1. Name: Siti Noor Masyitah Balqis binti Ibrahim

   Matric number: A180877

   Date: 28/7/2024

   
   

2. What have you done?

While preparing for my elective posting, I have always wanted to do my EP in Japan, so I researched the universities in Japan that offer such placement and have found a few of them. After comparing the choices, I have decided to apply for Shiga University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). Some of my seniors have done their EPs there as well, so I was able to ask them more questions regarding this university and their EP experiences. After confirming my choice, I applied for my EP in SUMS under the supervision of Prof Noor Azimah and was accepted after 3 months. Once accepted, I started preparing myself in terms of my knowledge of Japan, such as their language and culture so I will be able to adapt well to a new environment for 2 weeks. 

3. Points to remember from Phase 1

Throughout my preparation, I have learned that there are many cultural differences between Malaysia and Japan. There are many different social cues and communication etiquette that I’ve come to learn about Japan. 

4. Your feelings & thoughts 

I feel very excited yet also nervous during this preparation. This is because I have never been to Japan before so I was very excited to gain new experiences and learn more about their cultures. I was also keen to learn about our designated departments in SUMS during our EP but nervous at the same time as it will be my first time studying in a foreign country and will be meeting and communicating with the Japanese for 2 weeks.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Yes, there was. I was concerned that I would not be able to adapt well to the environment in Japan. Both in terms of social and physical environment. Based on my research, there are differences in terms of social cues so I was afraid I would not be able to meet the standards and also the weather will be very hot during our EP. But I was able to cope well as the Japanese are very kind and considerate and made me feel very welcomed and I was able to learn the social cues gradually throughout my stay there. I was also able to deal with the heat by using cooling wipes and bringing an electronic hand fan everywhere I went. 

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Nerve-wracking yet very exciting

7. Your plan for next week

My plan next week is to learn about the non-communicable diseases in Japan and discuss about the researches that have been done by SUMS regarding it.

Matric Number: A182103

Date of Arrival: 28/7/2024

2. What have you done

   For my clinical elective posting, I chose Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan, based on a recommendation from a senior who had previously completed an elective there. To apply, I asked my senior about the application process, which required preparing a curriculum vitae and sending it via email. Along with me, five other students are also applying to Shiga University. We frequently discuss any questions regarding the preparation for the elective posting through a WhatsApp group. We also completed the iStar paperwork together, ensuring that everything was written in detail and was perfect.

   
   

   Additionally, we received help from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Azimah, a family medicine specialist, who assisted us in communicating with the person in charge at Shiga University. After completing the application process, I was accepted to be posted at the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Research Center and the Molecular Neuroscience Research Center at Shiga University from 29/7/2024 to 9/8/2024. My friends and I began discussing flight tickets, places to stay and visit, food, and what to bring to Japan. Time passed, and finally it was 28/8/2024, the day of our flight to Japan. We gathered at KLIA, sent off by our families, and were ready to leave Malaysia for almost two weeks. We were all very excited to go to Japan and experience the culture ourselves.

3. Points to remember from phase 1

   I learned that extensive planning is really important, especially when traveling abroad. When I was small, everything was planned by my parents. Now, I find it very important to go through all the essential things for the trip thoroughly. For example, this includes planning where to stay and the transportation from one place to another. I discovered that trains are the primary mode of transportation in Japan, so it's crucial for us to familiarize ourselves with the train routes and stops. As Muslims, we also need to plan for halal food options in Japan, as we must be mindful of what we eat. This experience highlights the importance of thorough planning in ensuring everything goes smoothly.

4. Your feelings and thoughts

   The only feelings I experienced throughout the preparation phase were excitement and nervousness. I am excited to see how we will do in a foreign country. Japan has always been the country I wanted to visit the most since I was young. Knowing that it is a developed country with advanced infrastructure and excellent healthcare and education systems makes me even more excited. I’m truly grateful for this chance to experience it all for myself.

5. Any difficulties/ concerns? How did you cope

   The difficulty I faced during the preparation phase was time management. I was committed to other important responsibilities for almost a month, which made it challenging to balance everything. At the same time, I needed to prepare for the elective posting at Shiga University. Fortunately, thanks to my friends and Prof. Azimah, who were incredibly thoughtful and supportive, we managed all the preparations together. Their help ensured that I stayed on track and didn't fall behind despite the time constraints.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting so far

• Exciting

• Grateful

7. Your plan for next phase

   For the upcoming week, I will be starting my clinical elective posting at the NCD Research Center of Shiga University for one week. My plan is to familiarize myself with the environment, understand the learning culture, and prepare for the new learning experience.

