Working Holiday Japan!
6 September 2010
Some tourists aren’t just on a vacation in Japan. They are on a working holiday Japan experience. This is actually more enjoyable than the usual vacation trip. You may just qualify for it. The best way to find out is to look at some of the facts about this program.
What is a working holiday?
A number of locations across the globe let tourists work while on vacation. The program specifically offered by Japan is the result of special agreements formed between Japan and other countries. Joining Australia are New Zealand, UK, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, France, Canada, South Korea and France. New countries that joined in are Denmark and Ireland. If you live in any of these locations and hold citizenship, you will be allowed to apply for working holiday visas. In turn, Japanese tourists are accorded similar benefits when they apply for special passes to these locations.
Before applying, it is crucial to first dissect the term. This arrangement is only for people who wish to first enjoy a vacation and find a job second. In simple terms, you should first be a tourist rather than a job seeker. A job is only an added benefit. When you finally do decide to submit applications, you need to look for one in an unregulated sector. After finding a position, you can only keep it for as long as your visa is valid. For most visitors, this is six months. You may however apply for an extension. Depending on where you live, this can stretch for another six to twelve months.
Who is qualified to apply?
Citizenship is not the only requirement for application. Those who wish to be granted working holiday visas also need to fit other qualifications. Age restrictions are pegged at eighteen to thirty years old. Applicants should also be entering the country for the first time and should have passports of their own.
There are also some restrictions based on financial capacity. Individuals who cannot show proof that they can finance their vacation cannot get a go signal. Applicants should at least show that they have $2,000 intended specifically for their stay in Japan. They also have to show particular vacation plans for their trip with a return flight for home already booked.
What costs are to be expected?
An initial six pounds will be charged to UK applicants. For other applicants however, visa applications are free. In all territories, all visitors need to shoulder their plane tickets. That would mean preparing roughly $3,000. You may however be able to get cheap deals that will cost you below $2,000.
The cost of living is more difficult to deal with. It’s normal to have to spend around a hundred thousand yen a month for food, transportation and lodging. You might however, be able to do away with some of these expenses if you get accepted in a winter resort. Most winter resorts offer free accommodation so you can save what you earn or use it for shopping and entertainment.
A working holiday in Japan is truly an experience to remember because it allows you to enjoy the many attractions of the country while maintaining a job.
Source: Chase Crawford, Wibbla Article
