Enhancing Cross-Cultural Skills

The contract was for two years, with an option to extend twice for another year. The Learning and Development department manages the program and is in charge of all learning activities and tenders related to international work. According to the tender rules, the program had to meet high standards. For example, it needed to adapt to new global topics, use modern learning methods, and have a good system for feedback so it could always improve.
Culture Inc., an experienced expert with over 20 years in cross-cultural communication, brought deep knowledge of cultures and training. Their partnership with Spot On Learning, known for new online and blended learning solutions, created a strong mix of expertise. Together, they made a modern program that combined old ideas with new technology, perfectly suited to what the organization needed.

Program Design and Method

At the heart of this project is a carefully built method that creates a valuable learning experience. The program is based on clear learning rules that focus on clarity, engagement, and practical use. These rules guide every part of the training, from creating content to delivering it.
The learning process is carefully designed to grow step by step, with each part building on the previous one. This creates a smooth and effective way to develop knowledge and skills. In addition to working on specific projects, a multi-year, custom-made program can be created to support ongoing development within an organization. This long-term approach is meant for both managers and employees, and its content and structure can be fully adjusted to match the changing needs and goals of the organization.
The blended learning approach (online and in-person) is a key part of the program. It combines online and face-to-face lessons for a flexible, varied learning experience. Participants can view course materials, join lessons with real-life examples, and take part in workshops. All of this is focused on their work. The program encourages learning together through interaction between participants, which makes the whole experience richer and helps build a supportive learning community.
In this program, knowledge is not just given as theory but is directly linked to practice. This link ensures participants can use what they learned in real situations, which helps them remember it better and makes the training immediately effective.

Two different training programs were developed to meet the specific needs of different groups within the organization:

The "Working Across Cultures" training is for employees who work in international teams, such as operational staff and managers. This program aims to deepen their understanding of foreign relations and local cultural customs. By looking at their own cultural views and how these affect their interactions, participants gain tools to deal with diverse situations effectively and diplomatically.
The "Leading Across Cultures" training is specially for leaders who manage multicultural teams. It gives participants the skills to handle complex leadership challenges in cross-cultural settings. By studying different leadership styles and learning how to combine their own approach with local practices, participants become better prepared to lead with confidence and cultural sensitivity.
A benefit of both training programs is the interactive and breakout sessions, where participants, no matter their job level, learn from each other's experiences.

Blended Learning Format

The program's new blended format makes it more effective and accessible. Participants are guided through a complete learning journey that mixes online preparation with interactive workshops. This format allows them to deeply engage with the material while offering flexibility for their schedules.
Before the workshops, participants complete detailed assessments, review basic theories, and work through lessons based on real cases. This thorough preparation not only improves their understanding of the material but also makes sure they are fully engaged and ready to contribute during workshops. Trainers also benefited from this pre-work, gaining helpful insights into the participants' backgrounds and needs.
The online workshops, held via Zoom, remove practical problems, making the program available to participants worldwide. This approach lowers costs while keeping the training's quality and reach. The quick feedback built into the program allows trainers to change the content right away. This way, they can respond to participant input and improve the sessions for maximum impact.
The workshops themselves are a mix of theory and practice, where participants join discussions, do role-playing exercises, and solve problems together. By the end of the program, they leave with clear insights and practical tools they can use immediately in their jobs.

Results and Feedback

The program was very well received, getting high praise from participants and important people involved. Feedback consistently points to its relevance, quality, and the positive change it brings. Participants rated the program an impressive 8+ out of 10, showing how effective and appealing it is.
Demand for the program was higher than the available spots, showing its strong reputation and perceived value. The blended learning format not only makes it more accessible but also sets a new standard for cost-effective, high-quality training with a global reach. The online part removes barriers like travel costs, time limits, and practical issues, making it easier for people worldwide to take part. At the same time, the in-person parts provide valuable hands-on experiences and chances to network.
Participants often praise the program's practical focus and how it balanced theory and real-world application. They noted that the tools and insights gained were immediately useful, empowering them to tackle cross-cultural challenges with more confidence and skill.

Testimonials

Esther Janssen, Managing Director at Culture Inc., highlighted the program's unique strengths: "The mix of workshops with the online assessments and case-based lessons not only gives participants more insight into cross-cultural communication but also tools to truly make a difference."
Eelco Kraefft, Product Director at Spot On Learning, emphasized the value of flexibility: "Our blended learning method adjusts training to the organization's needs. Direct feedback from participants allows us to adapt flexibly and measure training value."
The client contact, manager Learning and Development, recognized its unique quality: "These programs are unique for our employees, offering high-quality, globally accessible training that meets the needs of a demanding international audience."

Conclusion

The cooperation between Culture Inc. and Spot On Learning has delivered an innovative cross-cultural skills program for the government organization. By combining expertise in cross-cultural communication with modern learning frameworks, this project sets a new standard for professional development in international settings.
Through its active approach and strong commitment to participant success, the program has not only improved the cultural skills of the organization's staff but also shown the positive power of blended learning. It serves as an example of how organizations can effectively deal with the challenges of globalization and build stronger, more collaborative teams in diverse environments.