Well, I'm currently in the first year of my Engineering course and I've started trying to learn Japanese. Unfortunately I have some learning difficulties which make learning learning new languages especially hard- relating to symbols and pronounciation.

However, my course is 4/5 years minimum (and I might have to repeat years later on) and I'm aiming to get on JET for a year or two after that. That means I'm going to have about 6/7 years of practice so hopefully I should be quite good by then.

My only concern is that I am teaching myself the language. Unfortunately I don't know of any real courses nearby and I can't really afford the time or money involved.

However, thank you for the help. I'm going to have a look into what sort of things might be desirable for working in Japan. Do you think I should contact the Japanese Embassy, a Career's Advisor or contact companies directly? I'm at an early stage, so it would be easier to make any changes now.

Thank you very much for your help!