Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers to Host Free Study Abroad & Working Holiday Seminar in Kagoshima on August 22, 2026

The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers (JAWHM), a non-profit organization supporting and promoting the working holiday system, will host the "Kagoshima Study Abroad & Working Holiday Free Seminar" in Kagoshima City on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

While interest in studying abroad and working holidays has increased in recent years, many people express concerns such as not knowing where to start, lacking confidence in English, and worrying about expenses and local life.

This seminar will provide detailed explanations on the basics of the working holiday and study abroad systems, the characteristics of popular destinations like Australia and Canada, the realities of finding jobs and housing, and tips for preparing to travel. Additionally, through the stories of returnees who have actually traveled overseas, the seminar will deliver realistic information about local life, work, and English learning.

By providing information based on real experiences rather than just explaining the system, JAWHM aims to support those who want to take their first step abroad.

[Event Overview] Event Name: Kagoshima Study Abroad & Working Holiday Free Seminar Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 - 13:00 Registration begins - 13:30 Seminar for beginners in English-speaking countries - 14:45 Returnee experience sharing - 15:30 Q&A session - 16:00 Scheduled end Venue: Kakuix Koryu Center (Kagoshima Prefectural Citizens' Exchange Center), 14-50 Yamashitacho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture Participation Fee: Free

[Seminar Contents] - Seminar for Beginners in English-Speaking Countries: Working holiday system, study abroad system, characteristics of countries like Australia and Canada, finding a job locally, finding housing, and preparation for travel. - Returnee Experience Sharing: Participants who have experienced working holidays or studying abroad will share their stories, including successes, struggles faced locally, and how they overcame them. - Individual Consultation Session: After the seminar, individual consultations will be held for those who wish to participate. Expert counselors will answer questions and concerns regarding studying abroad and working holidays.

[Participation Benefits] All participants will receive a complimentary "Working Holiday Association Original Guidebook," which is useful for the working holiday system and study abroad preparations.

[Background of the Event] The passport ownership rate among Japanese people remains around 20%, meaning many enter the workforce without overseas experience. However, with advancing globalization and diversifying career paths, interest in experiencing learning and working abroad is growing. The working holiday system allows individuals to live and work abroad while learning languages and cross-cultural understanding. Despite this, a lack of information and anxiety prevent many interested individuals from taking action. Through this seminar, JAWHM hopes to deliver opportunities for overseas challenges to residents in regional areas and provide a catalyst for as many people as possible to step out into the world.

Organizer: Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers Supporter: Kagoshima International Association

What is a Working Holiday: The working holiday system is based on arrangements between two countries/regions. It allows young people from the partner country/region to spend a certain period of vacation in their own country/region to understand the culture and general lifestyle, mutually permitting them to work to supplement their travel expenses during their stay. It is a special visa exclusively for young people, different from tourist, study, student, and work visas. It offers a high degree of freedom, allowing individuals to stay, travel, work, or attend language schools anywhere within the country.

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 mark this anniversary year and encourage more people to utilize working holidays, JAWHM is launching various initiatives under the theme "Making Every Working Holiday the Best Experience" and will disseminate information through a special website and social media throughout the year.