Few countries polarize as much as the United States of America. The US is characterized by great opposites; it fascinates and repels. The US is still an economic superpower and exports its culture worldwide with enormous success. And thus, it provokes incomprehension and crass stereotypes - a land that is actually very close to Europe both historically and culturally. US-Americans are sometimes said to be superficial and arrogant but at the same time their vigor is encouraging and admired.

The potential of mutual collaboration that would combine resources of several cultures and countries is often overlooked due to uncertainty. This seminar enables you to grasp the meaning behind certain behavior. With this knowledge you can e.g. engage confidently in small talk and communicate effectively with US-Americans. You are being prepared for business trips to the US and for hosting US-American guests and business partners.


Content

Introduction:
• Intercultural communication and competence

The USA – almost a continent:
• The USA – a young nation
• The regions and states of the US: contrasts, multiculturalism and regionalism
• Immigration – The US as the ideal melting pot?
• Myths: The land of endless possibilities and the land of plenty
• Religion: In god we trust
• The family and the hero

The USA and the world:
• How US-Americans see themselves./ How do they see us and how do we see them? (self-perception and public image, stereotypes)
• Cultural dimensions and culture standards

Behavior, attitudes, and means of communication:
• Greetings and politeness – the notorious: small talk and “How are you?”
• Facial expressions, gestures, posture
• Politeness and directness
• Social network and etiquette
• Style in speaking and writing

Doing business in the USA:
• Business – the American style
• Power and control
• Status and hierarchy
• Communication in business
• US-Managers
• Work ethics of US-Americans and how you can motivate them
• Hire and fire: security and commitment in the business world
• Daily business behavior (negotiations, meetings, presentations, customer relations)
• Business lunches and dinners: taboos and appropriate behavior
• Business attire and being well-groomed

Popular culture
• Private meetings: etiquette, small talk, invitations, conduct
• Individualism
• Mobility: Always on the run
• Cleanliness and prudishness
• Separation of private and professional life
• Eating and drinking: table manners


You will learn about
… how to (re)act in situations as e.g. the sample case presented above by developing your intercultural competence.

This training course enables you to act prudently, thoughtfully, and with appropriate knowledge in the US, with US business partners, and thus to successfully establish business relations. You are being put into the position to contrast your cultural background with that of the US American. Your intercultural competence and your ability to reflect on situations are being improved and facilitate collaborative efforts. Insights into thought and behavior patterns given in the training allow you to (re-)act respectfully and appropriately in private and business contexts and to prevent misunderstandings.



Methods
This training features a variety of methods: group work, simulations, role-play, discussions and communication exercises. Additionally, short lectures flank these practical activities, clarify theoretical background information, and thus facilitate the structured approach to pertinent material.

Administration
The duration of the training course "Intercultural Training USA" is two days.
Dates: on request
Place: Göttingen
Seminar №:
Participants: no more than 12
Instructors: Dipl.-Kfm. Frank Bannys  (about the instructor)

Fee: € 980,-- (plus federal tax)

A collection of books, films and other illustrative material are provided for self study during breaks.
For further study, a collection of all handouts and material used during the seminar is provided for each participant.


Participants
This 2-day training course is suited for participants who work either with US businesses or in the USA individually or within the framework of their company or organization. Additionally, it applies to those who plan to conduct business with the US in the future and therefore will seek relations with US companies or business people. Further, it aims at business people who host US-American guests or work with US team members.  

Refreshments, 1 common lunches, and seminar material are included. We look forward to your participation in this training course. All participants obtain a certificate.

We look forward to your participation in this training course.

This training course is also offered in German.

In case there are no scheduled dates for this seminar, you can use the following form to sign up on the waiting list. We will then get in touch with you per E-mail or telephone when new dates are scheduled. Click Here!



Quality Assurance and Certification
IKUD® Seminare is an officially accredited and certified provider of training and qualifications (§ 1 Para. 2, see also §§ 9-11 IQVO) by Institute for Quality Development in Wiesbaden (Institut für Qualitätsentwicklung Wiesbaden) and by German Association for the Quality of Training (Deutsche Gesellschaft für interkulturelle Trainingsqualität e.V. (dgikt)).