Overview of working holidays, advantages and disadvantages
The working holiday is a system that allows young people to experience different cultures while working to supplement their living expenses during their vacation. This is not just a tourist trip, but the purpose is to live and learn in the country.
Overview of working holidays
Purpose: To provide young people with an opportunity to understand different cultures and promote international exchange.
Target age: In principle, 18 to 30 years old (in some countries, it may be 25 or under, or 35 or under).
Duration: In principle, one year (in some countries, it may be possible to stay for two years).
Activities:
Tourism: You can enjoy traveling freely.
Employment: You can work to supplement your living expenses. However, some countries have restrictions on the period of employment and the type of industry.
Study: You can attend a language school for a short period of time.
Agreement countries: Japan currently has working holiday agreements with approximately 29 countries and regions.
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Korea, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iceland, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Uruguay, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Estonia, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, etc.
Benefits of Working Holiday
Improve your language skills: By living and working in the local area, you can dramatically improve your practical language skills. You can acquire living English (or the language of the country you are staying in) that you cannot acquire through classroom study alone.
Cross-cultural experience: By coming into contact with different cultures, customs, and values, you can broaden your horizons and develop an international sensibility. You can experience things that you cannot experience in Japan.
Self-growth: By arranging everything yourself and living in an unfamiliar place, you can develop independence, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Overcoming difficulties can help you grow mentally.
Expanded career options: Working abroad can be a great selling point when job hunting or changing jobs after returning home. In particular, it can highlight your language skills and ability to adapt to different cultures.
Meeting new people: Meeting local people and other working holiday makers is a valuable experience that enriches your life. It is not uncommon to make lifelong friends.
Free schedule: You can combine sightseeing, work, and study at your own pace. Since there is no set curriculum, you can customize your stay to suit your interests.
Potential to reduce costs: Since you can supplement your living expenses by working, it is possible to reduce costs compared to studying abroad.
Disadvantages of working holidays
Financial burden: You will need a large initial cost, such as travel expenses, visa application fees, and initial living expenses (until you find a job). Working locally does not necessarily lead to a stable income.
Mental burden: You may feel stressed or homesick due to cultural differences, language barriers, changes in living environment, etc. There is also a sense of loneliness from being alone in an unfamiliar environment.
Finding a job and housing: You must take full responsibility for finding a job and housing locally. Especially if you do not have English skills or experience, you may not be able to get the job you want, or it may take a long time to find a job.
Medical and insurance issues: Medical expenses locally can be expensive. You are required to subscribe to overseas travel insurance, but you should be fully prepared in advance in case of an emergency.
Career gap: There may be a gap in your career after returning home. If you do not have a clear sense of purpose about how to connect the experience you gained on a working holiday to your career, you may regret it after returning home.
Complexity of visa application procedures: Depending on the country, the visa application procedures may be complicated, there may be many required documents, and it may take time to prepare.
Importance of planning: While there is a high degree of freedom, if you do not make a solid plan, you may waste time or not achieve your goals.
Summary
While working holidays have many advantages, they also have disadvantages. In order to be successful, it is important to gather information in advance, prepare in a planned manner, and above all, to have a strong will and determination to “do it on your own.” However, the experience you gain from overcoming these challenges will be an invaluable asset in life.
