Seminar overview

Have you been posted to the USA 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 American 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 an American audience, written, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Objectives	To help French expatriates and their families make a smooth transition to living in the USA. To provide international assignees with practical tools for understanding and adapting to American business practices.
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 the USA.

Programme

Crossing cultures

What is culture?
Separating cultural stereotypes from reality
Recognizing culture shock
Stages of adjustment to a new culture

 

Understanding Americans

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

 

Communicating with Americans

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 English

 

Living in the USA

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

Healthcare and personal safety
The American legal system
Dining etiquette and entertaining
Useful addresses and contacts for expatriates
Entertainment and cultural activities
National holidays and traditions
Schools and activities for children

 

Doing business in the USA

Management and leadership models
Business relationships with colleagues and customers
Risk-taking and decision making
Meetings and presentations
Socializing and networking
Time management