Job Discussion Forums

[travoholic]

Hello,

I've decided I want to go work in Japan and have a crack at teaching English for awhile. The thing I'm not sure about is whether to get a working holiday visa, rock up and organisae everything on my own or to try and get a job in advance through a company like Geos or Nova and have all that sorted.

I'm not interested in return airfare as I'll be travelling before and after heading to Japan and I quite like the freedom and flexibility I'd have if I go on a working holiday visa but am wondering how difficult it is to get all set up. I plan on taking about 6 months worth of Japanese courses for 2 hours a week so might have a vague grasp on how to ask where the toilet is and probably not much else.

Anyone gone over on a WHV without any plans set in stone? Any stories to tell? Advice? If anyone would recommend getting a pre-arranged job with a specific company that would be appreciated too.

Thanks!
Kirsty

[Glenski]

[travoholic]

Ya I know the rules of th evisa, am just looking for advice on how difficult it is to get set up - some first hand experiences. About the return airfare thing, I mean I don't care about having a school foot the bill.

Thanks,
Kirsty

[tokyo story]

I came on a Working Holiday visa without a job... It took me a month to get four jobs. Other working holiday makers I know have struggled. I found a place to live first, then targeted my job hunting around that area. Bring as much money as possible, make use of the Working Holiday office, attend as many interviews as you can and never shy away from a job opportunity because they require Japanese speaking ability or a certain level of experience. I went the part time route because I didn't get the full time job I wanted. It requires a certain level of commitment, and I probably work harder than most Working Holiday makers want to, but if you're tentative about working you'll be broke most of the time.