CROSS-CULTURAL
Going Overseas? Don't forget your E-Learning Ex-pat Toolkit
The internet and a creative mindset are the only essentials needed for working in another country.
In today's global economy, many of us will find ourselves living in a foreign country for short and/or extended periods of time. A move abroad represents an exciting opportunity, and poses challenges for most people. Good preparation in the form of cross-cultural and language training can facilitate the adjustment process overseas. While residing abroad, access to continuing education and skills training can assist adults in staying current in their fields, provide the means to jump-start careers, and make it possible to stay up-to-date with computer programs/applications. But where can novice and seasoned ex-pats turn to obtain the training they need?
The answer is very simple. A desktop computer and/or laptop, and a creative mindset are everything you need to access a universe of e-learning opportunities on the World Wide Web. In 1993, I found myself transplanted to Venezuela from the US , and needing to remake my career.
There was no training available on a local basis in Venezuela pertinent to my interest in exploring small business start-up and E-Commerce, and only dial-up Internet service was available at the time. But, plugging away on my laptop, I uncovered a universe of excellent virtual e-learning opportunities that met my needs and schedule, and opened the doors to professional opportunities in Venezuela . Most e-learning is available any time, regardless of the time zone.
The E-learning Ex-pat Toolkit is a sampling of e-learning resources I have found extremely helpful with respect to my transition to ex-pat life, and for professional development and career exploration in several foreign countries. The Ex-pat Toolkit emphasizes high-quality short-term training (courses, tutorials, web casts, etc.) available on a non-cost basis rather than degree-granting programs. This is based upon my research findings in conjunction with a Master's program in the US that revealed expatriates are generally aware of e-learning programs affiliated with universities, but have far less knowledge of e-learning as it pertains to the wide variety adult education opportunities available.
This article is written by Leila Heron, Ex-pat Distance Learning Researcher/Advisor based in Panama City , Republic of Panama .
Leila's blog is available at elearningexpats.wordpress.com
Leila Heron is an American global relocation advisor and producer of expatriate training programs that emphasise strategies to jumpstart professional opportunities in foreign countries.