Designed for young British and Irish citizens aged 18 to 30, with or without Japanese language skills, to spend up to a year living and working in the land of the rising sun and discovering the unique culture and traditions of this island nation. BUNAC’s comprehensive support package has been carefully crafted to take care of all the practicalities and, at the same time, to demystify the elaborate etiquette and cultural differences that mark Japanese society, and can sometimes be confusing to the first-time visitor. Gap travellers are assured a smooth process of integration and year-round support, so that they can comfortably immerse themselves in Japanese life.
“Japan has such a fascinating history and culture, combined with a high standard of living and great job opportunities, which makes it an ideal destination for a working holiday. The Japanese are warm and welcoming to overseas visitors, yet Japan is often seen as a destination for more seasoned travellers because of the cultural differences and language.
“We have designed Work Japan to include a significant element of intercultural training, so that participants can fit in as easily as possible and feel confident in their social relations as well as in the workplace.
“We’re also offering optional Japanese language lessons – there are plenty of jobs available that don’t require language skills, but a little knowledge is very helpful in understanding and communicating with the locals and generally making the most of this incredible opportunity.
“We’re delighted to be building bridges of cross-cultural understanding and opening up this very special destination to more working holidaymakers and gap year travellers.” says BUNAC’s Marketing Manager, Emma Beynon
Job vacancies are typically available in hospitality (ski and summer resorts; city hotels, restaurants and ryokans – traditional Japanese guesthouses), retail, fruit picking and farm work, childcare and education, especially teaching English.
BUNAC’s standard Work Japan Essentials package costs £750 and provides support throughout the entire experience, including thorough online orientation and intercultural training, working holiday visa support, Tokyo airport meet and greet, transfers, one week’s arrival accommodation (add £200 for four weeks’ accommodation), help with tax, national health insurance and banking formalities, in-depth job counselling and practice interviews, extensive job-hunting assistance, CV translation, and access to a trusted and resourceful in-country mentor for the full 12 months.
For further information about living and working in Japan with BUNAC, visit www.bunac.org/uk/work-abroad/work-japan, email enquiries@bunac.org.uk or call 0333 999 7516.