Job Discussion Forums

AL][EN · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 2

Hello

I am about to start a one year post graduate certificate in TESOL. I already have a MSc in Computer Science. I am Irish and I am 30 years old.

In 2010 I am considering traveling across Russia and Asia (on the Trans-Siberian railway) for a few weeks and then getting the boat (from China) to Japan. Basically I want to have a bit of an adventure.

When I arrive in Japan I'd like to teach English, hopefully for at least one year.

Does anyone know if I arrange holiday visas for every country I travel through, including Japan, I can then "upgrade" the Japanese holiday visa when I find a job?

Can this be done or am I making life difficult for myself?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks. Smile

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 7:13 pm Post subject:

Before you get shot by people for saying search the forums, the quick answer is yes, you can upgrade a Japanese tourist visa to a work visa in the country after you have secured a job that agrees to help make you the visa. It's hassle, it's done and I've done it twice.
No you are not supposed to look for jobs as a tourist. Yes people do it all the time.

Not sure if Irish Nationals qualify for working holiday visas and the age restrictions. I guess not. If not, just turn up, look smart, throw your CV at people, smile and you will get something.

You don't need to pre-arrange a tourist visa at all. You simply get it stuck in your passport as you enter. Its not valid forever so don't hang about on the job search, or search as you travel about.

If you can I strongly recommend you arrange interviews before you arrive.

As for China and the rest, suggest you ask that on the China forums. But, personally I needed to pre-arrange the visa before I even entered the country as a tourist, although I hear it was much easier and was quicker if I had done it from HK and crossed into mainland by train.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Irish do qualify for WHVs, but the OP is over the age limit (just).

It's not a holiday visa that you'll be traveling on, I believe, just a tourist status (visa waiver).

You'd better plan on at least a year's contract, as most places (99.9%) don't offer anything shorter.

When you come and where you look for work will determine your success. You're qualified for entry level work, which means ALT or eikaiwa.