Hello! I am just about done with my undergrad program (BSc Environmental Science) and have been thinking about moving to Japan once I'm done. I have a couple of different options picked out on how I could make this happen, but I'm still unsure of the best way to go about it. The many pros and cons lists I've created have led me nowhere, so I'd love to hear about anyone's experience with these pathways or other ones I could look into. Thanks in advance!
Option 1: Grad school at Hokkaido University, either EPEES or GEM programs (both taught in English)
I have good marks and some research experience, so I think I have at least a reasonable chance of getting in. I'm a little worried about jumping in the deep end too quickly, with the university workload compounding with the difficulties of moving to another country.
Option 2: Language school until N1
I have studied a bit of Japanese at university, plus done a language study at a Japanese university in Tokyo for a month. While this would probably be the most traveled option, what are the chances I get picked for a job in my field even after say N2 or N1?
Option 3: Ski Bum
I have a few years of experience teaching freestyle skiing, plus a bunch of relevant certifications, so I think I'd be alright. I worry this path is somewhat of a time waster in that I won't be getting any relevant skills or experience to move me towards a career in my field.
Option 4: CCRC Asia or other internship
I'm a little bit apprehensive about paying for a (likely) unpaid internship, even if I do have a chance of getting offered a job at the end.
by antisush
3 comments
If you’ve never lived in Japan and have no idea if living in Japan is actually something you’d enjoy, I’d choose being a ski bum for a year. Consider it a gap year, see if you’re still interested in living in Japan, and then grow your career in a direction that makes sense for long term success in Japan.
Nobody can say the exact chances of getting picked for a job in your field is, but having N2 or N1 will undoubtedly increase those chances
Option 4: (???) See if you can get an internship at a relevant Japanese company? This is what I did (in 2005). I’m not sure what the options are for your field, but in mine (robotics) I did a little bit of research but was probably mostly there (honestly) so that my fellow researchers / engineers would get more practice speaking about their research in English.
Similar to the “ski bum” option, you would only be committing to 3-6 months in Japan, but also you’d gain a career-appropriate thing to put on your resume even if it turns out that living in Japan full-time isn’t for you.
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