We recommend starting the training as soon as the decision for an assignment abroad has been made, but no later than eight weeks before the move. This way, the assignees are not yet too preoccupied with farewells and moving arrangements. Alternatively, training can also take place after arrival in the destination country. The ideal time for this is approximately four weeks after the move. By then, many questions will have arisen that a trainer can address and assist with integration. We adapt to our clients’ needs and are flexible.
We aim to match participants with the ideal trainer from our extensive pool of trainers. To do this, we need to know in advance what specific challenges they may face. This approach allows us to achieve a satisfaction rate of over 99% among participants.
Good things take time, even when preparing and settling in. If it needs to be fast and accessible from anywhere, we recommend our e-learning courses and the Global Mobility Platform. Of course, training after arrival in the destination country is also
Even if life partners have been together for a long time, there are significant differences in the challenges faced by expatriates and accompanying partners. By using different questionnaires, we can assess the starting conditions and tailor the training directly to the personal needs of all family members. It is possible that accompanying partners may need their own separate training.
Yes, that is possible and in some cases also sensible. However, the most effective method for preparing for a new life abroad is as follows: Training and/or coaching should begin at home approximately eight weeks before the planned move. This allows the expatriates to mentally prepare for the new phase, implement certain strategies, and make arrangements such as establishing new contacts. After the move, a further training session typically takes place around four weeks later. This session addresses any questions that have arisen on-site and provides targeted advice on integration. All participants schedule the sessions according to their needs directly with the trainers, both before and after the move.
All participants in our training programs can generally use our online platform for three months after the training. It offers over 600 articles and videos with tips on common business situations. Additionally, we provide further training or coaching, both while still at home and after relocating to the host country. For sustainability and the transfer of what has been learned into daily life, this is actually recommended.
Typically, our expatriate training sessions last one to two days. Two days provide more time to discuss content and apply sustainable methods. For groups, we generally recommend conducting two-day training sessions. Sometimes, the client imposes restrictions on duration and costs. We always try to find a solution in such cases. Essentially, anything is possible, but one needs to be clear about the outcomes and expectations: the shorter the training and the larger the number of participants, the less sustainable and transfer-oriented the training can be. Extensions are certainly welcome, and additional training or accompanying coaching sessions are available. Additionally, content can be further explored through our e-learning tools.
Yes, weekend training sessions are quite normal for us.
For in-person events, we are happy to split the time into half-days, for example, having sessions for adults in the morning and sessions for the whole family in the afternoon after childcare and school. This should also prevent additional travel costs. Dates and times for online seminars are arranged directly between the expatriates and the trainer and can thus take the childcare situation into account.
We are happy to work with everyone who is going on the move, including children of all ages. We even consider it necessary to involve children in the preparation process. Relocating abroad represents a significant change that affects everyone in a family. It is beneficial to prepare together, address concerns, plan a nice farewell from the current home, and also to dream together. In practice, it has proven effective to invite young children to family sessions and then provide separate supervision. Teenagers usually know exactly what interests them and where they prefer to leave their parents on their own.
You can choose the location that suits you and the expatriates best: on the company premises, at the expatriates’ private residence, in a meeting room at a conference hotel, virtually, or in the exact mix that is needed.
It entirely depends on the expectations and the structure involved: In our in-person sessions, intercultural training usually lasts one or two days. Online training, however, can span several weeks. A combination of both approaches is also possible.
We prepare the materials according to the training. In most cases, participants receive handouts from the training day and accompanying materials. They can choose whether they want to receive the materials in printed form or digitally. Additionally, all seminar participants get access to our intercultural online platform, which includes over 600 articles and videos on common business situations.
You can see it in your numbers—and in the happy faces of your employees. When international assignments fail, it is costly for companies, often amounting to six figures in EUR. Satisfied expatriates, on the other hand, ensure business success, can manage projects to completion with excellent results, and have a stable personal environment.
