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Overseas Relocation

Whether for personal or business reasons, Cactus Language Training has been providing language training to relocation clients since 2003, both prior to relocation and upon arrival in their new location. We have done this for incoming clients to the UK, outgoing clients from the UK to Asia and Europe, and for relocations from Europe to Asia. We have usually provided training on an individual basis for the asignees.

:: How relocation training works
:: How will language learning help my relocation?
:: Arriving in your new location
:: If you are already overseas and need training
:: Planning your relocation

How Relocation Training Works

Our language trainers are based nationwide throughout the UK and abroad. They are qualified, native-speaker trainers who can provide lessons in the home or office of the asignee/spouse, or at any of our training rooms.

• Upon receipt of the ISO (International Service Order) from the relocation company, we contact the asignee to discuss their needs and aims, and send them our needs analysis form.

• We then arrange their training and send the confirmed details to them by email (their representative at the relocation company is copied in on this). We also send them the appropriate course materials (usually a book and a CD ROM).

• The training usually starts in the UK with a native speaker language trainer based in the UK, and is then resumed in the new location with our trainer once the asignee has settled in. There is also dialogue between the UK trainer and the second trainer in the new destination.

• Throughout the course Cactus remains in contact with the asignee, the trainer(s) and the relocation company, maintaining a dialogue of feedback.

At Cactus we understand that it is difficult for asignees to make 100% plans when their whole life is being packed into boxes, they are having to choose a new home in a foreign country whilst still in the UK, their children are preparing to move schools and say goodbye to their friends and family, etc. It can be a very bewildering and emotional time, and we aim to work with flexibility and understanding. As long as changes are communicated, they can usually be accommodated.

How Will Language Learning Help My Relocation?

• You will start to build cultural awareness to avoid culture shock upon arrival;

• You will be able to establish new friends and contacts quickly;

• Your increased awareness will prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of you;

• You will be able to make sense of official documents or requirements;

• You will be able to contact utility companies, builders, suppliers, etc.;

• You will succeed in making yourself understood whilst out and about;

• Your transition from one life to another will be easier;

• You will start to see your new surroundings from the inside, and not as an outsider.

Arriving In Your New Location

We also work with schools that teach many different languages in locations across the world (including English in the UK). Our asignees can go to these schools upon arrival at their new location if they so choose. This is an effective way to continue learning the language in a group environment with people from all over the world.

If You Are Already Overseas & In Need Of Language Training

If you are relocating abroad for personal rather than business reasons, language training is often perceived as “the one thing I can do when I get there”. However, it’s one of the things that should really start long before you start packing your boxes. For once your belongings have been unpacked again, and your new home has taken shape, the rest of your life can start to carry on. Without confidence in the local language everything can be an uphill struggle, from buying new light bulbs to phoning the electricity company to contest a bill.

Struggling with these daily language needs might be a source of adventure at first, but before long it can become a strain to make yourself understood, make sense of what is being said to you, and generally feel on the outside of the country’s culture. At this point, people tend to fall into one of two camps – they either fall into the expatriate culture and spend the rest of their stay with only those who speak their language, or they take the plunge and learn the language.

If you’re in this situation, it isn’t too late. Simply complete the Quick Quote form on the right telling us where you are, what language you need and your awareness and ability in the language, and we’ll get in touch to have a chat with you. Depending on where you're based, we may be able to send a trainer to your home or office.

One very easy way of continuing, or starting, your language training is through our highly successful telephone language lessons. We’ll explain how we can help and, if you’re ready, send a proposal/order form for you to get started.

Planning Your Relocation

If you know you’re going to be moving, then Cactus Language Training can set up a range of programmes to fit around your busy lifestyle and the diminishing time you have available. We can combine intensive phases of language training with weekly refresher or “coaching” sessions. Your trainer can sit down with you and even use the real documents you’re having to deal with as the basis of your lessons.

If you need extra support and a professional to help you to keep a hold on the whole process of relocation, you can also turn to a life coach. Cactus works in conjunction with a specialist relocation coach. By visiting this site, you can also find more about moving abroad.

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