Navigating Language and Cultural Training in Your New Country: How to Make the Most of Your Relocation Experience

Cultural and language training is crucial in helping employees navigate new global roles in a complex world. So much so that many countries even have mandatory language proficiency requirements for long-term assignees.

A recent study showed that nearly one-third of international transferees would have appreciated language and cultural training. Our clients find that cultural and language training is an important factor in setting a transferee or assignee up for success. And that’s a win-win for the employee and the employer.

As a transferee, you may be offered language and cultural training as part of your benefits package. Here’s what you need to know.

How does cultural training benefit transferees?

Your company is investing a lot in your successful relocation. The more it can do to facilitate that success, the better. One important way is to help you acclimate and settle in as quickly as possible.

The goal of cultural training is to familiarize the employee with the cultural norms and nuances of their host country. Cultural differences are evident even in countries where the same language is spoken. To succeed in the host location, it is important that, at a minimum, the employee (and ideally the partner/spouse as well) receive some type of cultural training which creates a better understanding of the cultural differences with their colleagues and subordinates. The result: enhanced teamwork, fewer misunderstandings, improved problem solving, and better business outcomes.

At CapRelo, we are fortunate to partner with longtime trusted local providers around the world, who are the best sources to guide newcomers in the local culture. Their training programs provide important insights into the country’s business and social cultures. Transferees who relocate without the benefit of that type of training often don’t realize how even seemingly minor cultural differences can impact their ability to excel at their jobs. Cultural training equips the transferee to know how to appropriately interact in both business environments and daily life in the new country.

For example, in Spain where we work with a lot of clients, it is common to “air kiss” a person as a greeting. If you aren’t aware of that, you might be put off by what seems like something too personal. But it means nothing other than the Spanish equivalent of an American handshake.

Or let’s say you are assigned to a role in Mexico. Through your cultural training, you would discover a culture that strongly emphasizes personal relationships. Upon settling in there, you would already know to expect business to be transacted alongside plenty of small talk.

How important is language training?

Likewise, language training is intended to help the transferee become familiar with and expand their knowledge of the new language, and be able to communicate with locals. Obviously, learning a new language is not something that can be accomplished in a few days, nor is it expected that every assignee will become fully fluent in the new language. Instead, language training equips the employee with language proficiency to at least minimally communicate with colleagues and locals. Even if your skills aren’t perfect, they will appreciate that you are making the effort to communicate with them.

How are these programs delivered?

Generally, both language and cultural training is offered to both the employee and spouse/partner. Some companies also offer cultural orientation programs specifically for children, though that is not as common. School-age children learn the new language through the schools.

The high price tag for face-to-face training with a consultant had led many of our clients to instead opt for digital training tools at a significant cost savings. A program like Rosetta Stone, for instance, is a fraction of the cost of 60 hours of language lessons. Using online tools, transferees can choose virtual and augmented realities that simulate real-world situations and conversations. Transferees can also use online assessments to uncover gaps in their knowledge of the host country’s culture.

Cross-cultural training is a flex benefit; should I use it?

It’s not uncommon that employers offer language and/or cultural training as one of the many optional flex benefits a transferee can choose within their relocation budget. If your employer is one of those, don’t let that opportunity go to waste! Sure, it might be tempting to spend a few more flex points or dollars on things like household goods shipping or destination services. But allocating some of your relocation budget to helping you be better prepared for your new surroundings pays big dividends in your ultimate success as an expat.

What are other ways to overcome language and cultural barriers?

First of all, do your own research. CapRelo’s website offers valuable tools and informational resources on different countries. In addition, your relocation consultant provides personal one-on-one orientation to your new location. For instance, when I’m working with transferees moving from South America to Spain, I make sure they understand that even though the same language is spoken, it is spoken very differently.

Secondly, embrace the saying, “When in Roman, do as the Romans.” While it can be tempting to solely surround yourself with other expats, this is a chance to go outside your comfort zone. Make new connections and friendships, and create lifelong memories. Immerse yourself in the local culture, join local clubs, become friends with other local parents at your kids’ schools. Become a sponge, and take in as much as you can from the experience.

Get help from the experts

CapRelo’s international relocation consultants have decades of experience helping global transferees successfully transition to new countries and cultures. Whether you are undertaking a permanent transfer or a short-term assignment, we’re ready to help through each step of your international relocation.