I (M) was stationed in Japan for a year and met someone. What started as a hookup turned into real feelings for both of us.
My orders ended abruptly, and I'm now back in the States. I tried getting new orders to return, but they were denied and likely will be again.
We're trying to find a way to be together. He is in the Japanese Defense Force and has a daughter, so him moving here isn't feasible right now.With same-sex marriage not recognized nationally in Japan, we're at a loss. I've suggested he shouldn't wait for me(I felt bad holding him back) but he wants to make it work.My main idea is to use my GI Bill to get a degree and go over as an English teacher. Are there any other realistic paths or visa options I'm missing? Thanks for any advice.
by Flaky-Wafer3802
3 comments
Yup, to get a work visa in general you need a bachelor’s degree. Get your degree in the US, then apply for jobs. Of your university offers study abroad opportunities you could do a semester or year in Japan as part of that.
Note that “English teaching” (being an assistant teacher or “English conversation” teacher at a private company) is generally low pay, sometimes poor working conditions, with little chance for advancement. If you want to have a better chance at a long term career in Japan, you may want to consider training for a different industry.
You can use your gi bill for some schools in Japan. Use the Va website to see what your MHA will be and if the school even accepts it.
Yes you should get a degree but don’t take a random major just so you could satisfy the bachelor requirement and become an English teacher in Japan. English teaching is a dead end job here and honestly you don’t know what will happen in 4 years (tightening immigration rules, your relationship not working out, etc) so choose a major that will give you job opportunities worldwide.
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