While you are abroad - Health Issues
While you are abroad - Safety Issues

Living Abroad & Depression
When you are overseas, you may feel more stressed rather than more relaxed. This is due to the added pressures of learning a new language, meeting new people, and the inevitable time management demands of working and traveling. When you first arrive you may also experience jetlag: where your body hasn't adjusted to your new time zone and sleeping and eating times.

If you have had psychological difficulties in the past or if you are hoping that time spent overseas will help you "solve" a problem facing you at home, you should talk with a counselor before deciding to participate in NanoJapan. Your CISI insurance also provides some coverage for seeing mental health care providers while abroad and there are a number of English-speaking clinics in Tokyo that specilize in mental health issues. Do not hesitate to contact the NanoJapan program for additional guidance or support and remember to reach out to your built-in support network of fellow NanoJapan participants.

Eating Disorders
It is very easy when you are abroad to become susceptible to eating disorders: you are in a different place and the food is different. Your stomach may not agree with the types of food there, or you may feel like you're eating too much. You may also experience depression or loneliness manifesting itself in the form of an eating disorder. If you think you may have a problem, talk to a counselor or nutritionist and learn about good nutrition. You can contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa at www.anad.org for more information.

Alcohol Use in Japan
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. If you are not 20 years old drinking is a violation of the laws of Japan and a violation of the NanoJapan Participation Agreement you signed which states that you will abide by the laws of your host country. No alcohol may be purchased or consumed at any formal or official NanoJapan event or activity though if you are of legal drinking age in Japan you may consume alcohol, in moderation, during your free time.

Drinking does play an important role in Japanese society and typically gives one the freedom to express their true feelings and emotions (honne) when this is not otherwise socially acceptable. It is not uncommon for co-workers to go out together after work to a restaurant or izakaya and these informal activities are used to strengthen both social and business ties. You do not have to drink alcohol if invited out with a group in Japan, just poitely say you prefer a different beverage. If pressed you may explain your reasons for not drinking if you are comfortable doing this or can simply say that you prefer not to drink tonight.

Especially when in a foreign place where you may not fully understand the culture or language, particular care should be taken when going out to bars, clubs, discos, etc. The following precautions are highly recommended:

• Limit alcohol consumption so you are better able to assess your surroundings.
• Be cautious about mixing different types of alcoholic beverages.
• Eat substantive food before consuming alcohol.
• Make arrangements to go home with a friend before you go. Always use the buddy system.
• Don't leave beverages unattended.
• Don't take any beverages from someone you don't know well.
• Do not accept open-container drinks at parties.
• Accept drinks at a bar only from the bartender.
• Be alert to the behavior of friends and ask them to watch out for you too.
• Be aware of your surroundings.

Sexual Harrassment & Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted, get to a safe place and call a rape crisis center or the police. If you want to report the incident, you may not be allowed to shower, douche or change clothes until medical evidence is collected. Contact the NanoJapan program as soon as possible.

Sexual harrassment is something that occur anywhere in the world but that can cause unique issues for students abroad. The Center for Global Education's SAFETI Clearinghouse provides an excellent article on this Sexual Harrassment & Prevention in College Students Studying Abroad that all students should review prior to departure.

Preventing AIDS & Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Take adequate precautions to avoid contracting sexually ransmitted diseases. Use latex condoms during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Do not use intravenous drugs or share needles. Be aware that tattoos, acupuncture treatments, and injections for medical or dental procedures may put you at risk. Avoid the use of locally produced immune globulin and blood-clotting factors in countries where the blood supply is not routinely tested for communicable diseases. If a blood transfusion is necessary, contact the nearest American Embassy or consulate for advice. If you are concerned that you may have a sexually transmitted disease, see a doctor immediately.

Contraception
Information on contraception and contraceptives may be more difficult to obtain outside the U.S. or not available in your host country. You should inquire before you leave. If you plan to be sexually active, bring an adequate supply of condoms and contraceptives with you abroad.

While you are abroad - Safety Issues
Health & Safety Abroad - Be Prepared
One of the most important things to remember when you are abroad is to be prepared. You should always know where the nearest English-speaking medical clinic or doctor is and this an all other applicable emergency phone numbers should be programmed into your Japanese cell phone. All NanoJapan participants should also complete the following to ensure you are prepared in case of an emergency or crisis abroad.

