Intercultural Training

Szepko International specializes in providing international businesspeople with intercultural training on cultural complexities, particularly those of Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America.  

The Key to Global Business Success

International Business Excellence Depends upon Intercultural Training

It is tempting, in this era of instant information and global connectedness, to envision global business as being conducted with plug-and-play ease on a simple, neutral playing field. The reality, of course, is that international business takes place not outside of the cultures, values, and methodologies of participating nations, but squarely within them. As such, conducting global business is as rich, complex, and nuanced as the people involved. Being successful on a global level ultimately depends upon the ability to understand and interact on a local level. Developing such a skill is the goal and purpose of intercultural training.

An Investment in Your Professional Development

Sometimes known as cross-cultural or multicultural training, intercultural training seeks to educate businesspeople on the cultural differences that exist between their own country and those of the people with whom they hope to do business. Bridging these cultural differences helps to facilitate smooth and successful international business interactions.

No one wants to unwittingly offend someone; becoming well-versed in cultural differences helps to prevent such potentially embarrassing situations. There are a number of advantages to developing intercultural competency:

• Develop skills and strategies for smooth, productive interactions
• Foster a global mindset
• Reap immediate benefits with clients
• Gain an edge over competitors
• Build meaningful, successful international business relationships

Skillfully Navigate Subtle Cultural Differences 

Szepko International’s intercultural training programs seek first to give participants a keen awareness of their own culture and the culture (or cultures) of their host country. Szepko also helps clients develop skills and strategies to seamlessly operate between these two cultures. Intercultural training participants will be educated across a range of topics, including:

• The difference between stereotypes and generalizations
• Business protocols and etiquette
• Cultural preferences
• Communication patterns
• Decision-making styles

Brian’s close association with Japan spans more than 20 years and includes living and working in Japan and serving as a senior level officer for a U.S.-based Japanese corporation. Conversant in Japanese, he has published articles and co-authored two books to help non-Japanese understand the distinct and various cultural subtleties that exist within Japan—both on social and business levels. His intercultural training programs have become standard corporate offerings in numerous European and U.S. organizations. 

The Szepko intercultural training programs that focus on international business dealings with Japan delve into such Japanese business protocol, etiquette, and procedures as:

• Greetings and personal introductions
• Bowing
• Exchanging business cards
• Communicating verbally and non-verbally
• Closing a business deal
• Dining customs
• Gift giving
• Common courtesies
• Appropriate attire
• Influencing strategies
• Trends and current events
• And more

In addition to offering intercultural training on regions of Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Szepko International also offers intercultural training programs targeted to understanding organizational behavior in corporate America.

Customizable Intercultural Training Programs

Szepko International intercultural training programs offer experiential learning that encourages active participation. As you explore a variety of skills and strategies to develop and practice, you’ll also receive instruction on how to align these skills and strategies with your own personal business style. The company offers a range of programs to meet clients’ unique needs, including half-day and full-day instruction as well as high-level overview cultural briefings.

Szepko International is committed to helping you achieve outstanding and meaningful skills in intercultural competency in regions around the world. Don’t wait: Contact us today to learn how to get started with your intercultural training program.