# Hello r/movingtojapan!
My name is Marián and I will graduate from german highschool next year. Before I study japanology & computer science I first want to visit and work in Japan for about 1 year.
I am very unsure whether I want to participate in an **IYVS** (**International Youth Volunteer Service**) or work in Japan with a **working holiday visa.**
My goal is to make myself a clear picture of japanese work culture and learn the language while being there.
**IYVS**: Help with paperwork; paid flight; set job; paid flat; 1 paid meal a day; 30000 Yen pocket money every month; working 40 hours a week;
My questions are:
*Will the IYVS give me a wrong and narrowed picture of Japan?*
*which is the right decision IYVS or a work & holiday?*
*Is there someone that made a similiar decision like I have to do who can talk about his point of view?*
**Thank you for all your comments!**
Edit: Sorry I mean work & travel!
1 comment
Either of these programs will give you as much or as little exposure to “real” Japan as you make of it.
How much you make of an experience is ***your responsibility***. No one in either program is going to force-feed you Japanese culture, or the language, or make you explore the country. That’s on *you*. If you are motivated to explore and learn, you can make either of those programs work.
Besides, IYVS is *almost certainly* a Working Holiday program anyways. There’s no “Volunteering” visa, so the only real upside to IYVS is that they will hook you up with an unpaid job.