Seminar overview

Have you been posted to France or is this country a key market for your products? If yes, this course will help you to build lasting relationships and adapt to the French way of doing business. Through a comparison with practices in your country, you will discover cultural trends in planning, risk-taking, business hierarchies and customer-vendor relations. Additional topics include business etiquette, presenting to a French audience, written, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Objectives	To facilitate the transition of international assignees and their families into the French lifestyle and work environment. To help participants develop strategies for adapting their communication and management styles to the French way of doing things.
Audience	Expatriates and their families.
Languages	English, French.
Duration	1-2 days.
Approach	This highly interactive course combines discussion, theory, case studies and practical exercises. Your cross-cultural trainer will be joined in the afternoon by a country expert to answer any questions you may have about living in France.

Programme

Crossing cultures

What is culture?

Separating cultural stereotypes from reality

Recognizing culture shock

Stages of adjustment to a new culture

 

Understanding the French

Cultural symbols and heroes
The role of history
The French educational system
The family unit and personal relationships
Comparison of American and French cultural values
Culture, language and thought patterns

 

Communicating with the French

Verbal and non-verbal communication
Comparison of French and American communication styles
Greetings and introductions
Speaking on the phone
Socializing and making small talk
Written communication
Tips for learning French

 

Living in France

Examples of topics we can cover in this part of the course include:

Healthcare and personal safety
Shopping
Opening a bank account
Getting around in France
Entertainment and cultural activities
Useful contacts and addresses for Americans in France
National holidays and traditions
Food, wine and entertaining
Schools and activities for children

 

Doing business in France

Management and leadership models
Business relationships
Risk-taking and decision making
Meetings and presentations
Etiquette and business entertaining
Time management