1. Name : Nurdarwisya Shafiah Binti 'Ainuddin

   Matric no : A185594

   Date of arrival : 27th July 2024

2. What Have I Done ?

   In preparation for the elective posting in Japan, I reached out to seniors who had previously done their medical electives at Shiga University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). Their insights were invaluable, helping me understand what to expect and how to navigate the experience. I conducted thorough research on the university and its elective courses, and I was particularly drawn to the Forensic Medicine Department, which ultimately became my choice for the posting.

   
   

   For the preparations, me and my friend also reaserach on the weather in Japan as their summer is more warmer than Malaysia, and what to prepare beforehand to combat with the heat while we staying there. We also thoroughly plan our itinerary for our stay in Japan focusing on balancing academic responsibilities with exploring Japan, to ensure we maximized both learning opportunities and cultural experiences during the elective.

   
   

   Securing accommodation for my entire stay was another critical part of the preparation process. I connected with Ms. Mai Nakamura, the person in charge of international students at SUMS, who played a crucial role in facilitating our application and making arrangements for our stay. I finalized travel logistics, including flights, accommodation, and essential documents like my medical check ups and travel insurance. I also packed necessary items such as medical supplies and professional attire. To bridge the cultural and language gap, I studied basic Japanese phrases, focusing on medical terms, and researched Japanese customs and societal norms to ensure respectful interaction.

   
   

3. Points to remember from week 1!

• My previous travel to a foreign country, my parents managed all the arrangements and preparations for me. This experience has taught me to be more responsible and meticulous in handling every detail of my own travel preparations.

• Early preparations are very important for a smooth sailing experiences afterwards. Making a checklist on what to prepare is also helpful to make sure I did not miss out on anything. Besides, considering the high temperature of the weather in Japan while planning our itinerary, it is important to limit activities per day to make sure we do not feel overwhelmed.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

• My feelings and thoughts are mixed up in between nervousness and excitement. I was nervous at first as we are meeting new people in a whole new environment and to top that the langguage barrier worries me a little. However, I am also very excited and curious to explore new things while learning Japanese culture and experiencing the diversity.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

• Coordinating accommodation, flight ticket, and necessary documentation can be complex. There was times where I am very anxious and worried that I made any mistake in bookings or submitting important documents. Fortunately, I started early with my preparations and maintain close communication with Ms. Mai Nakamura for assistance. I also double-check all arrangements and keep a checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.

• Adapting to Japanese customs and societal norms initially made me feel a little overwhelmed. With this, i engage myself in cultural orientation sessions, seek guidance from local contacts, and observe and respect local customs.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

• Exciting

• Anticipating

7. Your plan for Phase 2

• My plan for next week is to continue expanding your Japanese vocabulary, especially medical and forensic terms, to improve communication with colleagues and patients. Consider engaging in language exchange or tutoring for more practice. I also wish to build relationships with Japanese professionals and peers in the forensic field. Attend networking events, engage in discussions, and seek mentorship to enhance your professional connections.

1. Name: Nur Aisyah Binti Mohamad Noor Azman

Matrics no: A189023

Date of arrival: 26th July 2024

2. What have you done?

My journey of elective posting begins with discussing it with my friends on which country and university to choose that would suit our area of interest that we would like to explore more. We sent applications to many universities in different countries. 

After a few months of waiting for replies, I am glad that Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS), Japan accepted us to do our elective posting for two weeks. I was quite disappointed that I did not get my first choice which is cardiothoracic surgery as they were not accepting visiting students at that time. However, I am still grateful that I got my second choice which is the forensic department. This is because I am interested in observing autopsies and it is also an interesting department. Besides, there are six of us going to the same university and Professor Azimah was the one in charge to help us communicate with the person from that university which is Miss Mai Nakamura. 

After I received the acceptance letter, I prepared all the documents needed which includes the medical check up. The others and I also made sure we secured a place at the international housing of SUMS for us to stay for two weeks. Thankfully, we only need to pay for the housing fees as we do not need to pay a single cent for our two weeks training at our respective department at the hospital. 

My flight to Osaka was on 26th July 2024 together with Darwisya as we wanted extra days to get used to that place before we start our training on 29th July 2024. As soon as we arrived in Osaka, we were greeted by one of the university’s representatives which is Associate professor Dr Rabiatul who also helped us to get to SUMS from the airport by using the train. Once we arrived at the international housing, we were welcomed by Miss Mai and another two staff members. Then, we checked into the housing and rested for a few days.

