Managers often assume that employees could sell the company's products or provide service to international clients as effectively as they do for Australian customers. This is a reasonable expectation, but is it realistic? Unless employees understand how the business cultures of people from different countries work, they are not likely to meet this expectation. Business cultural awareness and diversity inclusion means the ability to make decisions based on an understanding of how your clients' work culturally. VLLC offers training in these areas to ensure employees are in a better position to make decisions, which can enhance the profitability of the business. As employees increase their cultural awareness, they develop a more culturally inclusive and diverse mindset. They more readily accept the need for adapting their behaviour to suit the client's culture, become more realistic about their demands and more responsive to client needs. Through the familiarisation of basic cultural concepts and cultural values, improved business etiquette and avoiding cultural taboos, the employee can gain self-esteem and confidence, improve client relationships based on mutual respect and understanding and gain cultural awareness. With Australia being a multicultural society, diversity and inclusion and cultural tolerance is not negotiable in the corporate world. If your organisation needs any assistance with this area contact VLLC.
0 Comments
The Coronavirus pandemic has turned the world upside down and brought entire nations to a halt. At the start of 2020, there were rumours of a flu-like virus from an almost unheard-of Chinese city called Wuhan. A few months later and it was a pandemic. A lot changed very quickly, and the power and beauty of learning online came into its own. Time to Learn. With the COVID19 Pandemic came lockdown, with lockdown came free time. Less travel time to work, sporting commitments and other gatherings. Netflix and other streaming channels saw increased subscribers and viewers. Binge-watching was a global pastime. But this was not so for everyone. Some people took advantage of the spare time and good internet access as the perfect excuse for self-improvement. Zoom and other video conferencing platforms made communication easy. Online education was now more like sitting in a classroom than sitting in front of a screen and it was enjoyable. The Joy of Online Learning. Online learning has been around for some time, language schools especially have been using the power of the internet to teach. But today, full university courses can be found online, and you never have to leave the comfort of your home. Technology has made online learning enjoyable, easy to access Zoom and video conferencing systems as mentioned above have made online education interactive, but technology goes further than that. There are many digital tools and specific software solutions that have made online learning and online training easier, less clunky and more enjoyable. All this has made learning a language online for example, easier with better results for the learner. Improved Courses for an Improved You. Learning a new skill is something that makes us feel good, improves self-esteem, cognitive function and many skills can open up new avenues of opportunity in both life and career. Advances in computer software and technology have made learning online better than ever before. The pandemic has pushed online learning establishments to think more about how they teach and how they can combine various teaching methods with different technologies. With teaching methods and technology developing parallel with each other, a focus on producing better qualified and better-equipped students or people has become the goal. At the same time ensuring online learning is enjoyable remains a priority. If a learner is enjoying being taught, they will achieve better. Online Training after Covid-19. COVID19 has been the shot in the arm that online training around the world has needed. Organisations offering any form of online learning from business skills and DIY to learning a language need to be on top of their game. The improvements in online training are here to stay. Those people who have spent time learning rather than lounging during the lockdowns now know the real benefits of online learning. The skills learned will remain part of their life and those companies who have actively encouraged and even funded online training through these tough times are now better off for it. Online learning has proven itself both to individuals and the commercial sector that it works. Learn a Language Online. Since 1989 the Vocational Language Learning Centre has been helping people learn a new language. Today the language school uses some of the most advanced online training solutions to make learning a language online easier and more enjoyable than ever before. The beauty of learning a language online is hard to put into words as it can change lives completely. VLLC’s well-developed training programs that encourage a person to think in their new language not just speak it, has made online language learning possible for anyone. Online learning means you can learn at your own pace at a time and in a place that suits you best. You are assured of the best training using the best and proven techniques and you will enjoy learning your new language. Whether you are living here in Australia or find yourself in the UK, Europe, the USA or the Far East accessing the best way to learn a language and the resources of a well-equipped, hugely experienced school has never been easier. Join us today at www.vllc.com.au and experience the beauty of learning online.
