Telling strangers not to shave: not everyone speaks English

When choosing where to do your elective, there are many things to consider: should you go to a local hospital or abroad? How about a third world country? Which specialty? Should you go alone? I recommend adding a further consideration to your list: should you go to an English speaking country? As someone who did not, I feel qualified to describe some of the pitfalls, as well as the potential benefits.

My decision was largely due to having recently read Memoirs of a Geisha, as well as my interest in nephrology. With the opportunity to spend a month anywhere in the world, I decided upon Japan. I secured a place at Osaka University Hospital, and found three “homestay” families to live with.

I thought I had better learn some Japanese. I bought a Teach Yourself guide and progressed slowly. I wasn't too worried, however; having visited several other non-English speaking countries, and having a somewhat inaccurate view of Japan, I naively assumed that I would be able to …