The information offered is rare to find or not available elsewhere on the internet.
We particularly enjoy how precise the information is and really feel it would go a long way to helping a student settle into a new culture. Our only regret is that we wish this was around a few years ago when we worked abroad.
What happens when you introduce change to a multinational company which has individuals from 16 different countries? Working together in an online environment and adjusting to change is a challenge. I’ve been looking back at the time I worked with European colleagues for a French company.
We managed an international web project from Europe and India and in doing so learnt a lot about the different cultures in each other other’s countries.
The company provided IT and business services to their clients who were large organisations in the public and private sectors. Day to day, the people they employed looked after clients’ computer systems and administered the processes that enabled business to be done. The head office – which we referred to as Group – was based in France – Paris.
Adjusting to change: From Independence to Centralisation
Sixteen of us made up the project team, led by the Group Digital Manager. We were each the web manager for our country, brought together by a project to rebuild the company’s website. Sixteen countries’ websites were to become one.
We all had managers in our own countries. I worked on the UK Marketing Team who were based in Hertfordshire. My office base was Manchester and like many of my UK colleagues I worked from home.
Working together: Meeting Customers’ and Prospects’ Needs
Country marketing teams worried that when the sites became one they’d lose visitors. Centrally, it was felt that cross-selling opportunities would be easier from a single site. This sparked some interesting debates amongst the 16 web managers and also amongst each country’s team.
Working together: New website, new ways of working
With the new website came change. Changes included centrally authorising content for publication on the new site. Decisions previously made by each country’s Marketing Manager were now made by the Group Digital Manager.
Most of the decision making discussions took place during teleconferences. Our weekly calls focused on sharing ideas and expertise as well as project control. It wasn’t possible for the whole project team to meet face to face so we’d become accustomed to dispersed ways of working.
There was a good mix of web skills throughout the countries and everyone was encouraged to express ideas and escalate issues. Everyone’s commitment to the project helped overcome any barriers that might have been caused by the sometimes impersonal nature of group telephone calls.
Adjusting to change: Punctuality and socialising
Eventually we got to meet some of our colleagues face to face at the Paris head office. Two differences stood out: punctuality and social breaks.
The meeting started 15 minutes late and no-one commented. As suggested by the French business etiquette guide 10 minutes late is acceptable. In the UK being just one minute late for a call or meeting could be frowned upon. This is where I feel that the UK business etiquette guide is a bit too generous suggesting 5 minutes late as being “OK” and I would recommend to start on time. There would be anger and restlessness at the wasted time.
12 noon arrived and a colleague left saying, “I’m off to a birthday lunch.” The social event took priority and that was OK.
I’m sure that, like me, you will find in businessculture.org a valuable source of information when faced with situations like those I’ve described here.
Have you considered the option of short term vehicle insurance before your international trip? Car insurance is a legal requirement in European countries such as the UK. There are a number of providers which can help you with your insurance cover, ranging from large insurance comparisons websites to independent specialists such as Dayinsure.
Short term car insurance providers Dayinsure
Is short term car insurance for me?
With increasing numbers of people travelling between the UK and the rest of Europe, here’s a reminder of a few scenarios where temporary vehicle insurance which might be able to help you:
You have a UK licence or an EU licence and you want to take your UK-registered vehicle to Europe for a few days and then return back to the UK with it. For example, Dayinsure can provide comprehensive cover in the UK and in the EU, as long as your journey starts and finishes in the UK.
You have a UK or EU driving licence and want to visit family or friends in another part of the UK. In particular, if you are a student, you might not want to own a car and instead of hiring a car, there might be a cost benefit to borrowing a car and arranging short term insurance on it in your own name.
You have family/friends visiting you in the UK and you want them to be able to use your car for a few days. You could try speaking to your annual insurer to see if they are prepared to add a temporary additional driver to your policy – but it might well be quicker/simpler/cheaper to buy a separate short term policy for the visitor.
In the event of a claim, the No Claim Discount (NCD) on the annual policy is unaffected by incidents involving the short term policyholder.
How long does it take to buy short term car insurance?
Dependent on the insurance provider, short term insurance can be bought online in a couple of minutes, with the insurance certificate emailed to your inbox.
For example with Dayinsure, policies are added daily to the Motor Insurance Database (MID), and all cover is comprehensive and underwritten by Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer.
Am I eligible for short term insurance?
Generally cover is available from 1 day to 28 days, to give you maximum flexibility and ensure you only pay for the cover you need.
The minimum age is 21 and the maximum is 75 – unless you have a provisional UK licence, in which case you’re eligible for other policies for example a Dayinsure Learner policy from aged 17 and over, to get additional driving practice before you take your test.
My name is Mariya Totlyakova and I’m a Senior Expert at the Department of Academic Activities and I’m also part of the Erasmus programme team. I have been working at University of National and World Economy for 6 years and every time when students come back from their year abroad I’m amazed how they have changed – in a positive way. They are more responsible, organized and confident in their skills, they are looking for new challenges and experiences.
At the beginning of each study and work exchange everything is new for them, they don’t know where they are going or what to expect. There is a big proportion of students who decide not to go on Erasmus exchange because of lack of the country specific information.
I can now say that the new website “businessculture.org” is very useful to close this information gap.
Students can find specific information about the countries they are going to, they can learn how to behave there and to find answers to all their questions. Most of the students fall in love with the host countries and they want to prolong their stay by doing a placement there. I think that the website can give them advice on how to be successful and how to stand out from the competition.
Studying or working abroad is a big challenge, it is always interesting to get to know other cultures and ways of life. It is useful to observe different ways of teaching and working. I always advise students to spend one or two semesters abroad – it is a fortune, so read the website and pick a destination!
I am a student who is interested in the international affairs and the opportunities which the world can offer. Currently studying for a master’s degree at the International Business at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria. Two years ago, during my Bachelor’s Degree, I decided to participate in an exchange program – called Erasmus – at the University of Applied Science in Prague, Czech Republic.
I was looking for a life changing experience and an opportunity to develop and educate myself. I have always been curious about studying abroad. While I was choosing where to do my Erasmus study, I made my own research about the countries, universities, and the cost of living and so on. It took me a long time.
Two years ago I would have recommended you to start the preparation as early as possible but today I wouldn’t.
There is a new website www.businessculture.org which can help you to get ready for the new experience abroad without any efforts. The website provides information in 9 different languages about 31 countries across Europe. This website could give an opportunity to increase your awareness about the study placements abroad and business opportunities.
If this site existed two years ago, I would not have lost so much time to make my own research because the information here is very well systematized, useful and easy to find. The information covers the main work & life related topics such as cultural taboos, education level, business communication, business etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance, social activities, etc.
The Passport to Trade 2.0 project will give you valuable insights about your upcoming life and will help you in your future endeavours. Read, watch and enjoy the preparation of your new life with the www.businessculture.org. I highly recommend it to you!