Most people are under the impression that you have to move overseas in order to utilise your language skill. While opportunities definitely are available abroad, a foreign language skill can open doors to a variety of careers right where you are. Australia is now such a broad multicultural society. You gain much more skill from learning a language than just being able to communicate in another language. The practical skills that can benefit you from learning a language can include presentations, comparisons, researching and translating can lead you to a career in a range of areas. Wherever your skill takes you can guarantee that your journey will be enriched by knowing how to speak a foreign language. Possible career paths can include working with a charity or non government organisation such as Red Cross who work with refugees, Aid asylum seekers or the homeless. The medical field such as nursing or medicine also services Australians from many countries. These areas of expertise can greatly benefit from having a bilingual member on their team. Police or the Defence Force may benefit from bilingual employees as there are many areas of society which house citizens who have not yet mastered the English language and would require your assistance in a time of need. Being a bilingual officer also serves to help forge stronger community links with ethnic communities. Travel and Tourism is an obvious employment sector and opportunities within the travel and tourism industry are numerous. You could find employment in the airline, transport, travel agency, hotel or tour company. You could write travel blogs, give tours, customer service or management roles. In the journalism and media industries there are also opportunities for bilingual speakers. In the multi cultural arena which is Australia, communities with have media in their own languages which therefore requires people to write, film or produce communication and work in their language. The business world also requires bilingual people to communicate in the ever increasing international arena. With the growth in technology it is becoming more common that Australian businesses have strong relationships with their overseas counterparts. Staff with excellent foreign language skills are crucial to these businesses.
In recent years, the Middle East has exploded as a business destination. The growth of cities such as Dubai and Doha has made them hubs for international travellers, and with this, the cities have become central points for doing business. Doing business in the Middle East is not too challenging, and Arab countries are extremely open to doing international business. Having an understanding of business etiquette and a grasp of the Arabic language can and will make a tremendous difference to doing business in the region. For thousands of years the Middle East has been a trading hub. It has been on trade routes for gems, spices and in times gone by, slaves as far back as man can remember. The Arab world is extremely civilised and appreciation of this with simple good manners, hellos and goodbyes makes all the difference. Calendar and Weekends. One of the biggest mistakes newcomers to the Arab world make is the working week. Only 3 countries, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia work what the western world call a working week. All other countries use Friday and Saturday as their weekend. Don’t head into the Middle East hoping to get a meeting on a Friday as chances are it won’t happen. Secondly, there is an overlap in calendars used, while Arab countries tend to use the Gregorian calendar for business and many other activities, the Islamic Lunar Calendar is an influence when it comes to religious activity. Familiarising oneself with the likes of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha for example will be tremendously beneficial. Arabs and language. As with most nations, Arabs are extremely proud of their language. Even the most basic understanding of the Arabic language can be helpful, but a more fluent understanding will demonstrate deep respect among those one is doing business with. Very often there are almost formal or expected greetings and responses such as As-salaam alaykum when initially meeting, being traditionally followed by Wa alaykum as-salaam. Like most languages, Arabic has a formal and informal form. Having a good grasp of the language will lower barriers between parties fairly quickly, once it is known you speak Arabic. Very often you will be politely asked to be less formal. However, should a person senior to your guest enter the meeting, conversation may revert to formal out of respect, should the person be unfamiliar. A control of the Arabic language will grow ones understanding of the people and culture. A deep respect for Allah is prominent, and this may take some getting used to, but politeness and gentleness will make things easier. With the understanding of the Arabic language and culture settling in to the ways of the region will become less difficult. Time and hard bargains. Time, it seems, in the Arab world, moves at a slower pace. It would not be unusual for a meeting to begin an hour or an hour and half late, there is no rush. Interruptions to meetings will not be uncommon, and meetings may extend a great deal longer than planned. Arabs are, and always have been traders. They have all the time in the world to get the deal they want. It may be a little uncomfortable, and you may feel a little pressured to negotiate, so don’t say you have not been warned. Having an understanding of Arabic will make negotiations easier and may result on more favourable terms. The value of speaking Arabic will pay off for anyone doing business in the Middle East, and once a deal has been struck strong bonds will remain.
