Relocating employees overseas:

Language and culture training — a must for successful business assignments abroad

Being able to speak the local language is a significant advantage for anyone who’s working, studying or even taking an extended vacation in a foreign country.

When you’re relocating overseas, you’ll be much more successful in your job and better enjoy the host country and culture if you’re able to speak the local language. A working knowledge of the language allows you to communicate effectively with locally hired employees in your office and with local suppliers. It’ll also help you with necessities outside of the office, like shopping, asking for directions and staying current on local events.

Learning the local language is one of Relocation Magazine’s top 10 tips for relocating employees*:

“If you don’t already know some of the language of your host country, then your preparations should include learning as much of your new language as you can and making sure you know some business language, social language and everyday phrases. Communication with the locals — however basic — will help you feel more settled and confident in your new surroundings.”

Many companies specializing in HR and business consulting also agree that learning the local language is essential to success and optimizing your experience in the country.

HRZone.com, for example, says language training is one way to make relocation less stressful**:

“One of the most important ways to alleviate the stresses of arriving in a new country is to learn the basics of the local language. The assignee doesn’t have to be fluent in order to gain some independence — being able to ask for help, order in a restaurant, and use public transport for example. An understanding of basic greetings and phrases will enable the employee to establish credibility and trust with colleagues and clients.”

With the right language program, you can quickly learn a new language — and you can see results in as quickly as just one week. For example, the Berlitz Total Immersion program offers personalized instruction in full-day intensive sessions to accelerate learning a language.

Build a relocation strategy to build a language and culture training program that is right for your business and assignees. Get started at Berlitz.com.

*https://www.relocatemagazine.com/hr-talent-management-ten-top-tips-for-relocating-employees.html

**https://www.hrzone.com/engage/employees/20-tips-for-easing-the-stress-of-international-employee-relocation