• Emergency Card: The Emergency Card is a condensed resource, which includes your most important contact numbers and personal information. Print out the Card and fill in all the requested names, addresses, phone numbers and personal information on both sheets. One sheet has already been partially completed for you with the main contact information you would need during the Orientation period in Tokyo. The second sheet should include the contact information you would use during the Research Internship period though some of the information can be transfered from the first sheet. Make several copies of your completed card and keep a copy in your wallet; with you at all times.
• Emergency Action Plan: The first step in crisis management is being prepared before a crisis occurs. Adopt a personal Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for yourself. Essentially, this document describes what actions to take in the event of an emergency. Your EAP could be as simple as a list of people to call in case you are hurt, along with copies of your insurance papers, passport, and names of any medications to which you are allergic.
• Emergency Action Plan Steps: We suggest you print out the Emergency Action Steps and keep a copy with you at all times. We have included a list of suggested documents and items to help you respond more effectively during an emergency.

Japanese Cell Phone
All NanoJapan participants are required to rent a Pre-Paid Japanese Cell Phone via Piccell Wireless prior to departure. Your US cell phone will likely not work in Japan and you will need a local phone number to use while you are abroad. You will be billed for your monthly cell phone usage via credit card meaning you will never run out of minutes and your phone will always be available to use in case of emergency.

Incoming phone calls to your Japanese cell phone number are free and this phone will be used by the NanonJapan program to contact you in case of emergency. You should program in the following numbers into your cell phone (along with the applicable internatinal dialing codes) and also keep a written copy of these numbers with you at all times. 911 does not work in Japan - program in the correct emergency numbers as listed below.

• Police: 110
• English-speaking Police Hotline: 03-3501-0110
• Ambulance/Fire: 119
• 24-Hour Japan Helpline: 0120-46-1997
• Tokyo English Lifeline: 03-5774-0992
• NanoJapan Representative in Japan: 090-7699-0699
• NanoJapan in US (office): +1 (713) 348-6362

Calling a Japanese Phone Number from the US
The caller will need to dial 011 followed by the Japanese Country Code (81) and then your phone number. If you are calling a Japanese mobile number you will need to drop the 0 at the front of the phone number as this is only used when calling the number domestically within Japan.

• From Within Japan: 090-7699-0699
• From US to Japan: 011 81 90-7699-0699

Calling the US from your Japanese Cell Phone
When placing an international call using your Japanese cell phone dial the Value Code prefix (0033-010) followed by the US country code (1) and then the area code followed by the number.

• NanoJapan in the US (office): 0033.010-1-713-348-6362

Registration with the US Embassy in Japan
You should already have registered online with the US Embassy but if you have not already done so you must do this upon arrival abroad. Remember your login and password so you can updated your registration with the address and contact information for your lab and housing during the research internship period in case this should change.

Additionally, all NanoJapan students should sign up for the Warden Messages that are regularly sent out from the US Embassy in Japan. These messages disseminate important information about the current situation in Japan in case of emergency or other event.

Earthquakes in Japan
Japan is the most seismically active piece of real estate in the world. The Tokyo metropolitan area experiences regular tremors of varying intensities and the probability that a severe and damaging earthquake will occur is high. The consequences of such a quake will vary greatly depending upon the time of day and year that the quake occurs, and no one can predict with any certainty what conditions will be like immediately following an intensive shock. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has compiled an English Earthquake Survival Manual that all NanoJapan students should review.

In the event of a major earthquake NanoJapan students should refer to their Emergency Action Plan and make sure they are familiar with earthquake emergency procedures and precautions for their safety. In the event of a major earthquake follow all instructions given by your lab, housing, or the building where you are in and try to bring your cell phone with you if asked to leave the building. Contact the NanoJapan program as soon as possible.

Role of the Embassy: The Japanese Government will be responsible for assisting foreigners immediately after a major earthquake. Telephone services may be severely overloaded and the Japanese Government will restrict phone use to priority users. Nonetheless, the Embassy will quickly want to ascertain the welfare and whereabouts of American Citizens. To aid in this process, American citizens should cooperate with Japanese authorities at evacuation sites and clearly identify themselves as Americans. The Embassy will help you get information about the situation and communicate with Japanese government officials if necessary in order to obtain proper food, shelter and medical attention. We will pass as much information as possible about the welfare of individual U.S. citizens back to the Department of State in Washington, D.C. so that this information may be shared with your families, friends and employers.

Tsunamis are ocean waves produced by earthquakes or underwater landslides. The word is Japanese and means "harbor wave," because of the devastating effects these waves have had on low-lying Japanese coastal communities.

Typhoons in Japan
A typhoon (known in the US as a hurricane) is a large tropical cyclone, a meteorological phenomenon also known as a hurricane. These storms, accompanied by heavy rainfall, can cover areas of up to 500 miles (800 km) in diameter and generate winds up to 180 miles (290 km) an hour. The typhoon season in Japan runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. The US Embassy in Tokyo's website contains more information on Typhoons.