Your languages are our languages—and that includes the common European languages. Our trainers speak over 20 languages, and with our large pool of trainers, we have been able to cover every language requirement so far.
Most participants who have been abroad before are experienced and have a good understanding of what to expect during a new assignment and where to find relevant information. However, much can change over time. It is important to address farewells or losses experienced with a new relocation. Additionally, questions about one’s own identity often arise. Therefore, taking time to gain new inspiration and energy for a fresh start can be beneficial. Our training for this group specifically addresses these needs and includes up-to-date, country-specific information. Even a country where one once felt at home can change over the years, and staying informed may not always be possible. It’s not uncommon for very experienced participants to say after our training, “I wish I had known this earlier!”
Certainly! We can either organize on-site seminars for your employees to prepare them for a stay in Germany before the move, or after their arrival in Germany, or both. We also offer specialized e-learning courses on this topic: “Business Culture Germany” and “Living in Germany.” Additionally, the Global Mobility platform provides extensive information for assignments to Germany. We believe that cross-cultural collaboration works best when all parties are involved. Therefore, we also recommend training German employees. It’s beneficial for everyone to understand where they come from and where their cultural boundaries lie. Thus, it is best to work together to find out how to succeed as an international team.
Our training programs have certain core components and a framework that is present in all sessions. However, none are exactly the same. We tailor the training to the needs of the participants, which are always different. Additionally, each trainer has their own personality and experience, which influences their teaching style and the content of the training.
It is simple, convenient, and provides planning security. If there are a large number of assignments in a year, a framework agreement saves you time and money—talk to us about our volume discounts.
According to our terms and conditions, you can cancel your booking at any time, but please do so in writing. Cancellations made up to four weeks before the training or coaching start date are free of charge. Cancellations made up to two weeks before the date incur a 25% fee, while cancellations up to one week before the seminar start incur a 50% fee. Cancellations made the day before the seminar are charged 90%, and cancellations on the day of the seminar are charged 100% of the seminar price. Sometimes, additional costs for services provided by third parties may also apply.
The standard times are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To set up and perform a typical “tech check,” our trainers usually arrive an hour before the event starts. Additional time is also allocated at the end, as some trainings may run slightly longer. Our trainers are also available after the session for your feedback and need time to pack up their setup. However, individual arrangements can be made.
Typically, our expatriate training sessions have between one and four participants, usually consisting of the expatriate and accompanying family members. For team training, the ideal group size is between eight and twelve people. This allows for effective small-group work while still enabling individual attention. Of course, we also offer training for larger groups with more than twelve participants.
A cross-cultural training is a seminar that imparts “cross-cultural competence” as a key qualification. Participants learn how to interact in a new cultural environment and develop strategies and attitudes for a successful stay abroad.
The seminars are complemented by the personal experiences of our coaches, forming the foundation for a smooth stay abroad and the achievement of your employees’ personal goals.
Cross-cultural trainings focus less on so-called “hard skills” like learning a new language, and more on the development of important “soft skills”
Cross-cultural trainings focus particularly on the development of important soft skills:
Communication: The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most important skills. Communication is the transmission of information with the goal of improving mutual understanding.
Self-Motivation: This is also a key qualification. In a new international environment, you often have to leave your comfort zone and constantly motivate yourself to discover new things and benefit from them despite uncertainties.
Leadership Skills: Your employees may have proven their leadership skills in the German work environment. But how will they perform abroad? Can they adapt and lead their team effectively in a new cultural context?
Teamwork: In the context of an expatriate assignment, teamwork means navigating challenging situations in groups with an international background and collaborating effectively.
Problem-Solving Skills: Upon arrival in a foreign country, a series of problems may initially arise. Therefore, it is important to develop strong problem-solving skills and quickly find your way in the new environment.
Stress Management and Time Management:Participants in our seminars learn to better cope with pressure and improve their time management skills to successfully overcome the challenges of living abroad.