Turning Hesitation into Action: Large Turnout at the March 8 Online Study Abroad and Working Holiday Session, Next Event Confirmed for April 4

The Japan Working Holiday Association, a non-profit organization promoting and supporting the working holiday system, held an online event on Saturday, March 8, 2026, for those considering working holidays and studying abroad.

Under the theme 'Turning Dreams into Conviction,' the event featured language school staff and senior participants currently staying overseas, delivering authentic information directly from the field. Participants from across Japan gathered, and the event concluded with great success.

### ■ Background of the Event In recent years, while interest in working holidays and studying abroad has grown, 'hesitation caused by information overload' has become more apparent, with people feeling: - Unsure where to start - Confused about how to choose a country or school - Anxious about English proficiency and costs - Concerned about the gap between social media and reality

This event was planned as an opportunity to 'hear the reality of the field directly' to resolve such anxieties.

### ■ Program of the Day **Part 1: Local Information Session by Language School Staff** Staff from language schools around the world joined online to explain based on their actual experiences: - Characteristics and differences of each country - Key points for choosing a school - The local living environment

Participants commented, 'I heard specific details that I couldn't find on the internet.'

**Part 2: Testimonial Session by a Senior Currently Overseas** NONOKA-san, who is currently staying in Auckland, New Zealand on a student visa, took the stage. She shared her real experiences, including: - Her background in deciding to go after working as a professional - Things that were actually good about going - Things that were harder than expected - Changes in English proficiency

A Q&A session followed, allowing participants to ask questions directly. Many noted, 'I was able to visualize it as something relevant to myself.'

### ■ Participant Reactions (Excerpt) - 'My feeling of "I kind of want to go" changed to "I will go."' - 'The source of my anxiety became clear, and I could visualize my preparation.' - 'I was relieved to hear realistic stories, not just glamorous information.'

### ■ Future Outlook The Association will continue to provide these 'venues for authentic information' to support each individual in making choices they won't regret.

### ■ Announcement of the Next Event **'Successful Spring Study Abroad Event Starting from Zero' Confirmed** Following the success 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 overseas locations.

Local residents will provide specific and practical information, such as 'cost of living,' 'real struggles,' and 'the actual English environment.'

**■ Overview** - Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026 - Format: Online (Free, limited capacity)

**[Program]** - 10:00–10:40 | Beginner Seminar - 10:45–12:00 | Live Panel Discussion via Overseas Broadcast - 12:00–12:30 | Q&A and Special Offers

**■ Features of the Event** - Authentic stories from local residents - Live broadcast connecting with overseas - Basic explanations understandable even for beginners - Q&A to resolve individual concerns

Please join us to turn your 'I want to go someday' into 'Starting now.'

### ■ What is a Working Holiday? The Working Holiday system is based on bilateral agreements, allowing participants to stay in a partner country for a certain period while combining work, study, and travel. It is used by many young people as an opportunity to experience foreign cultures and daily life while gaining language skills and an international perspective.

### ■ About the Japan Working Holiday Association The Japan Working Holiday Association is an organization aimed at the promotion and improvement of the status of the working holiday system. We support young Japanese people in their overseas challenges through information provision, counseling, and events related to study abroad and working holidays.