Working Well Overseas

A 2 day training workshop for people who have been, are currently, or want to work overseas. Working Well Overseas provides ideas and tools to build the capacity of staff to work in-country on assignment.

Objective

To develop a framework for cross cultural interaction and applied skills in capacity building including mentoring, working with counterparts and dealing with cross cultural conflict.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

  1. Develop a flexible framework for understanding cultural difference
  2. Explore important cultural differences in communication patterns and values and ways to overcome communication difficulties
  3. Be equipped with practical tips to manage risks to personal health and safety overseas
  4. Have a framework for understanding cultural adjustment and strategies for managing it
  5. Have a basic understanding of development issues and concepts
  6. Clarify their role in capacity building
  7. Explore some practical tools and approaches for working effectively with counterparts in cross cultural settings
  8. Project into the assignment context and identify potential strategies for building relationships and capacity

Topics

  • Outline of Sessions
  • Welcome & Introduction
  • Cross-Cultural Framework
  • Working with Cultural difference
  • Cross-Cultural Communication Values, Patterns & Skills.
  • Personal health & safety.
  • Cultural Adjustment Strategies
  • Summary Discussion & Evaluation
  • Key issues and approaches in Sustainable Development and Capacity Building
  • Your role in Capacity Building
  • Tools for Working Effectively with Counterparts
  • Case studies – current ideas about partnerships and other issues in Capacity Building
  • Conclusion, Feedback & Evaluation

Context

We recognise that staff bring a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge, and value your contributions. Activities are designed to encourage participation and are underpinned by adult learning principles.

Format

  • Two days face-to-face delivery (optional 3rd day available)
  • A variety of learning activities including presentations, interactive small group exercises, mixed media and reflection / discussion
  • Precourse learning needs analysis of participants prior knowledge and experience of cross cultural issues and mentoring / skill sharing, as well as specific expectations of the training
  • Delivery by a team with experience in a range of professional fields related to international development, in a variety of settings including community, government and the private sector
  • Comprehensive course handbook which comprises:
    • background reading connecting current cross cultural and capacity development theory with practice;
    • resources to be used during the Training Program; and
    • resources and reference materials which may be referred to while on assignment.

Further information

Please contact us for detailed information and pricing.