I have thought of working in Japan for many years now. It is a fascinating country with interesting cultures, beautiful language, delicious food, captivating scenery, and much more. It is my dream to live in such a wonderful country. However, the complicated processes, from finding a suitable company, to the procedures involved to move to Japan long term, have caused my uncertainties and hesitations for a long time. I thought that it would just be a fleeting dream. Fortunately, I came across the Study Go Work JAPAN program when I was in my first year of study at the university.

Upon registering with Study Go Work JAPAN, a meeting was quickly arranged to learn more about my academic and work experiences and career interests. The meeting also gave me the chance to ask questions I have from the professionals and I was provided with valuable information on how I can build up my resume for working in Japan. During my last year at university, I find myself ready and I submitted essays and a short PR video to promote myself. With these preliminary preparations completed, all I had to do was wait.

Soon, I got matched up with suitable job positions for two companies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my interviews were carried out online but the interview meetings were coordinated smoothly by Asia to Japan staff between me and the company. I was given orientation first to further understand the companies. I was also given a mock interview with a veteran mentor before every round of interviews. My mentor taught me ways to answer Japanese interviewers and helped me to practice verbalizing my thoughts clearly which is critical. He also gave me much specific advice for each interview and was encouraging throughout. I tend to worry and become too tense for interviews but one good piece of advice I received was to just portray myself as who I am and this advice helped me to calm my nerves so much. Overall, the mock interviews were extremely helpful and honestly played a huge part in getting me my job offer!

After receiving the formal employment contract, Asia to Japan support staff assisted me in expressing concerns that I had to the company, politely and professionally, and helped resolved them. As a result, I was able to accept my job offer confidently. Next, I also received help with the administrative procedures to obtain the required Certificate of Eligibility (COE), to apply for a visa and relocate to Japan smoothly. Documents required from me were stated clearly, in both English and Japanese, in an easily understandable way.

Asia to Japan staff is the most supportive, friendly, and encouraging throughout my journey with them. I am extremely grateful for the numerous supports given and for leading me to my dream of working in Japan step by step. I am excited to start this new chapter of my life, explore and gain all kinds of new experiences and expand my horizon. Thank you everyone in Asia to Japan from the bottom of my heart for opening the door to such an amazing opportunity in my life!