Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dreaming_saturn]

Hi All,

I'm still in the first stage of looking for a job in Korea, and am seriously considering going - and my husband would like to join me.

I'm a native Canadian with about 3 years EFl experience in the Netherlands (CELTA, B. Ed. Qualified to teach at state schools in the Netherlands) so I'm sure finding an OK job for myself is a real possibility.

However, my husband, although content to join me, is not a teacher - His native language is Dutch (but any of you who have been to the Netherlands will know he speaks fluent English, German Dutch). I've looked into spousal visas, and that should be possible. He is in IT (a programmer) and though he says he will be content to stay home and work on his projects for a few months, what are his chances of finding work, etc? Does anyone else have a non- teaching partner with them?
Any advice is welcome.

[ghostshadow]

It's not always easy to get a job when someone else is coming with you. You would have to find an understanding school that is willing to give you single housing where they do not mind that your husband comes with you. If your husband has a BA or BS degree from a college/university in America, Canada, N Z, Aust, UK, or South America then he can teach too if he likes. Any other types of jobs will usually be for engineering type jobs. If you want a site that has other jobs besides teaching message me.

[dreaming_saturn]

just to clarify - My husband has no interest in teaching, and has a Dutch degree. He's perfectly content to take a sabbatical for a year, and work on his own projects from home - as long as an employer is willing to take me on this condition.

[kangnamdragon]

If he needs no job it should be ok if you get single housing and a visa for him.

[VanIslander]

Some recruiters and many hagwons prefer if you bring someone with you. It increases your chances of successful adjustment for several reasons.

No need to explain to them the details. Just say he is not a native English speaker and they won't try to convince him to teach part time. There's absolutely no reason to tell them that he is proficient in English. There are no hard and fast rules here in Korea; or, at least agreements are often bent and changed, so avoid requests to have him help out too and make it easier on both of you by sticking to the minimum facts about him: a stay-at-home husband who's not a native English speaker. Period.

[justagirl]

My hakwon hired me and didn't mind that my husband was living with me at all. The school even paid utilities for both of us!

We live in a small apartment (12 pyong), but it has 2 rooms and is good enough for the time that we're here in Korea.

We'll be leaving in November, if you're interested in a great job, let me know (pm). I could say a lot, but I don't know if it's considered advertising or not. I work Mon-Thurs, 3-8 pm, and 90 minutes on Sunday afternoons, the boss and co-workers speak fluent English and the kids are great--ages 8-14.

justagirl

[dreaming_saturn]

Thank you for all the help. In applying for a few jobs, I've also found that most schools seem not to mind, and I even had the comment " Korean people like Dutch people very much because of Gus Hiddink leading South Korea to the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup" heh. they'll expect him to coach football

I also appreciate the comment about not giving the employer too much information - don't want him roped into teaching too.

Regards.

[rapier]

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Please, have him neutered. There are thousands of unwanted Dutchmen running around South Korea. Make the hurting stop.

[waterbaby]

Bringing your husband with you to Korea will make you a much more attractive and stable candidate to many employers.

I think you'll find the following threads quite useful, particularly numbers 2 and 3 for information about which visa he requires and how to get it.

Cheers!
waterbaby

Can my wife/husband get a visa too?

1. Bringing my Wife With me
2. Does my Wife Have to go on a Visa Run?
3. Visa for Non-Teaching American Spouse