Arabic people are genuine, honest and very welcoming. Treated with respect in their own language you will win not only superb business partners, but very welcome friends. A linguist and Columbia professor, Mr John McWhorter, recently conducted a talkback radio feature relating to learning new languages and the necessity for this. I heard about this both on the radio and in a CCTNews article which I have referenced below. McWhorter makes the case that English is rapidly consolidating its position as the universal language, and points out how this begs an important question: if you speak English already, why bother learning another language? According to McWhorter, English is on its way to becoming the predominant global language by the end of this century, thanks to its prevalence on the internet, and its use in the world of finance, diplomacy and air traffic control, and even though Mandarin is currently spoken by more people, far more Chinese speakers are learning English than the other way around. If that were not enough reason to forget about studying a foreign language, he adds that instant translation of live speech is getting better every year. These two points lead McWhorter to ask: Why should anyone learn foreign languages if everyone will either be able to speak English, or have access to technology that will automatically translate speech? McWhorter gives the following reasons as to why you should learn a foreign language:
McWhorter concludes with a reflection on how it has never been easier to teach yourself a language. “You used to have to go to class, go to the laboratory, use records… and books that didn’t work”. In comparison, now we have “modern methods of learning languages would have sounded like science fiction to very sophisticated people”. We agree with McWhorter, in that the options for language learning now are very vast and accessible. To truly grasp a language though there is a necessity to practice your communication skill so that when it is time to use it in real life, you have the skill and the confidence to do so. At Vocational Lanaguge Learning Centre (VLLC) we teach languages using multisensory techniques so that the language becomes a usable skill, just like your first language. Start your learning experience in any of VLLC's 12 foreign languages online and you will open your eyes to a brand new future! The possibilities are endless! VLLC offers foreign language courses taught in one to one tutorials for each of the following languages. Click on one of the following languages below to find out more; Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, English, French, German, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish or Thai. Learn your language at our Melbourne or Adelaide offices or via Skype using our exclusive online software.
Whether you want to learn a language for travel, business, love or to keep your brain active; VLLC have a comprehensive range of fully accredited courses to suit your needs. VLLC aim to give students a voice and the self-assurance to speak through the practical application of the language. Key reasons to complete a course with VLLC include:
See how our language courses can help you and have a look at some of our Student's stories to see how learning a language can change your life. http://www.cctnews.com/ted-talks-4-reasons-learn-new-language/3520/ Spain has a population of 47 million and is a popular trading partner for many other countries around the world. Just like every country, Spain has its quirks, must do’s and must not do’s concerning business. To get a foothold in Spain, nurture it and then succeed, is perhaps easier than one thinks, speaking Spanish helps a lot too, and these few tips may take your business dealing from Bueno to Muy Bien. A Few Things About Business: A Spanish person is more likely to do business with you if there is chemistry between you. You should present yourself as dignified, respectful with just a hint of modesty. The Spanish do have a good sense of humour and if you keep things tame and gentle the odd joke will make things easier. Don’t stress too much about an agenda not being followed. For the Spanish, an agenda is more a set of guidelines than a road map, and the order you have things in may not go with the flow your counterpart prefers. Be prepared to discuss more than one touch point at a time, this is not designed to trip you up but is just the Spanish way of doing things. There is a myth about Spain being a little sleepy and siesta time has become a part of perceived Spanish culture. Contrary to popular belief, Spain does not shut down for the afternoon. At the peak of summer lunch breaks may be extended or the pace of work may slow a little with employees working until around 8 pm because it is simply cooler. When doing business in Spain don’t expect your working day to end at lunchtime; the Spaniards like to work as hard as anyone else and get the job done. Conversations, Meetings and Meals: The Spanish take great pride in their culture, traditions and history and be prepared to hear a little bit of this even in business conversation. Spaniards are relatively conservative and don’t take kindly to bragging and boasting. Be who you are and just relax, the very fact you are meeting means they have done their homework and are interested in doing business with you.
