Non JET live-in?

[japanagram]

I am a shortlisted UK ALT so i will be flying out to Japan, end of July/beginning of August.

My partner is an alternate UK ALT so he will maybe not be flying out to Japan at this time...

He is applying for other teaching jobs in Japan and also for farming volunteer placements. My question is, if he did find work in Japan and acquired his relevant visa etc, is he allowed to live full-time with me in my accommodation that is allocated to me through JET? Admittedly i am quite sure that this won't be acceptable, and we are very much expecting to be living separately but i just thought i would ask if anyone has any knowledge or experience of this circumstance?

Thank you

[ChottoMonkey]

Your BOE will most likely NOT allow this. Especially if they are the ones that arranged / own / lease your apartment. If you are not married there will be lots of gossip and it could cast a bad impression on the community etc.

That said, I'm sure ESID but I also remember hearing about a situation where 2 married JETS were told that they could not live together...so your mileage may vary.

[japanagram]

Thank you for your response. Yes, i'm aware that it is likely unheard of so you've simply reassured me of what i expected. That's fine though. We both want to experience Japan in our own ways and have space and time to be dedicated to our work so this will be just fine and meeting up with eachother will be special x

[ladama]

This is going to be hugely ESID, you have to remember, JET Program just gets you to Japan, after that, you are employed by your contracting organization, each one has it's own rules and protocol, and it's possible the JET in next town over will face a completely different set of rules than you.

If you're not married or engaged, it will probably be difficult to get permission for your partner to move into your CO-provided apartment. If you went and got your own apartment, I don't think the BOE can really forbid your partner from moving in, but getting your own apartment can be a huge hassle and your CO is under no obligation to help out. You may also get some shoebox Leopalace-type apartment where it's not feasible (and maybe not even allowed) for 2 people to live there.

That said, I'm sure there's plenty of stories of JETs who had their significant others move into their CO-provided places with little to no trouble. One JET in my prefecture lived with her non-JET fiance, and I knew a pair of JETs in a couples placement who weren't even engaged.

But japanagram, it's good to hear you're okay if you and your partner live apart, and as you said, it gives both of you the chance to experience Japan in your own way.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

It's one of those ESID things, depends on your BoE/landlord/what-have-you.

Though if he gets upgraded/other work there's a pretty good chance it'll be located in a different area, so it's like as not a moot point anyway.

[Siyris]

It really depends on the situation, and depends on if you are willing to move into a different apartment.

I know that one of my friends is in the same situation, he is a JET ALT, his girlfriend is not, but he informed JET that she was coming to Japan with him the entire time, and so he was given a 'family size' apartment, and they both live there. However they do (for the sake of avoiding awkward questions) let their coworkers think they are engaged. I have also heard of a JET who had lived with his boyfriend for 3 years before coming. He was shortlisted, his boyfriend was not. They were also able to get an apartment together, however it did cause a bit of tensions.
I've heard the other end of things as well though. The common thread of being more likely to be able to live together seems to be letting JET know all along that you are hoping your partner can come live with you -- though I'm not sure how this works in the case of a JET alternate, because if they are upgraded, they will then have to move to whatever area needs them and that is not likely to be near your placement.

I hope that helps?

[Namisuke]

I lived with my boyfriend before he was an ALT, and it was totally fine with my school and landlady. My coworkers could care less that we are not married. Simply ask your supervisor about it when you get contacted. Did you say you would be accompanied by him on your application?

[DjinnWired]

Your accommodation wont necessarily be CO provided/organised either. During a recent dispute with my CO, my fellow ALTs and I pointed out that most JETs get CO-organised housing and no one at my board of education had even heard of such a thing. We rent our own apartments, live where we like and can have anyone we like living with us. It's not the "standard" situation but that's why everyone says ESID all the time... you really can't know until you get there. There are also lots of JETs in CO housing who just chuck on a ring and tell everyone they are engaged and get around it that way. It's great that you are keeping an open mind about not living together (because even if the housing situation is fine, he may not find work near you). But it may end up just being totally chilled and a non-issue

[trout501]

What on Earth is a farming volunteer placement?

[naju]

What on Earth is a farming volunteer placement?

I was reading this new thread with a very serious face, and then laughed out loud at this bit heehee

I hope you can work out a way to live together when you're over there, but at least you are also willing to live apart which could in fact be great for both of your experiences and, like you said, be even better when you see each other.
Good luck! x