For those aspiring to build a life in Japan, starting as a Japanese language school student is a strategic way to lay the foundation for long-term success. By learning the language and immersing yourself in the culture, you create a strong basis for future career opportunities while adapting to Japanese society. This pathway has become increasingly popular among those looking to move to Japan. In fact, 2023 saw a record number of students enrolled in Japanese language schools across the country.

Transitioning from student to employed in Japan has also become increasingly popular, with 25,942 international students successfully transitioning to work visas in 2018. Following the pandemic, international student numbers are rising again, and the government aims to reach 400,000 total foreign students (including students in universities and vocational and language schools) by 2033.

These trends highlight the growing opportunities for those looking to build their lives in Japan. Here’s how starting as a Japanese language school student can strategically pave the way to achieving that goal.

Benefits of Japanese Language School Before a Work Visa

By immersing yourself in intensive language study, you gain valuable language skills that are highly regarded by Japanese employers. Fluency in Japanese can set you apart from other job candidates and greatly enhance your job prospects. Additionally, living and studying in Japan provides you with the opportunity to integrate into the culture, which is essential for navigating both social and professional situations that you will encounter as you build your life in Japan.

Being in Japan as a student also gives you a distinct edge when it comes to finding a job and securing work visa sponsorship. Language schools not only offer support with housing and adapting to Japanese life but also provide direct access to many of these job opportunities. As you prepare to transition from student to working in Japan, you can attend in-person interviews, career fairs, and networking events, many of which are only available to those already living in Japan. While attending Japanese language school, you can also build relationships with classmates, teachers, and other professionals to further strengthen your chances of finding job leads and receiving recommendations.

Visa Options: Student Visa vs. Working Holiday Visa

When moving to Japan as a Japanese language school student, there are two main visa options to consider: the student visa and the working holiday visa.

Student Visa: A student visa allows you to focus on full-time language studies. While on this visa, you can also work part-time (up to 28 hours per week) to support yourself financially. This visa is ideal for those committed to intensive language learning and who plan to stay in Japan long-term.

Working Holiday Visa: This visa is available to citizens of certain countries and offers more flexibility to work while traveling. It’s an excellent option for those who wish to explore Japan, gain work experience, and attend more flexible or short-term language classes. While the working holiday visa is typically limited to one year, it provides similar advantages to the student visa, such as the ability to attend a Japanese language school whiling seeking long-term employment opportunities and work visa sponsorship.

Starting your journey in Japan as a Japanese language school student is a valuable way to integrate into Japanese society, develop language skills, and position yourself for long-term success. Whether you choose a student visa or working holiday visa, the path to living and working in Japan is full of opportunities for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Meko Japanese Language School offers flexible courses tailored for individuals on both student and working holiday visas. Interested in taking the first step toward your dream of living and working in Japan? Learn more about our student visa courses or working holiday visa program, and request a free consultation today!