The Day 'Those Hesitating to Go' Started Moving: Large Turnout for the March 8th 'Study Abroad & Working Holiday Online Briefing,' Next Event Confirmed for April 4th

The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the working holiday program, held an online event on Saturday, March 8, 2026, for individuals considering a working holiday or study abroad program.

Under the theme of "Turning Aspiration into Conviction," the event featured language school staff and participants currently living abroad, providing attendees with direct, real-world information from the field. The event attracted many participants from across the country and concluded as a great success.

Background of the Event In recent years, while interest in working holidays and studying abroad has increased, many people are experiencing "hesitation due to information overload," such as: - Not knowing where to start - Uncertainty about how to choose a country or school - Anxiety regarding English proficiency and costs - Concerns about the gap between social media portrayals and reality

This event was planned as an opportunity to "hear the reality of life abroad directly" to help alleviate such anxieties.

Event Program Part 1: Local Information Session by Language School Staff Language school staff from various locations around the world joined online to explain: - Characteristics and differences of each country - Key points for choosing a school - Local living environments ...and more, based on their practical experience.

Participants commented that they were able to hear specific details that cannot be found on the internet.

Part 2: Experience Session by Participants Currently Abroad NONOKA, who is currently staying in Auckland, New Zealand, on a student visa, took the stage. She shared her background on deciding to go abroad after working as a professional, as well as: - What she was glad she did - What was more difficult than imagined - Changes in her English proficiency ...and other real-life experiences.

There was also a Q&A session where she answered questions directly from participants, with many attendees noting that they were able to "visualize the experience as their own."

Participant Feedback (Excerpts) - "My feeling of 'I want to go someday' changed to 'I am going.'" - "The source of my anxiety became clear, and I now have an image of how to prepare." - "I felt relieved to hear realistic stories rather than just the 'glamorous' side of things."

Future Outlook Our association will continue to provide these "opportunities for real information" to support each individual in making choices they will not regret.

Information on the Next Event "Spring Success Study Abroad Event Starting from Zero" Confirmed Following the positive reception of the March event, we have decided to hold our next event. In addition to a basic seminar for beginners, this event will feature a LIVE panel discussion connected directly to overseas locations.

Residents abroad will provide more specific and practical information, including "living costs," "real-world struggles," and "actual English-speaking environments."

Event Overview Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026 Format: Online (Free participation, limited capacity) [Program] - 10:00–10:40 | Beginner's Seminar - 10:45–12:00 | Live Panel Discussion from Abroad - 12:00–12:30 | Q&A and Special Offers

Event Features - Real-life experiences from people living abroad - Live broadcast connecting you to overseas - Basic explanations understandable even for beginners - Q&A to resolve individual questions

Please join us as a catalyst to turn your "I want to go someday" into "I am starting now."

What is a Working Holiday? The working holiday program is a system based on bilateral agreements that allows individuals to live in a partner country for a certain period while freely combining work, study, and travel. It is utilized by many young people as an opportunity to experience foreign cultures and lifestyles while acquiring language skills and a global perspective.

About the Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers is an organization dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the status of the working holiday program. Through the provision of information, counseling, and events related to studying abroad and working holidays, we support young Japanese people in taking on the challenge of going abroad.