What did you just say?

Have you ever had a moment when you’ve said something you regretted?  The moment the words were out of your mouth you wished you could take them back?

I think we run an increased risk of experiencing those moments when we are living and working with another culture. 

Click to read more ...

New Country, New School?

At this time of year many in the northern hemisphere are looking at beginning a new school year.  For those who have relocated globally the challenges of a new school are often compounded by a new location, a new culture and possibly a new language. 

We all know the impact that family issues can have on a successful global transition and that’s why my co-author Rachel and I decided this webinar should be available, without cost, to anyone who is interested.  We are very excited to have our guest expert: Julia Simens. a widely respected author, international speaker and educator, who will be sharing both her personal and professional perspective on...

New Country, New School?

You’ve moved!  A new job, new home, new city, new country – but the greatest challenge is often found in school.  Changing schools can be tough for children in any location.  But add culture, language, different teaching styles, a new curriculum, unfamiliar rules, and no friends to the mix?  This could be tricky!

What can you do to help your child adapt well to their new school?  For more information and to register click here.

“This place gives you a better perspective on life”

Last week I was in Vanuatu.  It’s an island archipelago in the South Pacific with over 80 islands stretching over 12,000 square kilometers and a population around 224,500.  A beautiful place.  Sandy and coral beaches, blue waters teeming with fish of every colour, vivid flowers, fruit laden coconut trees and banana bushes; all were a feast for the eyes and some for the stomach!

So it didn’t come as a surprise when an expat I spoke with described one of the benefits of working in Vanuatu as “ better perspective on life.”  However he wasn’t referring to appreciating the beauty of nature but lessons learnt from the local people.

Click to read more ...

When is the best time for cross-cultural training?

I was recently asked about the timing of cross-cultural training for expats, and hesitated to give my answer. You see, in my mind, this question suggests a potentially outdated perception of what cultural training is and its place in the global workplace. 

Click to read more ...

What's new for CIC members?

June was a busy month for the CIC (Cultural Intelligence Collective).  We focused on the early days of an expat assignment (this is the season for moves beginning from the northern hemisphere) and we held two webinars. Members can access these webinars which have been uploaded to the Resource Library.

Click to read more ...