While the myth about siesta time may well have faded in modern business there is still a hint of a laid back attitude in doing business in Spain. This is evident in timekeeping and it is not uncommon for a business meeting to start 15 or up to 30 minutes late. The Spanish work hard but they also set a slower pace to get more done, more effectively. Eating is a social activity in Spain and while business can be done over lunch or even Tapas, meals with your Spanish counterpart should be seen as times to strengthen the relationship and get to know more about the people you are doing business with, not just the company. Finally, a little tip for the beer drinkers, do not simply ask for Cerveza (Beer) but rather ask for a Cana or Tubo to avoid being given a large or even overpriced beer. But then again, if you spoke Spanish you would perhaps know this already. The Korean language is so much more than K-pop, Gangnam style and Kimchi and can offer many different opportunities for your career, your brain or just to expand your horizon. Korean is the 22nd most spoken native tongue in the world and according to Ethnologue in 2020 spoken by 80 million people. These 80 million people mainly live in South and North Korea (obviously) and in China, Japan, the US and other parts of the world. Even though Korean isn't one of the most popular languages, like French or Japanese, South Korea is a booming economy, the sixth largest exporter and among the top 15 economies of the world. If you were looking to enter into the export/import industry, Korean may be relevant to you as in 2021, it is the 12th most prosperous economy worldwide. Many career options exist in industries as diverse as steel, textiles, car manufacturing, electronics, technology, the Korean entertainment Industry, hospitality, R&D, tourism, semiconductors, finance, shipbuilding, and government. Some well known companies such as Hyundai, LG and Samsung are well known Korean companies recognised around the world. If you were looking to improve your job prospects in any of these areas, (obviously if you have the right academic qualification and experience) knowing Korean will definitely set you apart for employment opportunities. South Korea is a friendly, welcoming destination with a rich history, beautiful locations with many traditions and customs to explore. Its definitely something to explore and experience and add to your bucket list! From picturesque nature, quaint villages, old-age temples, magical parks to modern Seoul, sunny beaches in Busan, the amazing mountains of Jeju-do, the historical museum of Gyeongbokgung palace, the tourist destinations lists are pretty much endless! Language and culture are interwoven in South Korea and it is impossible to learn a new language without understanding its culture. South Korea is both a modern and deeply traditional country where its culture has progressed over numerous centuries and a place where you can explore exceptional traditions with a vibrant history. When you put effort into learning Korean, it not only shows them you value their culture but shows your appreciation towards them for those who put respect higher than anything.
This will be different for everyone. There are so many reasons and advantages. So many things that pull at our heart strings and our imagination. Some of us are looking to be able to connect socially in our own environment. By delving into someone else’s culture and language we feel a stronger connection to that person and find it can enrich the bonds that we forge with each other. Some of us are just looking for a bit of fun and adventure, something different to what is already part of our everyday lives. Learning a language can open our minds and expand our world even if we never leave our own land. It’s true that sometimes we are so comfortable in our own worlds that we never step out of that comfort zone. Over time this can cause our worlds and attitudes to shrink and can sometimes make it harder for us to break out of the mold and try new things. Learning a language can not only challenge our brains and give us another focus other than what we normally see but it can help to open up our thought processes and cultural awareness to accept and understand something beyond ourselves. Travel is obviously another motivator for language. If we are travelling to foreign lands we can rely on interpreters, on the locals knowing our language or on fumbling around with our interpretation of sign language to make ourselves understood. But what are we really looking for when we travel? To see something different, experience new things and to make memories to take with us into the future. How much different will our travel experience be if we can make ourselves known to the stall owner in the market place or to the café assistant as we sit on the sidewalk under the striped awning enjoying the morning sunshine in some far away land. Imagine the little bits of local knowledge that could lead us to that special shop, tucked away that the tourist never finds, just because we could understand the local lingo. Is that what you’re looking for? How about work? There are those of us who want or need to up skill to be able to give that exceptional customer service that makes us stand out from the crowd. Those who are relocating and know that knowing the language of our target country will make working in that country remarkably more interesting and exciting. Imagine the pressure of relocating to a new country for work and having to not only learn the ropes for work but also having to battle the barriers of not understanding everyone. Sure, many work places and companies will speak English but it’s all those little nuisances or those little fun comments in the foreign tongue that help us to feel a part of the group and to assimilate into our new work environment and build great communication and relationships with our colleagues and new communities. How much easier would it be if we were already one step ahead by speaking the language before we arrived? Then there are those of us who become bi-lingual so we have that edge in the work place. It can be a competitive world when it comes to applying for those coveted work positions and in this day and age we are more multi-cultural than ever before. Having useful skills that can enhance the work environment and the reputation and customer service of any business is definitely desirable for some employers.
