Gap Year in Japan: What You Need to Know Before You Leave

Taking a gap year in Japan is an exciting and unique opportunity from which you will gain a lot of learning, but it can also be a choice that raises many questions. In this article, find advice to understand what a sabbatical year is, its benefits, what activities to consider, and how to properly prepare your adventure.

 

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a voluntary break in an academic or professional path to focus on personal projects, work experiences, or travel. This period can be dedicated to learning a language, volunteering, internships, or professional experiences abroad. The goal is often to acquire new skills, improve your CV, and grow personally. It can be done in your home country or abroad to have an even richer experience.

 

Why choose a gap year in Japan?

Japan attracts thousands of students and young professionals each year seeking immersive experiences far from what they know. Here are some reasons why Japan is the perfect destination for your sabbatical year:

• Learning Japanese and English: you will be in total immersion to improve your language skills.
• A dynamic job market: during your gap year in Japan, you will have choices among many professional fields, such as sustainable tourism, or you can study and work locally or engage in volunteer projects.
• A safe environment: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.
• Discovering a new culture: immersing yourself and living in a country is the best way to truly know a country and make enriching connections.

 

What to do during this year?

Depending on your goals, several options are available so your gap year in Japan is an instructive and fulfilling experience.

Study and work during your gap year in Japan

The Study and Work in Japan program combines learning Japanese and professional experience. It offers full immersion through language courses and job opportunities in various fields:

• Working in restaurants, cafes.
• Working with children (daycare).
• Sales in shops.
• Farm work.
  Hotel work.
• And many others, we encourage you to check the program to know all possibilities.

 

Besides acquiring new linguistic and cultural skills, this experience helps partially finance your stay thanks to the jobs offered. The program also includes on-site support to facilitate participant integration.

If you prefer an internship, the Business, Media, and IT Internship in Tokyo program is equally educational. You will develop various skills in marketing, communication, and media in a stimulating international environment.

Commit to animal protection

Animal protection enthusiasts can dedicate their sabbatical year in Japan to missions supporting Japanese wildlife. Here are two programs you will like.

- Animal Health Internship with Black Bears in Japan : your missions will involve caring for the animals and raising public awareness about black bear protection.

- Sea Turtle Conservation Internship in Japan : protect sea turtles on Japanese beaches. Your tasks include monitoring nests, tracking populations, and raising awareness among local communities about preserving these endangered species.

Learn sustainable tourism professions

 

For those who want to combine ecological commitment and professional experience, the ecology and sustainable tourism internship in Japan is an excellent option for a gap year in Japan. This sustainable tourism program in Japan allows working from 4 weeks up to 1 year on various projects all aimed at making tourism more environmentally friendly.

 

How to organize your gap year in Japan

Define your goals

Before leaving, think about what you want to accomplish: learn a language, improve your professional experience, discover a culture?

Choose a program

Once your goal is defined, you can choose your program. Many organizations offer turnkey programs. Compare offers based on your preferences and budget.

Contact our Real Step team so we can build your project together!

Get a visa for your gap year in Japan

The Working Holiday visa (PVT) is an excellent option to work and travel in Japan for one year. Make sure to meet eligibility criteria and apply in advance.

Prepare your budget

The cost of living varies depending on the region in Japan. Plan a budget for accommodation, food, and transportation. Choosing programs that pay you can significantly help finance part of your trip.

Familiarize yourself with the culture

Learning some basic Japanese and understanding local customs will ease your integration. We also offer sabbatical years in New Zealand if that country and its culture also interest you!

 

Ultimately, whether to work, study, or explore the country, Japan is a wonderful destination to discover. With good organization, a clear project, and support from Real Step, you will fully enjoy this year full of discoveries and opportunities.

We wish you the best gap year in Japan!