3. Points to remember 

Firstly, to send applications to the universities as soon as possible so that the waiting time for replies would not be too long. This is to avoid me from being too worried about securing my placement. 

Secondly, double checking with the university on the documents needed before going for the elective. If I did not email the person in charge inquiring about the housing fees, they would have forgotten to tell us about the medical check up that we need to do and submit before arriving in Japan. Thankfully, the others and I were able to complete the medical check up one week before we start the elective posting. This taught me to always double check with the people in charge at the very last minute on all the documents needed. 

4. Your feelings and thoughts

Throughout the months of preparing for the elective posting, sometimes I feel tired as there are many things to prepare. I had to prepare all the documents while still going through all the postings in year 3. I had to focus on my studies and also making sure my elective preparation was going well as well at the same time.

Besides, I also feel like I learn a lot of new things in preparing for this elective. I believe this experience will help me if I ever have to go abroad again for studying. It is a priceless knowledge that I gained because of this elective that would benefit me in the future.

5. Any difficulties/ concerns

One of the concerns I faced during the preparation is waiting for a few months for the university to accept my application. I felt anxious waiting as some universities that I have applied to rejected my applications. SUMS was the last university to respond and I was grateful they accepted me.

Another difficulty that I faced is communicating with the person in charge at SUMS as they were taking weeks to reply to our emails. The others and I had to wait for weeks every time we were asking questions through emails. Even though it took them weeks to answer, we can still get the answer.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far 

• Excited 

• Nervous 

7. Your plan for next week 

My plan for next week is to learn as much as I can from the forensic department team as it is a new experience for me. I would also like to make friends with the students at the department to learn more about their culture and widen my networking internationally.

1. Name : Afiq Nur Aiman bin Abdul Mustafa Kamal

   Matric Number : A179238

   Date of Arrival : 28th August 2024

2. What have you done?

   I was recommended by my senior that have went to the university for elective posting to join the forensic department for elective posting. As i was always love to go adventure to different country, i decided to go to Japan for my elective posting. At first i discuss with my senior what i need to prepare, how much is the budget, how is the facilities over there, where do we stay at during our elective posting. What should i prepare before going there.

   After i have confirm with my parents I'm going to Japan, then i do the paperwork that is required by the universities and applying for English version of the form in order to request for international elective posting.

   After some time have pass, i contacted with the supervisor for my elective posting group stating that i will be joining them to go to Japan. I also contact with my other group member that will be going to the universities. My first choice of department is forensics pathology. I am glad that the universities allow me to join the department even though its just for 2 weeks. I feel very happy and excited when i know that i was accepted to join the program.

   Before i went to Japan, i went to renew my passport. first i applied for it online, nevertheless my application was rejected because there was trouble with my fingerprint, i print the receipt and was able to collect it at the center after updating my data and fingerprint.

   My flight to Osaka was on 28th July 2024 together with Masyitah, Faizah and Nuhaa. WHen we arrived, we are guided by on of the master student from the university Associate professor Dr Rabiatul who guided us to go to SUMS from airport by using the bullet train. Then we ride taxi from the train station to the international guest house for the place i'm staying at. After that, i stay at my room and rest for the day

3. Points to remember

Some points to remember would be sending documents early as we might not know if we are gonna have problem with documents or not. It is advised for us to prepare earlier for the better to prepare us to face any problem that might have arrived.

Some extra things to know, as a Muslim we need to check for the food, our direction to pray and prayer time. Its quite difficult if were going to non majority Muslim country but its going to be alright.

4. Your feelings and thoughts

   Throughout the weeks waiting for the time I'm going to Japan i feel very nervous and happy at the same time. I have always been interested to learn the culture of Japan and wanted to try living there for once. I am also thankful that i was given a chance to go to study at Japan.

5. Any difficulties or concerns

   The difficulties that i faced during preparation phase is that i get contacted with my group a bit late. Thus my application is categorized as late. i wish there is a way for me to contact the other sooner. Other difficulties include in renewing the passport. I thought that i can just update using online application. Other concerns include getting lost at Japan and being separated with the other students. It may cause me problem to move around at Japan. Other than that is language barrier as most Japanese people do not know how to speak English.

6. 2 Words to describe elective posting progress so far

   • Excited

   • Worried

7. Your plan for next week

   My plan for next week is to make sure that i get plenty of experience and friends when I'm staying at SUMS. I could use this chance to expand my networking and experience. I can also learn about the different of forensics procedure at Japan and Malaysia. I can also learn the study culture at Japan.