If a major storm is approaching your research lab or housing should keep you informed of the status and let you know of any preparations you should make. You can also follow the media coverage of storms or other weather events through English-language newspapers such as the Japan Times, Daily Yomiuri, or Asahi Shimbun as newsbroadcasts and radio coverage will likely only be available in Japanese.

Legal Issues in Japan
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  The NanoJapan program cannot intervene if you are arrested or prosecuted for violation of local laws, including laws on drug use, currency exchange, and disturbances of the peace. What may seem to you like a harmless prank may have serious consequences. Do not assume that, as an American or a student, you will be treated leniently; the opposite is often the case. If you do become involved in any legal problems, notify NanoJapan as soon as possible and ask to speak to your consular representative. More information is is available on the US Embassy in Tokyo's Arrests in Japan page.

Penalties for breaking Japanese law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Japanese law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Persons arrested in Japan, even for a minor offense, may be held in detention without bail for two to three months during the investigation and legal proceedings. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  A list of English-speaking lawyers throughout Japan is available on the US Embassy in Japan's website.

Illegal Drugs:  Penalties for possession or use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs, including marijuana, in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines.  In most drug cases, suspects are detained incommunicado, which bars them from receiving visitors or corresponding with anyone other than a lawyer or U.S. consular officer until after indictment, which may take several months. Solitary confinement is common.

People can be convicted of drug use based on positive blood or urine tests alone, and multiple Americans are now serving time in Japanese prisons as the result of sting operations and the use of informants.  The Japanese police routinely share information on drug arrests with Interpol, assuring that notice of the arrest will reach U.S. law enforcement agencies.  About half of all Americans now in prison in Japan are incarcerated for drug-related crimes.

Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs and other methods.  Travelers and their luggage entering Japan are screened at ports of entry.  Incoming and outgoing mail, as well as international packages sent via DHL or FEDEX, is also checked carefully.  The Japanese police make arrests for even the smallest amounts of illegal drugs. Several Americans are now in custody after having mailed illegal drugs to themselves from other countries.  Other Americans are serving time for having tried to bring drugs into Japan as paid couriers working out of Southeast Asia or Europe.

Consular Access:  U.S. citizens must carry their U.S. passports or Japanese alien registration cards with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, the U.S. citizen can establish proof of identity, citizenship, and immigration status.  Under Japanese law, the police may stop any person on the street at any time and demand to see an ID.  If a foreigner does not have with him/her either a passport or valid Japanese Alien Registration Card, s/he is subject to arrest.  In accordance with the U.S.-Japan Consular Convention, U.S. consular officers are generally notified within 24 hours of the arrest of a U.S. citizen, if the U.S. citizen requests consular notification.

Conditions at Prisons and Detention Facilities:  Japanese prisons and detention facilities maintain internal order through a regime of very strict discipline.  American-citizen prisoners often complain of stark, austere living conditions and psychological isolation.  A prisoner can become eligible for parole only after serving about 60-70% of his/her sentence.  Early parole is not allowed for any reason--humanitarian, medical or otherwise.  Access to interpreters is not required at all times under Japanese criminal law.  Japan acceded to the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons on June 1, 2003.   Please also see the US Department of State's information on Prisoner Transfer Treaties.

Street Safety
Japan drives on the left side of the street and one of the most difficult things for Americans to get used to when they first visit Japan. Before crossing any street be sure to look BOTH ways and always cross streets at the crosswalk. You will almost never see someone in Japan jaywalk or cross against traffic when the green crosswalk sign is not lit.

Know where you are going when you leave. Just like in any big city, a foreigner holding a huge map could invite trouble. Take time to study a map before you go out, and get to know your city's layout and culture and always carry your cell phone with you. Subway or train stations typically have neighborhood maps you can look at prior to exiting and if you have questions there are usually staffed Information Desks available with station workers willing to assist you - though you will need to make use of your Japanese language skills.

Observe local behaviors. Cues will be different than what you are used to. In particular, body language is not universal. Your actions may be interpreted very differently than you intended. For example, Americans often present conflicting body language to what they say, such as smiling while saying no. Be aware of your own mixed signals. Remember that safety in numbers is a smart idea wherever you are.

