At Echo International, our cross-cultural training program provides the elements needed to succeed in an international business environment.

1. Use clearly defined training objectives.

Experience has taught us that outcomes can only be met if the objectives are understood in advance, it is vital for success to take into consideration what can realistically be accomplished in the allotted timeframe.

2. Approach training holistically.

Our cross-cultural training meets three levels: the cognitive level (knowledge about the target country's politics, history, economy and society), the behavioral level (successful communication strategies and behavioral patterns) and the emotional level (strategies to cope with your own and others' stressful cross-cultural situations).

3. Be specific.

When it comes to cross-cultural training, details matter. We focus on the precise particularities of both your industry and your target country.

4. Implement the critical incidences technique.

Before designing any cross-cultural training program, we evaluate real life examples of successful and unsuccessful behaviors.

5. Make the instruction come alive.

We believe training should be very interactive. By using training modules, behavioral situations, case studies, and role-playing scenarios, the information is engaging and thus, memorable.

6. Only work with international trainers.

In addition to training knowledge, our cross-cultural trainers have experience in living and working abroad.

7. Individualize the instruction.

Ask participants about their previous cross-cultural experience and their specific expectation for the training.

8. Empower participants to learn more.

Our seminars always provide additional information for self-directed learning; books, literature, videos or Internet links.

9. Eliminate lectures.

Great results come from trainers who act as coaches. They do not lecture but instead support individual learning steps.