You can only hope to bring home the best memories from a working holiday Japan experience. That is however, if you make the effort to remember and follow some top tips for a great stay. Here are four major points to commit to memory.
Keep to the Rules
Visas issued for work while on Japanese holidays are considered special documents. They are not the same as permanent work visas. Hence, if your main intention is to find a full time, long term job in the country, you need to apply for a different visa.
Once you are able to get into the country with your special document, you need to follow specific rules for the duration of your stay. Individuals who have working holiday visas usually can’t stay for more than a year. In most cases, stay duration ranges from six to twelve months. If you wish to stay longer, you may be able to do so if you apply and request for a limited extension period.
Make the Right Plans
Before you can be approved for a special entry, you are required to make detailed plans. Your plans should take into consideration that your visit should primarily revolve around enjoying a vacation. Getting a job is only a secondary bonus.
Once your plans are approved, you need to make the commitment to stick to them. Again, it is crucial to take note that you are not allowed to shift your focus towards looking for a permanent employer while on a working holiday Japan trip. The main idea behind your temporary job is for you to be able to experience and better appreciate your host country’s historical heritage and way of life.
Learn to Speak Japanese
There is no rule that says you need to speak Japanese fluently to grab a job slot. It is only natural though for potential employers to prefer applicants who have some knowledge of terms and phrases. This is because companies that hire temporary foreign workers still serve the locals.
The good news is that there are several different ways for applicants of working holiday visas to learn Japanese. They can enroll for a structured course or they can use alternative learning modes such as online exchange programs, online tutorials and language software.
Look Into the Culture
It is crucial for you to familiarize yourself with the general aspects of Japanese life. This is especially if you are accepted in a job that will require you to live where you work. Not being familiar with how things run might put you at risk of offending co-workers and bosses. In some job sites for instance, workers are required to sleep together in a common dormitory. If you are a naturally loud or bubbly person, you may have to tone down your voice and activities in deference to more reserved dorm mates.
You definitely will find a working holiday Japan experience to be worth your while. That is only if you do things correctly from the very start. Keep these tips in mind while in Japan so you don’t lose out on the chance to truly enjoy your vacation and the advantages of jobs in Japan.