Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Before Arrival/Preparing Your Visit

 

[1. Application Process]
Q1-1. Can I apply as a medical student?
Q1-2. Is hands-on training an option?
Q1-3. Can I fill in the application form with handwriting?
Q1-4. Can the signature on the reference letter be a digital signature?
Q1-5. EIA-IgG tests for antibody titer are not available in the country where I reside. What should I do?

 

Q1-1. I'm a student. Can I apply?

A1-1. Observership visits at NCC are best suited to experienced specialists, not to students. Even without evaluations, we are not prepared to accept students.

Q1-2. Is hands-on training an option?

A1-2. Hands-in-pocket observation/shadowing only, no Hands-on training. Unless licensed by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, physical contact/consolation with patients is disallowed.

Q1-3. Can I fill in the application form with handwriting?

A1-3. No. Please type the form. All document submissions must be converted into PDF and uploaded to the designated URL upon invitation.

Q1-4. Can the signature on the reference letter be a digital signature?

A1-4. A wet signature is preferred, but digitally signing or inserting a signed image is accepted.

Q1-5. EIA-IgG tests for antibody titer are not available in the country where I reside. What should I do?

A1-5. Please have a certificate issued that states that you are proven positive with antibodies for the specific disease. Please indicate diseases in English.

 [2. Preparation for Your Stay in Japan]
Q2-1. Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Q2-2. Isitt okay that I don’t speak Japanese?
Q2-3. Can I bring a dependent with me to Japan?
Q2-4. Can I send packages to your center before the visit date and receive them when I arrive?
Q2-5. Can you be my guarantor for real estate rentals?
Q2-6. How can I find suitable accommodation?

 

Q2-1. Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

A2-1. Yes. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for the period you are engaged in observership before departing your country of residence.

Q2-2. Is it okay that I don’t speak Japanese but English?

A2-2. Japanese proficiency is not a requirement for our observership visits. However, English proficiency (good listening, reading, and writing skills) is an absolute requirement. We reserve the right to void invitations, should the visitor fail to demonstrate ability. It may result in early termination of his/her participation, in which case any paid fees will not be refunded.

Q2-3. Can I bring a dependent with me to Japan?

A2-3. Some long-term visitors bring their families to Japan during their stay, you are welcome to do so; however we cannot issue visa letters for family members or other companies joining you for your visit to Japan. Please ensure that all visa requirements are cleared.

Q2-4. Can I send packages to your center before the visit date and receive them when I arrive?

A2-4. We are unable to keep personal packages for visitors. This applies to the period during your visit too. If you wish to receive any personal packages, please send to your accommodation.

Q2-5. Can you be my guarantor for real estate rentals?

A2-5. Nobody from our center is able to serve as a guarantor for visitors, upon renting accommodation or any other business.

Q2-6. How can I find suitable accommodation?

A2-6. There are plenty to options to choose from. For visitors staying over a month, there are more economical packages. Please refer to ‘Hotel lists’ and ‘Accommodation Search’ in the NCC Observership Guidebook on our website. Please note that we no longer have accommodation ready on/off-site.

After Arrival/During Your Stay

 

[3. Life in NCC]
Q3-1. Is there an attire code?
Q3-2. Is there a smoking area on the premises?

 

Q3-1. Is there an attire code?

A3-1. Please bring your white/lab coat to wear in the hospital during your stay. If you are observing operations, please bring indoor shoes to wear in the operation rooms. Casual clothes are fine, but no jeans and no perfume (it makes chemotherapy patients feel sick), please.

Q3-2. Is there a smoking area on the premises?

A3-2. No. Smoking is not permitted on the premises throughout. Very few spots in the neighborhood allow smoking.