topics
tools
Expatica countries
editor's choice

Learning with the International Primary Curriculum

Remote training for expatriates

Should our kids go native too?

Pre-school activities in Belgium

How expats are learning the local lingo

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2734.82 -0.21
DAX 8472.2 0.19
IBEX 30 8464.5 -0.60
CAC 40 4036.18 0.33
FTSE 100 6803.87 0.71
AEX 370.44 0.13
DJIA 15385.83 0.33
Nasdaq 3501.48 0.14
FTSE MIB 17427.47 -0.45
TSX Composite 12784.34 1.36
ASX 5156.2 -0.56
Hang seng 23366.37 -0.54
Straits Times 3443.9 -0.30
ISEQ 20 658.75 0.02
You are here: Home Education Courses & Workshops Remote training for expatriates

Courses & Workshops

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


08/09/2011Remote training for expatriates

Remote training for expatriates Jeff Toms of Farnham Castle discusses the advantages of remote training when relocating to a new country.

Moving to a new country often reveals a skills gap which needs to be addressed.  This might mean taking steps to improve a language or learn about the cultural nuances of your new location.  However, it may be challenging to find the right training course to match your requirements. This is often the case during the busy period leading up to a move and where ideally a Global Mobility programme should involve partners and children whenever possible.

Recent advances in technology could provide a solution to training needs through remote delivery.  A variety of different methods including: e-learning courses over the internet, live webinars, live face-to-face internet training and pre-prepared, tailored podcasts are available on many topics now. 

Forward thinking training organisations are now also providing bespoke content through web-based platforms and some corporate organisations are beginning to include these methods of delivery as part of a blended learning offering to staff, or as a complete solution.  As most people are familiar with using the internet, they are comfortable with receiving information in this way. 

These developments can therefore be helpful to expatriates, as they can now access remote training from anywhere in the world.

Remote training for expatriates

There are further benefits of remote delivery of training in terms of potential cost savings and the increased flexibility relating to session timing and content.  This is because the internet allows the facility for both one-to-one and groups, where participants and the trainer can be geographically separated, to receive training at the same time. 

Participants can work with a trainer individually or in groups and feedback can be provided at the touch of a button, all as if the participant was in the same location as the trainer and the other participants.  This could be particularly advantageous with staff teams whose members work in different offices around the globe and where it would be difficult to bring them together for traditional classroom based training.

Online training also provides easy access to the very best trainers -- regardless of their location -- as it removes the need for trainers to travel.   This means trainers and sessions can also be more flexible with respect to availability, which can be at a premium for leading trainers in any field.

Geographically dispersed people can access the same training programme as those based close to a training facility.  Similarly, people can gain access to the same calibre of quality training that may have only been previously available to those within a reasonable vicinity.

Due to the widespread use of Wi-Fi, it is possible to undertake training wherever there is access to a computer -- this could be at home, in the office, or taking advantage of downtime during a stay at a hotel for example.  Again this can be helpful in involving the family, even after they have arrived in their new location.

Remote training for expatriates

The other growth area is the provision of training using a podcast format.  This allows people to access training in specific modules in their own time and review the learning as many times as they need. Small on-line, self-assessed questionnaires can be built into modules, or at the end of the series, to test knowledge retention. 


Podcasts allow the same training message to reach a large number of people, across a variety of platforms, such as i-phone, Blackberry or memory sticks -- where people may not have easy access to internet connectivity. 

For example, Farnham Castle recently produced a tailored podcast series for staff on an oil rig, ensuring everyone could benefit from the intercultural programme created.  Podcasts can also be accessed through company intranets allowing employees to receive valuable information and advice at a time to suit their own schedule.

Due to the elimination of the cost of venue hire and travel expenses, remote training has far less impact on any training budget, allowing essential training to become as accessible as possible.  From an environmental perspective, using technology in this way also reduces the impact related to unnecessary travel which should also be a concern for every member of society in today's world.

Remote training has many advantages for the expatriate and the developments in technology over the past few years have begun to allow this new and exciting method of training to deliver.  Moving to a new country is exciting, and yet at the same time can be stressful and challenging.  The right training delivered at the right time, can help the smooth integration into a new culture and now this can be accessed remotely from anywhere across the globe.

Jeff Toms
Jeff Toms, Marketing and Client Services Director at Farnham Castle

For further information on remote training for expatriates and available programmes, please visit: www.farnhamcastle.com



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Education essentials
Education expert Q&A
ask your question
Education A-Z listings
find the business you need
Discussion Forums

Other nationalities in Belgium

Is there any Scottish people in Bruges?

Sports in Belgium

Personal Trainer in Brussels

Sports in Belgium

High-Quality Fake Passports, Ids,drivers licence Online For Sale

Housing in Belgium

Room in Ixelles

Legal Issues in Belgium

Permanent Residency

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Looking for work in Belgium

Looking for work in Belgium

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Practical, easy-to-use, free and... in English

Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Finding a rental home in Belgium

Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.

Learning to cope with life abroad

Learning to cope with life abroad

The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.