Youth and work experience travel to Japan and South Korea: From niche to mainstream

Date  – Wednesday, 16 September
Time – 09:20 – 09:40
Location – Workshop area, Euskalduna Conference Centre

Japan and South Korea are rapidly evolving from niche destinations into major players in global youth mobility. Driven by the rise of K-culture, anime, gaming, language learning, and demand for meaningful international experiences, more young people are seeking opportunities in East Asia that combine travel with work, internships, volunteering, and cultural immersion.

This session explores the key trends behind this growth, the different participant profiles attracted to Japan and Korea, and the operational realities that sending organizations need to understand. Attendees will gain practical insights into working holiday support, internships, volunteering and language programs in East Asia, as well as the importance of strong local partnerships in delivering successful participant experiences.