Removing Cultural Roadblocks from your International Career Path- Part 1

by Gina Teague
rw-3.com

‘Technological advances have transformed the World
into a global village’
‘Multinationals find global acceptance for American management philosophies and practices’
‘English continues to dominate as the language of international business and diplomacy’

So trumpet the headlines of weekly business publications.

It’s no wonder, then, that it comes as a shock when we travel to another country and find out that we can’t accomplish our professional objectives by simply going about ‘business as usual’.

The fact is, it may be a global marketplace, but if you are going to be successful in your job search, you want to avoid behaviors that are inappropriate in your new culture. Even if you are guaranteed a work visa, the differences in language, culture, and job search practices can seem to pose formidable barriers in your quest to find a satisfying work situation overseas.

Below is an introduction to potential obstacles on your path to personal and professional well being while on assignment — and some suggested strategies for staying the course and coming out on top!

A World of Difference

• Email etiquette across foreign counterparts may be universal, but around the meeting table, that is not always the case. For example, the A-okay sign might still be offensive, the Japanese nod of the head smile might be misconstrued as agreement and the English presentation style might appear overly formal.

In terms of norms, beliefs, and behaviors, the differences can be significant and deep-rooted and can impact on your ability to live and work successfully in another society. Try to learn and be sensitive to the acceptable way of doing things.

• Fortunately, for newcomers (or the self confessed cross-culturally maladroit), there’s a whole world of information out there with titles ranging from deeper anthropological and sociological explanations of culture – to the business traveler’s reference guide offering bullet point lists of ‘do’s and don’ts’ when visiting other countries.
• Remember that you have built-in resources in your new environment!
  Tap into the expat community’s vast reservoir of knowledge and experience to get a handle on key local issues, cultural faux pas, and strategies for success in communicating and building relationships with local nationals. Ask their advice on the appropriateness of using certain job search strategies, such as cold calling, networking, and information interviewing.
• Similarly, ‘local knowledge’ is invaluable when compiling a resume or honing your interview skills. So, talk with people who live in the culture to get their perspective Tongue Tied
• Is it absolutely necessary to speak the local language to secure a job overseas? Typically, mastery of the local language will give you an edge over other candidates — but only if you possess the other necessary skills and knowledge to do the job.

Developing foreign language fluency will, in general, raise your comfort level at moving around and meeting people in your new environment. Adding another language to your skills portfolio can also open up new opportunities in your personal and professional life. Many parlay this newly acquired skill into an integral feature of their work upon repatriation. So, you might consider it.

• Make the language learning process manageable and enjoyable by setting yourself realistic goals. Is your objective to: Communicate with household help? Engage in conversation at a social function? Or lead a business meeting at your office or voluntary organization?

Next, identify your preferred learning style: Do you prefer the camaraderie and structure of an organized group at a language school? Or the more individually paced, targeted approach of a private tutor?

• One way to be more knowledgeable about the language learning process – - and possibly sample a different career path — is to teach your own language to others! Language teaching is an eminently transportable and marketable profession — particularly if your native language is widely spoken throughout the world. If you don’t have a work visa seek out or create a voluntary opportunity — perhaps working for a particular organization or population that interests you.