Cross-Cultural Training
Summary: Cross-Cultural Training is offered to people preparing to move abroad, or to expats that already live abroad, to help them successfully adapt to a new culture.
Cross-Cultural Training is offered to people preparing to move abroad, or to expats that already live abroad, to help them successfully adapt to a new culture. Someone entering cross-cultural training may expect to:
- Learn the differences and similarities between cultures
- Recognize the significance of these similarities and differences
- Learn about the norms in the new culture, which might include customs, traditions and values.
- Learn how to appropriately communicate with people in the destination country
- Otherwise apply this knowledge in specific situations.
Cross-cultural training is often included in an expatriate compensation package when expats embark upon an expatriate assignment. While relevant to cross-cultural training, language training is generally considered separate.
More From Expat Exchange:
Getting the Most From Cross-Cultural Training
Moving Abroad: Understanding the Culture when Moving Abroad
Language and Cross-Cultural Resources
External:
Harvard Business Review: The Mistake Most Managers Make with Cross-Cultural Training
Shrm.org: How to Create an Effective Cross-Cultural Training Program
New York Times: Cross-cultural training: How much difference does it really make?
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
First Published: Oct 05, 2015