The Day the 'Hesitant' Made Their Move: Large Turnout at March 8 'Study Abroad & Working Holiday Online Information Session', Next Event Scheduled for April 4
The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers successfully hosted an online event on March 8 for those considering going abroad. Due to its popularity, the next event will be held on April 4.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 16:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 00:27 (487h 39m after Collected)
The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the working holiday system, held an online event on Saturday, March 8, 2026, for individuals considering a working holiday or studying abroad.
Under the theme of 'Turning Aspiration into Conviction,' the event featured language school staff and senior participants currently staying abroad, who directly shared realistic on-the-ground information. It attracted many participants from all over the country and ended as a great success.
■ Background of the Event
In recent years, while more people are interested in working holidays and studying abroad, 'hesitation caused by information overload' has become apparent. Common concerns include:
- Not knowing where to start
- Being unsure how to choose a country or school
- Anxiety about English proficiency and costs
- Worry about the gap between SNS and reality
This event was planned as an 'opportunity to hear the reality of the destination directly' to alleviate such anxieties.
■ Program of the Day
Part 1: Local Information Session by Language School Staff
Language school staff from around the world took the stage online to explain, based on actual experiences:
- Characteristics and differences of each country
- Key points in choosing a school
- Local living environment
Participants commented, 'I was able to hear specific stories that I couldn't get from the internet.'
Part 2: Experience Sharing Session by a Senior Currently Abroad
NONOKA, who is currently staying in Auckland, New Zealand on a student visa, took the stage. She shared her real experiences, including the background of her decision to travel after working as a professional, as well as:
- Things she's glad she actually went for
- Things that were harder than imagined
- Changes in her English proficiency
A Q&A session directly answering participants' questions was also held, and many said, 'I was able to imagine it as if it were my own experience.'
■ Participant Reactions (Excerpt)
- 'My vague "I want to go" changed to a solid "I will go."
- 'The true nature of my anxiety became clear, and I could visualize how to prepare.'
- 'I felt relieved to hear not just glamorous information, but realistic stories.'
■ Future Developments
Our association will continue to provide these 'venues for providing realistic information' to support everyone in making choices they won't regret.
■ Information on the Next Event
'Successful Spring Study Abroad Event Starting from Zero' Decided
Following the favorable reception of the March event, the next event has been scheduled. In addition to a basic seminar for beginners, this event will feature a LIVE panel discussion connecting directly with people currently abroad.
Residents living abroad will provide more specific and practical information, such as 'living expenses,' 'real struggles,' and 'the actual English environment.'
Under the theme of 'Turning Aspiration into Conviction,' the event featured language school staff and senior participants currently staying abroad, who directly shared realistic on-the-ground information. It attracted many participants from all over the country and ended as a great success.
■ Background of the Event
In recent years, while more people are interested in working holidays and studying abroad, 'hesitation caused by information overload' has become apparent. Common concerns include:
- Not knowing where to start
- Being unsure how to choose a country or school
- Anxiety about English proficiency and costs
- Worry about the gap between SNS and reality
This event was planned as an 'opportunity to hear the reality of the destination directly' to alleviate such anxieties.
■ Program of the Day
Part 1: Local Information Session by Language School Staff
Language school staff from around the world took the stage online to explain, based on actual experiences:
- Characteristics and differences of each country
- Key points in choosing a school
- Local living environment
Participants commented, 'I was able to hear specific stories that I couldn't get from the internet.'
Part 2: Experience Sharing Session by a Senior Currently Abroad
NONOKA, who is currently staying in Auckland, New Zealand on a student visa, took the stage. She shared her real experiences, including the background of her decision to travel after working as a professional, as well as:
- Things she's glad she actually went for
- Things that were harder than imagined
- Changes in her English proficiency
A Q&A session directly answering participants' questions was also held, and many said, 'I was able to imagine it as if it were my own experience.'
■ Participant Reactions (Excerpt)
- 'My vague "I want to go" changed to a solid "I will go."
- 'The true nature of my anxiety became clear, and I could visualize how to prepare.'
- 'I felt relieved to hear not just glamorous information, but realistic stories.'
■ Future Developments
Our association will continue to provide these 'venues for providing realistic information' to support everyone in making choices they won't regret.
■ Information on the Next Event
'Successful Spring Study Abroad Event Starting from Zero' Decided
Following the favorable reception of the March event, the next event has been scheduled. In addition to a basic seminar for beginners, this event will feature a LIVE panel discussion connecting directly with people currently abroad.
Residents living abroad will provide more specific and practical information, such as 'living expenses,' 'real struggles,' and 'the actual English environment.'