Culture workshops

• As an Account Manager, you are trying to win an order from a French company
• You are setting off with your family for a lengthy stay abroad
• You want to give instructions to the builder who is working on your second home in Spain

Language and culture are inseparably linked. That is why the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT – Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen) and Language Partners have joined forces. Both institutions are leaders in their own specialist field, i.e. cultural training and language training courses respectively. Together, they offer integrated language and culture workshops, assembled from carefully selected modules which have proven their worth. Of course, language and cultural training courses can also be attended separately.

Working in the Netherlands

Decision-making in the Netherlands often strikes foreigners as unusually inefficient and ineffectual. Decisions are only taken after everyone has had their say. In addition there are often compromises with a limited shelf-life. Preparation for the Dutch culture, way of life and values are essential for a company to be successful in the Netherlands, both for the expat and for his family. The language of instruction for this workshop is English.

Living in the Netherlands

For newcomers the Netherlands takes some getting used to. Many Dutch people are happy to speak English, but the cultural differences sometimes cause a lack of comprehension and misunderstandings. This Language Partners cultural workshop deals with the practical things every newcomer needs to know, ranging from education, the health care system and how to use public transport, to social aspects, taboos, food and drink, and places of interest.

Working abroad

The KIT and Language Partners have years of experience in preparing their students for a career abroad or in an international setting. This workshop is aimed at staff in SMEs, multinational corporations, government institutions, NGOs and non-profit organisations. Some striking aspects of these integrated language and cultural courses are:

• Students increase their awareness of their own cultural background and learn to understand the backgrounds of other cultures
• Students develop skills in international business environments and management skills in an intercultural context
• Students learn to overcome cultural differences

Living abroad

Being sent abroad is a fantastic opportunity. To make the most of it, one needs to invest in sound preparation. Secondment abroad not only requires thorough preparation by the expatriates themselves. The preparation and motivation of their families is also essential to success. The workshop prepares family members for the process of moving, socialising and integrating. On the basis of a personal analysis the programme provides insights into the opportunities and challenges of building a new life.

Want to know more about the cultural workshops run by KIT and Language Partners? Just complete information request form.