a requirement when the visa status is not an issue.

None of these require post secondary education and they ARE allowed on an H1.
There ARE restrictions however, such as: only part time (less than 20 hours per week) and no single employer for more than 3 months.

.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I'd be one ticked off boss if I found out that I was footing the bill for someone's 'significant other', especially one that was here and more than likely working illegally.

And why don't people just use the terms boyfriend or girlfriend any more? Damn.