Living and Working in the USA

The USA is the world’s third largest country with the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world. As a result, the influence of the USA on global business is undeniable  with many large organisations headquartered or represented in the States.  Living and working in the USA is a tremendous opportunity for any professional, but is an experience that can also be challenging and stressful.  A move across the Atlantic would seem to be culturally straightforward but is said to be the international relocation with most chances of failing.  We may share a common language but differences in communication styles, relationship building and attitudes to work-life balance can lead to frustration and misunderstanding.

Communicaid’s Living and Working in the USA courses are designed to respond to the needs of international assignees by providing practical information and advice on the various aspects of living and working in the USA, as well as conveying an understanding of the underlying elements that shape US American culture inside and outside the workplace.

Benefits

A Communicaid Living and Working in the USA course will provide you with:

- A comprehensive insight to living and working in the USA and its historical, social and

  economic development

- An understanding of the US ‘way of doing things’

- Key communication tools and skills to understand and respond to US business and social 

  subtleties and nuances

- An awareness of culture and country “shock”—and ways of getting through it

- Essential practical tips, addresses, and information to ease living and working in the USA,

  especially in the initial period of arrival and transition

Who should attend

A ‘Living and Working in the USA’ programme will be of benefit to you if you:

- Are about to relocate to the USA

- Are already living and working in the USA

- Work on short-term international assignments or projects in the USA

Course Content

All our Living and Working in the USA training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their personal/organisational requirements and existing skills set.   A Living and Working in the USA course typically includes:

- Two nations divided by the same language

- Managing culture and country shock

- A geographical, socio-economic and historical overview of the USA

- The effect of American culture on society and personal interaction

- American multiculturalism

- Practical information on living and working  in the USA

- Social and business etiquette

- Working successfully with the Americans

- Attitudes and values in the US business culture

- American management styles

- Strategies and survival tips for living and working in the USA

Approach

Living and Working in the USA courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our  training centres in London, Paris, Frankfurt and New York or at your offices in any location worldwide.  We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.

Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.

The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your ‘Living and Working in the USA’ course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy (please click here to read more about our approach).

Living and Working in the USA Course Trainer

Your Living and Working in the USA trainer will be assigned to you following the results of your diagnostic consultancy according to your objectives and areas of focus.  Detailed below is a sample profile of one of our American cultural trainers.

RF

RF has eighteen years professional experience in education and corporate training in both the US and the USA.  He is a qualified trainer and has trained individuals and groups in communication skills, project management, coaching skills and cross cultural communication.

On his arrival in London during the mid 1990s RF held a number of academic positions with American universities including Dean of Students at Schiller International University and Director of Career Services at American InterContinental University.  Responsibilities included recruitment and supervision of teaching staff, overseas marketing and business development, curriculum management and conducting workshops and seminars.

In 2002, RF joined KPMG, London as Career and Resource Manager providing group and individual training on project management, presentation skills, interpersonal skills among other programmes.

RF is now part time Local Employment Advisor for the US Embassy working with diplomatic families on their career goals and cultural adjustments.  He combines this role with freelance work as a diversity and intercultural trainer.  He has delivered a number of Living and Working in the USA programmes for Communicaid to Cadbury Schweppes employees relocating to the United States.