Violence & Terrorism
The events of September 11, 2001, serve as a reminder of the continuing threat from terrorists and extremist groups to Americans and American interests worldwide.  There have been no major terrorist incidents in Japan since 1995; however, since terrorists can strike at any time and at any place, U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential risks and take these into consideration when making travel plans.  The Government of Japan has maintained heightened security measures at key facilities and ports of entry as antiterrorism precautions. The Government of Japan is vigilant in tracking terrorist threat indicators and remains at a high state of alert.  Local police substations (koban) and police emergency dispatchers (tel. 110) should be contacted to report suspicious activity.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens are urged to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

While Japan has far less street crime and personal violence than is potentially present in urban and suburban America, public political demonstrations are not uncommon in some cities and countries abroad. Do NOT participate or go to observe these demonstrations as your hosts may not appreciate that you, a foreign visitor, are publicly opposing their political or social system. Your behavior abroad is your responsibility and you should think about the consequences before acting. There are certain rather obvious precautions that American students abroad can take:

• Do your homework, listen and heed the counsel you are given.
• Keep a low profile and try not to make yourself conspicuous by dress, speech, or behavior, in ways that might identify you as a target or uniquely American. This includes: wearing U.S. college or university insignia clothing or heavily patriotic American clothing, wearing baseball caps or U.S. sports teams' shirts or jackets.
• Do not draw attention to yourself either through expensive dress, personal accessories (cameras, radios, sunglasses, etc.) or careless behavior.
• Avoid crowds, protest groups, or other potentially volatile situations. Keep abreast of local news. Read local newspapers, magazines, etc. and speak with local officials to learn about any potential civil unrest. If there should be any political unrest, do not get involved.
• When in large cities and other popular tourist destinations, avoid or spend as little time as possible in potential target areas for terrorist activities, especially places frequented by Americans: bars, discos, and U.S. fast food restaurants; branches of American banks; American churches; and American consulates or embassies.
• Try not to engage in conversations about contentious political issues with host nationals and avoid retaliating against hostile or bigoted remarks about Americans.
• Be wary of unexpected packages and stay clear of unattended luggage or parcels in airports, train stations, or other areas of uncontrolled public access.
• Report to the responsible authority any suspicious persons loitering around residence or instructional facilities, or following you; keep your residence area locked; use common sense in divulging information to strangers about your study program and your fellow students.
• If you haven't already done so, please register with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your home country. Additionally, if you travel to countries beyond your internship site and expect to be there for more than a week, register upon arrival at a consulate or embassy of your home country having jurisdiction over the location.
• Make sure that NanoJapan or your research advisor always knows where and how to contact you in an emergency (make sure that someone always knows where you are!).
• Develop a plan with your family for regular telephone or e-mail contact, so that in times of heightened political tension, you will be able to communicate with your parents directly about your safety.

Anti-Americanism
American travelers abroad should be aware that anti-Americanism is on the rise in some countries around the world. Many people cite the United States' foreign policy, popular culture, collective personality or the negative effects of globalization as reasons why they feel negatively towards the United States. The current geo-political situation has increased anti-American sentiments around the world. While it may be easy to dismiss these attitudes as irrelevant, there are very real problems which arise when the United States loses friends in the world. It is bad for American businesses and products, it means there is less cooperation on issues important to our country, and it means that countries may be less hospitable to American travelers or workers.

As an NanoJapan participant, there are many things you can do to help combat negative impressions of the United States . You may not be able to do much to influence America 's foreign policy or the negative impacts of globalization, but you can change how people view America 's popular culture and collective identity.

American products are pervasive around the world, and some people only know the United States by McDonalds, Coca-Cola, and US television and movies. While overseas, share some of the lesser known aspects of American culture with your new friends, such as an art, jazz music, sports like ultimate Frisbee or baseball, local traditions from your hometown/ state, or literature. You should also make sure that you are showing respect and appreciation for your host country's culture.

You can also do much to combat the negative impressions of America 's collective personality. Some people feel that Americans are loud, arrogant, insincere, wasteful and ignorant of world affairs. Be mindful of these stereotypes and do what can to make a positive impact. Use your internship as an opportunity to serve as an unofficial ambassador of the United States.

While in general, anti-Americanism does not pose a personal threat to travelers abroad, you may want to follow the below precautions to help prevent conflict during your time overseas. 

• Do not attend political demonstrations against the United States.
• Do not speak loudly or behave boisterously when in public.
• Do not frequent American chains or travel with large groups of Americans.
• Treat people respectfully.
• Follow local customs with regards to manners.
• Do not wear overtly American clothing or flags. 
• Do not respond with anger when you hear anti-American rhetoric. Listen first and take time to decide whether the criticism is valid or not. If you choose to engage in discussion about America, make sure that you are not speaking emotionally. Present your thoughts calmly and rationally.