By MoCA Editorial Team
Source / StudyAbroad e-Zone
In recent years, cultural exchanges such as Japanese dramas and idol stars have narrowed the cultural gap between Taiwan and Japan. (Image provided by MoCA Editorial Team)
After Japan opened its Working Holiday program to Taiwanese students in 2009, Japan became one of the preferred destinations for Taiwanese students seeking further studies. By working part-time, students can reduce the financial burden of studying abroad while deeply experiencing refined Japanese culture and improving their language skills. The current eligibility criteria for the Working Holiday program are individuals aged 18 to 30, allowing them to work part-time during their up to one-year holiday period to cover tuition fees or travel expenses. This type of visa specifically emphasizes that the purpose is not employment, but rather to experience Japanese culture and daily life through working and studying abroad.
A total of 2,000 Working Holiday visas are available each year, with applications accepted in May and November. (Image provided by MoCA Editorial Team)
Apart from the Working Holiday program, many people also go to Japan to study solely for the purpose of learning Japanese. Language schools in Japan can be broadly divided into two types: Japanese language schools and language centers affiliated with universities or vocational schools. Japanese language schools focus primarily on professional Japanese education. They are small in scale, with relatively unremarkable facilities, and typically offer small classes of around 15 students. These schools put extra effort into educational counseling and life guidance, and their fees are usually lower than those of university-affiliated language centers. Language centers affiliated with various schools allow students to share all the resources and facilities of the university or vocational school, providing more opportunities to interact with Japanese students. Being able to communicate with local students also offers greater opportunities to practice listening and speaking in Japanese.
There are multiple pathways for learning Japanese in Japan, including language schools, vocational schools, and university preparatory courses. (Image provided by MoCA Editorial Team)
Of course, among those who go to Japan for short-term or long-term study abroad, many do so for academic or career advancement, some for higher degrees, and others for professional development while working. Many prestigious Japanese universities, led by the University of Tokyo, are internationally ranked due to their historical culture, excellent faculty, and well-equipped facilities, making them top choices for students worldwide. In addition, Japan’s vocational schools for career-related programs are also known for their solid curricula. Although the "Diploma of Specialized Studies" (専門士) awarded by these schools does not have an equivalent in Taiwan, tens of thousands of people still go there each year to acquire specialized skills.
Founded in the 10th year of the Meiji era (1877), this is Japan’s highest institution of learning and ranks as the top university in Asia. (Image provided by MoCA Editorial Team)
Since the time available for studying overseas is limited, most students focus on reading, listening, and speaking Japanese, with leisure activities serving mainly as a complement. However, planning extracurricular activities can also help observe functional skills in different cultural environments. For younger students, in addition to regular Japanese language courses, various extracurricular activities are arranged, such as club exchanges, cultural lectures, tea ceremony lessons, and hot spring trips, ensuring a blend of travel and learning.For more related information and itineraries, search “StudyAbroad e-Zone” on the App Store.
● Read more: StudyAbroad e-Zone – The only mobile consultation platform for short- and long-term study abroad programs in the Chinese-speaking world
