Work A Ski Season In Japan: Students!

Work abroad specialist, BUNAC, is holding interviews for gap-year students wanting to spend this coming winter season skiing down Japan’s powdery slopes.

The Land of the Rising Sun is well known for its incredible ski opportunities, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating culture. It is also fast growing in popularity as a destination for young British gap year travellers keen to spend an entire winter on the slopes.

Participants signed up to BUNAC’s “Work Japan Ultimate Ski” programme can now take advantage of the new, recently-released annual quota of Japan working holiday visas.

According to BUNAC, Japan is set to be more popular than ever this year, with the excitement of two major international events on the Japanese sporting calendar - the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

A range of jobs, both on and off the slopes, is available in the world-renowned ski resorts of Niseko and also in three ski towns just a short bullet train ride from Tokyo - Nozawa Onsen, Yuzawa and Minakami: ideal for powder-hounds who also love the city lights.

Emma Beynon, BUNAC's Marketing Manager, says: "The year ahead represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for ski gappers in Japan: arrive in time for the Rugby World Cup which kicks off in September; work an unforgettable ski season; then stay on to see the cherry blossom next spring and catch the Olympics during summer 2020. These two huge international events are set to boost job opportunities for English speakers, too, which is great news for people on a working holiday."

BUNAC's "Work Japan Ultimate Ski” programme allows young British and Irish citizens, aged between 20 and 30, to spend up to 12 months living, working and discovering the country's unique culture and traditions.

Skype interviews take place in June / July for placements between November and April. Hundreds of winter hospitality and customer service positions are up for grabs, ranging from on-mountain Ski Concierge to Spa Attendant, Lodge Manager to Guest Services Agent - plus Snowsports and Infants Instructor roles for applicants with relevant experience. There are plenty of perks available, too, including free or subsidised accommodation, lift passes, lessons and activities.

Once the snow has melted, most resorts re-open for the summer season with a raft of new job opportunities for those wanting to stay a full 12 months. Applicants don't need to speak Japanese but BUNAC provides intercultural training, optional language lessons and year-round support to help participants fit in and feel confident in the workplace and in social situations.

BUNAC's "Work Japan Ultimate Ski" costs £899 and includes a pre-arranged ski resort job before you go, accommodation while you work and, in some cases, a free or discounted ski pass. BUNAC also provides support throughout the entire experience, including thorough online orientation and intercultural training, visa support, Tokyo airport meet and greet, transfers, one week’s arrival accommodation (add £200 for four weeks’ accommodation), help with tax, health insurance and banking formalities, and access to an in-country mentor for the full 12 months.

For further information, call BUNAC on 0333 999 7516 or visit www.bunac.org/uk/work-abroad/work-japanJapa