Paths After ICLC
Students advance to various paths after completing studies at ICLC.
Paths differ depending on your goals.
Most students advance to vocational schools and universities to prepare working in Japan long term.
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Others who already have work experience or a univeristy degree find jobs right after graduation.
Schools
Univeristies
In general, university enrollments in Japan require at least JLPT N2 level Japanese. Apart from Japanese proficiency, international students are required to take the EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students). See the JASSO website for detaills.
There are also English-taught programs that may not require Japanese proficiency.
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*ICLC does not provide prep classes for EJU. Students must prepare for the test on their own or take part in EJU courses offered online.
Vocational Schools
Vocational schools also expect JLPT N2 level Japanese in order to keep up with the same study speed as local Japanese students.
Depending on the profession though, the required Japanese level may be N3. Such schools will usually have programs catered to international students.
Career
To apply for jobs in Japan, you must have at least a bachelor's degree related to the job field you are applying to.
If you have more than 10 years of experience in a specific field, companies may consider hiring you regardless of educational background.
Japanese Jobs
Jobs that require Japanese proficiency will ask for levels higher than JLPT N2. Depending on the industry you work for, the linguistic requirements may be different. You should also have some working experience in the field related to the position.
International Jobs
Positions that do not require Japanese ability may exempt you from submitting proof of Japanese proficiency. Although it is reocmmended to have some level of Japanese to reside in Japan, international jobs may not require this.
Specified Skilled Work
Industries in Japan that lack manpower such as in nursing, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, recruit international workers through the Specific Skilled Work system. To work in these industries, you must first pass the proficiency test pertaining to the field.
Please see Specific Skilled Worker website for details.
Other
Other Visas
There are several types of visa statuses that allow you to take part in certain activities in Japan. Some of them are the cultural activity visa, business manager visa, Japanese decendant (third/forth generation) long-term residence, etc.
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Please make sure you meet the requirements for the visa status you apply to and be ready to submit documents to immigration. It is very difficult to arrange the whole visa application process on your own without professional legal help. Please consult a legal specialist if you may consider applying to these visas.
Working Holiday
Some countries may be eligibile for the Working Holiday visa for those under the age of 30 years old. Please contact your local Embassy/Consulate of Japan for details.
SOFA
If you find employment inside the US military base, you may be eligible to get SOFA status which is under the US-Japan agreement allowing you to stay in Japan long-term.