Language / Cultural Support

Many experts have tried to provide a definition of “Culture”. Perhaps the simplest is “The way we do things around here”.

Cross Cultural Training and Language Training are two entirely different things. However, we will assist in putting together a programme to support the assignee and / or the family as may be necessary.

Language Training can be set at all levels. It may be arranged on a one to one basis, for the whole family or as part of a larger group and can be specifically designed to assist the assignee in business meetings, focussing on the particular work environment and industry, to cover social situations or specifically to assist the children in making friends at school. The training may take a “crash course” format over a short period or may be developed over a period of time.

Cross Cultural training is designed to help the family settle into their new environment as quickly as possible. Even simply saying “hello” is not always easy in a foreign country; as a hand is reached out, is it necessary to exchange kisses … and if so how many? The wrong action may appear very impolite.

It is important to have an understanding of how different cultures operate. Do they actually say what they mean? Or are they simply acquiescing out of politeness but will do something else anyway? Interpersonal relations are critical in helping settle into a new environment. What cues and gestures are critical?

Ideally the training should start before arrival in the new country. This enables the assignment to start being effective from the very first date of arrival.

A carefully managed cross cultural training programme can therefore give international assignees skills and strategies that will help them through the process of adjustment. It will help develop skills for negotiation and interaction. The employee may often find themselves in a work environment similar to that from their home country as the culture of the parent company is dominant; however, the spouse and family may have greater difficulty in the cultural adjustment process since they may have greater daily contact with the host environment.

Time Zones