How many of us envy those people who grew up or are growing up in bi or multilingual homes? Having the ability to switch and swap languages like changing channels on a TV makes some people green with envy or just smile at the sheer brilliance of it. Speaking a second, third, fourth or any number of other languages is to some people like some kind of magic and they wish they could do the same. For any number of reasons, people get the idea into their head that they will never speak another language, or believe that if they do, they will never use it. How wrong these people are, especially with the current locked down climate where millions of businesses are liaising with their overseas counterparts via Zoom. Learning another language is more challenging for older people, it is a fact. Young developing brains soak up information and languages like a sponge and those who may seem like gifted children are merely using their brain as nature designed it. However, as an adult the brain still absorbs and retains information, and a language can be picked up with some ease albeit a little slower than a child. Don’t let age stop you from learning another language. If you can learn a language, don’t then convince yourself that you will never use it. A second language is a wonderful thing to have. Speaking another language makes you more marketable as an asset in the career world and opens up new avenues of travel and adventure in your personal world. Knowing this should incentivise you to begin learning another language. Language is still one of the most valuable assets a person can have. Pitching one accountant or salesman next to another, each with the same ability but with one being able to speak Italian for example, makes a difference. Job opportunities for people that speak another language increase and value to a prospective employee increases. Salaries are higher for roles where language or time in a foreign country is required and the extra income should be a wakeup call, especially in these tough times we face today. The business use of a language is undeniably an asset, and companies that have native language speakers gain respect faster and business deals are signed that bit easier. The simple fact that someone speaks the language lifts the levels of respect considerably and no matter what anyone says, respect is still and always will be why business is done between people. However, it is not just business where language is an asset. Travel and vacations with a language become more exciting and more of an adventure. A language will take you off the beaten track and away from the flocks of sheep-like tourists. The real country can be visited, speaking French can take you to where the French enjoy their vacations and the same is true with any language in any country. A language will allow you to not just communicate and get directions but to blend in when away on your travels. Strangers, made stranger by not speaking English, can become lifelong friends and life becomes a great deal richer and fuller just by having control of a language. Learning a language is all part of the fun, and once learnt, using it is more exciting than many people will dare to imagine. Once you have mastered a language, those people you once envied or admired, will not be seen the same again, you will be part of a special and wonderful group of people who can converse beyond your mother tongue. Contact VLLC if you would like to increase your employability by learning a new language.
I have been doing some research about international employment opportunities and I read a really interesting article about looking for work in a foreign country, specifically Germany. Every country has its own unique set of rules when it comes to applying for a job. Obviously, with the online era, it is now a little simpler to not only see what opportunities are available overseas, but also to apply. If you are looking to travel overseas to work, even during COVID, have a read of this article as it may give you some pointers.
https://www.dw.com/en/how-to-apply-for-the-perfect-job-in-germany-tips-from-the-professionals/a-49848960 |
Archives
April 2024
AboutThese blogs are about learning a foreign language and utilising that skill to forward your professional path. Categories
|