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Frequently Asked Questions

America for Expats helps corporate and HR managers ease their expats into American life. We’ll introduce foreign nationals and their families to life and language in America, improve their accent, fix embarrassing grammar mistakes, and teach them how to write clear and concise emails, reports and presentations.

  • America for Expats helps students to recognize and deal with stereotypes about American business and living.
  • We customizes each class to individual student needs.
  • We help students appear savvy, educated and likable when they interact with Americans.

  • What is cultural competence? +

    According to the National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University, Cultural competence is the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with persons from cultures and/or belief systems other than one’s own.

    The word culture implies the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values and institutions of a racial, ethnic, religious or social group. The word competence is used because it implies having the capacity to function effectively.

    SOURCE: National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University

  • What does cultural proficiency mean? +

    Cultural proficiency speaks to an expat’s ability to grasp the beliefs, behavior and values of American co-workers so he/she can fit in professionally The more expats know and understand English and American business culture, the greater their chances of succeeding at work.

  • Why does cultural competence matter? +

    Experts estimate nearly a third of expatriates do not meet performance standards, and the costs of this failure are catastrophic for both the company and the individual, whose career is sidetracked through literally no fault of his/her own. In fact, the expat may not even understand or fully grasp the reasons for perceived low performance.

    Cultural competence gives employees the coping skills they need to function in the office socially and professionally so they can focus on their real work: doing a good job.

  • What are the typical areas of cross-cultural differences? +

    There are endless – and infamous – examples of cross-cultural differences. Handshakes are the least of it. A better way to identify potentially problematic areas is to focus on the the bigger picture.

    Each culture has different ways of thinking, dressing, and expressing personality. However, fundamental differences can be ascribed to broader categories: Low context v. high context, perception of time/orientation, ways of prioritizing work, views of authority and sense of collective v. individual.

  • What cultural skills do you teach? +

    We focus on what we know best! Language is the key that unlocks all doors, so our immediate emphasis is making expats functional regarding nuanced yet extremely important problem areas like prepositions and phrasal verbs.

    Next is providing a thorough grounding in American affect and emotional intelligence so expats can “read,” understand or at least contextualize colleagues’ behavior.

    America for Expats offers techniques and suggested intervention strategies for the office. Of course, we have our own list of FAQs regarding interactions with doctors, landlords, schools, store clerks, banks, and other typical American situations.

  • How is the curriculum developed? +

    Our proprietary curriculum is developed by certified teachers and experts with years of working in foreign countries and teaching expats in the United States. Because our clients are multinational, our teaching approach is extremely nuanced and tailored for each individual.

  • How is training interactive? +

    America for Expats works one-on-one with each student, establishing an immediate rapport to make students feel welcome and understood in their challenging foreign environment. We also provide group classes upon request.

  • What about spouses and other family members? +

    Families are equally important to the success of the foreign assignment. Expats have enough stress at the office without having to handhold trailing spouses who might have a more limited understanding of English and American culture. Children are taught by teachers certified for their age level (i.e. elementary, junior high and high school).

  • Where do you offer your programs? +

    We offer classes at the expat's office, at home, or in a neutral location of the expats' choosing.

  • What cultures do you specialize in? +

    All cultures.

  • How often should someone go through a cross-cultural training? +

    This depends upon an employee's comfort level. Our job is to build confidence and awareness. Some expats need more guidance and direction than others. However, most employees or family members require under 100 hours -- and often quite less. We're here to help with immediate concerns and issues.

  • How do I get started? +

    For a free consultation, complete our online form, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call us at 830-200-0408. We'll set up a call with you within 24 hours.
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    Need Help Fast?

    • Emails
    • Reports
    • Presentations

    America for Expats will review your important emails, presentations or just about any assignment for errors, clarity and conciseness before your colleagues see them. You career may depend on it!

    Call now! (713) 550-7014

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