Hi all

I've recently been promoted to managing the global customer training function for my company. We sell to customers in a large proportion of countries throughout the world. The vast majority of the training we will be providing is on use of (relatively simple) in house software and also installing and maintaining weather station systems.

And what I am interested in is the differences in the way different cultures learn so I can then train the trainers in our company on these differences.

So for example what kind of things would enhance the learning experience to a group of Chinese trainees? Would the same kind of course structure work for a group of South Americans (these are just some examples, as I say we do train in a vast majority of countries)

I have got some useful information from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4467/is_1_55/ai_...468?tag=artBody;col1 but I was wondering if anyone has any experience in this field, any tips/places to look for information?

If you need to self-study this, there are many books at your library and bookstore from which one may learn about culture, cultural differences, global marketplace, etc. Of course the best way to learn would be to go there. Next best is to speak with people from that culture and who have taught in that culture.

There are often big difference between cultures. It's a good idea to have someone who knows each culture so you don't make any big gaffs.

I've worked in about 7 countries and one of the big issues is always how we use idioms and expressions. Often what we think of as every day English is loaded with words and phrases that really don't translate. Humor is another thing that's difficult.

I'm always surprised by how people in other countries really don't understand our culture and do things that don't fit here.

There are a zillion books about idioms, etc. One has a catchy name (sorry, I can't find it) and explains a lot of dont's. It was a big help when I went to Hong Kong. Fortunately when I taught in the UK the first time some friends explained a few words, pronunciations and phrases that had, um, inappropriate connotations (for instance, in the US suspenders hold up men's trousers...).

I have found that if my audience is likely to have gone to college, learning a little about the country's college system helps. Not just that many European countries have three-year degrees (and longer time in state school), and the US has generally four-year degrees, but how the classes differ, exams and so forth.

HTH

Cultural differences can be quite diverse. I was recently reading about training courses provided in Russia and how the audience can respond so differently to what we might be used to in the UK for example.

Initially you may have to convince your delegates that you are there to teach them something new. That can be quite formal and difficult. So needs lots of preparation. But as with everything else with human, a social activity always helps to lighten everything up and you can slowly get the crowd to loosen up. This is critical because once the delegates are in a comfortable environment they may no longer be critical about what you do. In fact they may find some of the cultural differences amusing rather than offensive. This is exactly where you want to be.

I suggest books on differences between humour in different cultures since they usually describe at a low level what each culture may find funny in the other. You can then take advantage of it.