Job Discussion Forums

[jaks6888]

Hello everyone.

My name is Matt and im 19 years old living in the UK.
Over the last few years I have been overwhelmed with a sudden urge to travel and work around the world, experience new and different cultures, meet many new people from all walks of life and just have some adventure.

Japan has always been a place of huge interest to me and will most likely be the first stop on my adventure.

I have spent the last few months researching a little on Japan and finding out the options available to me. I understand I need a Working Holiday Visa and many of the rules and regulations behind them.

But I am really finding the whole process a little daunting. So many questions I have that need answering. And I really hope you may be able to help me.

I aim to begin my journey the beginning of next year. I have a few things I want to do this year before I travel and I need to save as much money as possible and prepare myself fully.

So I guess I should start from the top with a few questions.

I have read much about gap year companies who specialise in helping people in my situation out. you pay a sum up front to them and they help with work. accomodation, language school etc...
I am very tempted to go along with one of these companies. Has anyone used or had experience with one of these companies?
If so, how was it?
Worth the money?
Ay other information would be great on this subject.

Next question. I know it depends very much on how well I can budget. weather I have a job pre-arranged and a number of other factors but how much money should I take with me, I would need enough to get set up in a room or hostel. Food and any other essentials while out there. Enough to keep me afloat while I search for a job, If I dont have one on arrival.

Leading me on to my next questions.

Being my first time traveling and a long time away from home I would much like to be around people and able to make new friends quickly.
Would staying in a youth hostel be for me?
How do hostels take to people on working holiday visa?
And would my full time job be able to cover the cost easily with money left over for the essentials and maybe some left over to do a bit of sightseeing, visit a club etc..?

How easy is it to find out out there as a White British male. English speaking and knowing only the most basic of Japanese phrases?
And what sort of work would be available to me?
I understand many people on a working holiday visa obtain casual English teaching jobs. What does it entail?
Would the pay be able to keep me afloat while having money spare for travel, entertainment etc...?

Wow.. so many questions. will stop here for now before it becomes an even bigger Wall-of-Text

Please if you can answer any of the above questions I would be most gratefull.
I have never attempted anything like this before and knowing where to start and what to do is mind boggling.

Also if anyone has been and done what I set out to acheive
How did you do it?
Any tips to someone like me?

Any information at all would be great!

Thanks for your time.

-Matt

[Glenski]

I'm American, so I have no experience with a WHV, but I've been in Japan almost 9 years, so here's what I have gleaned.