[2026 Edition] Ranking of 'Countries Young People Want Added to Working Holiday Program'

The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers (JAWHM), a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the Working Holiday system, conducted a survey targeting young people considering working holiday travel, asking about 'Countries Young People Want Added to the Working Holiday Program'.

The results revealed a significant change in the criteria for choosing countries compared to 2018.

## 2026 Edition Ranking Results

1st Place: Philippines
2nd Place: United States
3rd Place: Dubai (UAE)
4th Place: Switzerland
5th Place: India
6th Place: Turkey
7th Place: Greece
8th Place: Vietnam
9th Place: Mexico

## 1st Place: Philippines

**Top choice for overseas experience based on cost-performance**

The Philippines, which took first place this time, was highly rated for its ability to combine an English-speaking environment with low costs. With both tuition and living expenses being affordable, it garnered support by meeting the needs of those who 'want to gain overseas experience while keeping costs down' and 'want to improve their English skills while working'.

## 2nd Place: United States

**Persistent popularity, but ranking fluctuates due to practical considerations**

The United States remains a highly popular country, and its appeal as a place for career development and practical experience is very significant.

However, due to visa regulations and the influence of international affairs, the perception that 'I want to go, but the hurdles are high' has also spread, resulting in a second-place finish in this ranking.

## 3rd Place: Dubai (UAE)

**Growing attention as a 'profitable overseas destination'**

Dubai is attracting attention due to its characteristics such as high income and a tax-free environment. It is gaining popularity as a country that meets the need to 'make money in a short period' and is strengthening its presence as an 'income-driven' option, which was not part of the traditional working holiday perspective.

## Characteristics of 4th Place and Below

**Diversifying overseas aspirations**

Switzerland and India are chosen for career and skill development, Turkey and Greece for cultural experiences, and Vietnam and Mexico for their growing markets and low costs. Overall, there is a stronger tendency to choose countries based on specific objectives.

## Comparison with 2018 Ranking

A similar survey in 2018 yielded the following results:

1st Place: United States
2nd Place: Italy
3rd Place: Singapore
4th Place: Netherlands
5th Place: Belgium
6th Place: Philippines
7th Place: India
8th Place: Greece
9th Place: Mexico
10th Place: Russia

At that time, many responses were based on a Western orientation or the idea of 'countries I want to visit,' with European countries like Italy and the Netherlands ranking high. Subsequently, working holiday agreements with Italy and the Netherlands actually began, making them realistic options.

Against this background, expectations for 'which country will be added next' are currently rising, and this trend is reflected in the current ranking.

## Key Point of Change

**From 'Aspiration' to 'Cost-Performance and Practicality'**

Comparing the 2018 and 2026 rankings, it is clear that while countries were once chosen based on 'aspiration' such as Western countries or cultural appeal, the current trend has shifted towards selecting countries based on more concrete and practical values, such as prioritizing high cost-performance like the Philippines, environments where income can be earned in a short period like Dubai, and career development in the United States.

## [Survey Overview]

- **Target Audience**: 70 males and females in their teens and twenties considering working holiday travel.
- **Survey Area**: Nationwide
- **Survey Period**: December 2025 - February 2026
- **Survey Method**: On-site survey of visitors

*When publishing the survey results included in this release, please be sure to clearly state 'According to the Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers'.*

## What is the Working Holiday System?

The Working Holiday system is an arrangement based on agreements between two countries/regions, where each country/region provides young people from the other country/region with an opportunity to understand their culture and general lifestyle. It mutually recognizes activities for spending a certain period of vacation in their own country/region and employment to supplement living expenses during that period.

It is a special visa exclusively for young people, different from tourist visas, study abroad visas, student visas, or work visas. It allows for high flexibility, enabling recipients to stay anywhere, travel anywhere, work, or attend language schools.

## Working Holiday 45th Anniversary Campaign

Japan concluded a Working Holiday agreement with Australia, and the first Working Holiday visa in Japan was accepted on December 1, 1980. To encourage more people to utilize the Working Holiday system during this anniversary year, various projects are being launched under the theme of 'Making every Working Holiday the best experience,' which will be communicated through a special website and social media throughout the year.

## For Working Holidays, choose Working Holiday Association®

The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers promotes the Working Holiday system.