Culture Training

Language Intelligence cross-cultural programs provide much needed insight into cultural differences

People in diverse cultures have different perceptions. They use different gestures and eye contact; have a different approach to human relations, leadership and decision-making. They may use the same words without meaning the same things, because reference points are anchored in their own cultures. With increasing competition across national borders, international companies need to understand the impact of these differences on their business activities.

Language Intelligence has more than a decade of experience and feedback in training business and technical professionals to be effective in a number of countries, including: Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Scandinavia, South Africa, Spain and Taiwan.

Our cross-cultural programs are always customized for a specific client

The training lasts a half-day, a full day or several days. The programs are intended for managers who transfer overseas or who travel there on business, and professionals who work with foreign colleagues or speak with them on the phone regularly. Our trainers are cross-cultural experts with broad international business backgrounds. Language Intelligence programs can be designed for individuals and small groups.

Our cross-cultural programs start with a brief history of a culture and its institutions. Next, we examine some of the more outstanding cultural differences in detail and discuss their impact on communication. The focus of the third part is practical. Here we use interactive exercises to practice new skills.

The benefits are astounding

Graduates of our programs know what is behind that impassive face across the table, understand differences in reasoning, know how close they can stand to make that sale, what it means if their contact is late again, and how to judge if the proposed timetable is realistic and if deadlines are likely to be met. Our graduates understand different perspectives, recognize the significance of a gesture, know what "I will do my best" means, what their position in the negotiations is likely to be, and how to prepare for culture shock. In fact, if you don't have time to learn the language, it may well be better cross-cultural understanding that will give you that competitive edge.

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