Global Career Blog

Being “On Time”: Consider the Country

Posted by on Sep 25, 2019 in Expat Lifestyle, Global Career Blog | 0 comments

Being “On Time”: Consider the Country

Time takes on a different meaning in different countries. Standards for punctuality vary greatly from country to country and a lack of understanding as to what is locally “correct” can be perceived as offensive, insensitive, and unprofessional. The subtleties of getting this right, however, can be a challenge to the novice. Questions you should ask include what to expect with regard to starting and ending appointments or interviews on time, but observation is also needed to watch how people interact to ensure your own actions don’t make others uncomfortable.

 

I currently am an American working in Germany. I understand that the German culture treats start times for both business and social appointments with a very literal strictness: If you are asked to be there at 6:00PM, that is the latest time one should arrive. In Germany, the rule of thumb is that it’s better to be five minutes early than one minute late. This means guests or scheduled appointments often show up early. As an American hostess, I always counted on a little “lag” time between the stated start time and when guests might arrive, but in Germany I understand I need to be prepared with a warm welcome 15 minutes before my “official” start time. And in the office, I can be assured my next appointment is already waiting ahead of the start time, so whatever activity I am currently engaged with needs to end promptly so there is no delay. Running late for an appointment happens in Germany as it does anywhere in the World, but it is considered important to call and notify of your late arrival, even if getting in only ten minutes late.

 

Contrast this with a funny story shared with me by a German colleague who was on a business trip in Spain. His host invited him for a dinner, starting at 9PM. The German suspected he’d misunderstood – who starts a dinner on a weekday at 9PM?— but when he called to clarify, was assured this was the correct time. So promptly at 9PM, my German friend knocked on the door, wine in hand, waiting to be let in… but no one answered. He knocked again. After several minutes, his host finally appeared, in a bathrobe, looking at him with puzzlement: Why was he already there? Yes, the invitation was for 9PM, but surely he understood no one would really be arriving until 9:30 – at the earliest?

 

Living in Germany also means understanding their approach to planning is different. It is not unusual to be asked for a birthday celebration that is 3 months away. I’ve been told that an average Germans’ furthest social event, confirmed and scheduled on the calendar, goes as far ahead as 150 days. This is in sharp contrast to American style planning, in which less than a week’s notice is not considered unusual. Neither of these approaches are wrong or right, but if you don’t understand the differences, you might not realize you’ve given offense by inviting a German guest to participate in something without proper notice. It might appear you’ve purposefully invited them so late as to ensure they would not be able to participate.

 

Getting a feel for these types of differences takes time. Remember to ask lots of questions; it is almost always obvious if you are not local and people are generally happy to explain their expectations, customs and norms. Keep your eyes open as well to observe how people react to each other and take notes!

 

Interested in learning more about how to succeed professionally in a new country?

Passport Career provides detailed career information and extensive resources about networking, finding an international job or internship, country-specific business protocol and culture, alternative career opportunities, writing country-specific resumes/CVs, cover letters and interview strategies for other countries. If your university/college, organization, company, embassy, library, or other institution would like access to our country portfolios and global career training program (50,000+ pages of expert content for 90+ countries and 275+ cities) to share with your students, employees, spouses/partners, and others managing a national or international career transition, please click here to contact us (or send email to: global@passportcareer.com) regarding a free, live, online demo and details on how to obtain a license to access Passport Career. Individuals making a career transition are also encouraged to contact us for a free demo of our portal.

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Reasons to Intern in Canada

Posted by on Sep 7, 2019 in Cross-Border Education, Global Career Blog | 0 comments

Top 5 Reasons to Intern in Canada

Oh Canada! Canada is one of the world’s largest economies and trading nations, so it makes sense that it is one of the top locations for internships abroad. Canada has a reputation for ensuring generous benefits to its workforce, and the typical intern is treated well during their internship. The natural beauty and diversity of the country gives interns a chance to explore new areas of great contrast, from vibrant cities to natural wonderlands. What makes it special to intern in Canada?

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Coliving spaces: Housing of the 21st Century

Posted by on Aug 30, 2019 in Expat Lifestyle, Global Career Blog | 1 comment

Coliving spaces: Housing of the 21st Century

Is coliving a serious change in the way people will choose to find a livable space? Or is it just new jargon for an “adult dorm?”

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International Internships in the United States: New Challenges

Posted by on Aug 23, 2019 in Global Career Blog | 0 comments

International Internships in the United States: New Challenges

Studying abroad is a dream for many: a chance for travel, exposure to new influences, a way to create meaningful international networks. Hosting countries benefit from the diverse talent international students bring. For international students studying in the United States, however, this past year has presented some unexpected challenges.

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4 Strategies for Accompanying Spouses/Partners to Stay Relevant in a Career Field

Posted by on Aug 8, 2019 in Expat Lifestyle, Global Career Blog | 0 comments

4 Strategies for Accompanying Spouses/Partners to Stay Relevant in a Career Field

One of the major considerations of an international assignment is the career of the accompanying spouse/partner. There are numerous obstacles to paid employment as an accompanying spouse/partner in a foreign country, which vary with each assignment.  In some countries, the “trailing spouse” may be able to work under a variety of visa programs, but in other countries, it can be all but impossible. Once you have made the decision to travel with your family, how can you stay up-to-date on career-related technology, best practices and trends in your industry?  Passport Career has developed 4 effective strategies that can help you maintain and even build your reputation as an industry leader no matter where you go.

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