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Corporate Relocation

Virtual Tutoring Helps Ensure Successful Relocations

Many transferees relocating with children can benefit from virtual tutoring. When family matters are taken into account, relocations are more likely to be successful. Relocation programs should include career support for spouses. They should also take care to ensure children’s needs are met. School searches and identifying specific needs helps ensure children acclimate well to their new location.

GMS spoke with Inigo Lopez, CEO of BiCortex Business Language Services. Through their experience and research, Inigo’s company has determined that one of the main reasons relocation programs do not succeed is because the family’s adaptation to their new location is not successful. Inigo agreed to share his expert guidance on this topic.

Helping Children Learn at Their Own Pace With Virtual Tutoring

In Inigo’s experience, children learn faster than adults. They also generally do not experience problems learning languages. However, adapting to their new school is usually the hardest part of the whole relocation experience. School curriculums are different in every country and therefore the requirements will differ between international schools.

Virtual tutoring sessions give the opportunity for parents to be more flexible with their time. At the same time, parents can obtain professional support for their children’s learning across a wide range of school subjects. The extent of tutoring can range from regular lessons or just a little help before an exam.

Virtual Tutoring Options

BiCortex provides tutoring for children in a wide variety of subjects, including:

  • Language (Portuguese, Italian, German, English, Spanish, French)
  • Mathematics, Geometry
  • Chemistry, Science, Biology, Physics
  • Writing/Composition, Literature
  • History
  • Geography

At BiCortex, the tutoring session may be one-to-one, either online or in-person. However, it may also be virtual tutoring in groups with other children, perhaps located in other countries. For example, currently BiCortex is conducting lessons for both Italian and French. In each group there are 3-5 children, aged 9 to 11. The children are from: Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.

Adaptive Virtual Tutoring

BiCortex can provide the right trainer that adapts to your child’s needs. The company can also offer tutoring in the child’s native language if preferred.

Some of the tutoring courses BiCortex provides are the following:

  • Academic Text Revision/Proofreading Services
  • School Tutoring
  • Preparatory Classes for upcoming Exams and Diplomas
  • Preparation for Entrance Exams to Schools and Universities
  • Relocation/Expatriate Trainings
  • Preparation for Foreign Language Schools

In cases where either the students request to have lessons virtually (with a live trainer), or due to major disruptions such as offices closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BiCortex delivers training online.

The BiCortex Virtual Tutoring Platform

BiCortex has its own platform to deliver virtual instructor-led lessons in a fully professional, secure, and GDPR-compliant format.

Features of this state-of-the-art virtual tutoring platform include:

Ease of Use

  • Download-free (no need to install a plug-in on most browsers)
  • Scheduling directly by students based on course or instructor availability
  • Class reminders and notifications
  • Interactive whiteboard

Language Friendly

  • Interface in several languages
  • Toolbox with extensive list of verb conjugations for the following languages: German, English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish

Audio/Video

  • Superior audio/video quality
  • Recording/playing-back audio and video excerpts

Lessons, Documents, Assignments

  • Lesson materials are pre-loaded
  • Document sharing
  • Homework and assignments for students

Reporting Capabilities

  • Attendance reports
  • Learning analytics

Just as with face-to-face training, the content and methodology are adapted to the children’s needs. Also, books and materials are either virtual or delivered to the children through mail delivery services.

What Should Employers do About Virtual Tutoring?

Relocating employees will have questions regarding their children’s education. From the choice of schools to the availability of specialized learning programs, all aspects of the education process are important to address. Employers should provide information about virtual tutoring solutions and other helpful resources. By providing useful resources for transferees and their children, your company will help ensure a successful relocation.

GMS provides our clients with an extensive range of virtual tutoring solutions, language training services, and many other valuable resources so employee relocations are successful. Our high-touch service model fully extends to helping transferees and their children with everything they need to ensure a successful educational experience during their relocation process.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients learn about valuable resources such as virtual tutoring for children. These resources help relocating employees and their children quickly and easily settle in to their new location. Our team can help your company determine the best virtual tutoring solution for your relocation program to promote successful relocations.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

New SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal

GMS recently launched its new SafeRelo™ COVID-19 Knowledge Portal featuring a number of helpful resources including:

  • Curated selection of news and articles specific to managing relocation programs and issues relating to COVID-19
  • Comprehensive guide to national, international, and local online sources for current data
  • Program/Policy Evaluation (PPE) Tool for instant relocation policy reviews

Contact our experts online to discuss virtual tutoring for children as a valuable resource for your company’s relocation program, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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United Nations Report Show How Aging Impacts Country Demographics

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Population Dynamics report on World Population Prospects shows how aging impacts country demographics. The 2019 revision is the 26th round of official UN population estimates. Many countries will experience a dramatic shift in the proportion of people aged 65 and older. As a result, this shift will impact each country’s economy, politics, budget, immigration, and a number of other areas.

Aging Impacts Country Demographics in Japan More Than Any Other Country

The country of Japan will remain the world’s oldest country by demographics for several decades. In fact, the population of Japan that is 65 years and older will rise to 38% by the year 2050. Another trend during this timeframe is a decline in Japan’s total population. The report indicates the country of Japan’s total population will decline by 20%. Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research confirms these trends.

These two trends in Japan will lead to significant changes throughout the nation. The country’s aging population will increase the demand for nursing, health care, and products and services unique to this demographic. The declining population will impact the nation’s economic output and hamper employers’ ability to find qualified workers for open positions. Areas that face significant changes include:

  • Medical Care
  • Long Term Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Pensions
  • Social Services

Working-Age Population in Japan Also Projected to Decline

Along with the increase in Japan’s population of people aged 65 and older comes another significant population shift. Japan projects its working-age population to decline from 60% of the population as of 2017 to just 51.4% of the population by 2065. As a result, a smaller share of Japan’s population will support a larger share of elderly residents.

Japan Working to Mitigate How Aging Impacts Country Demographics

Japan has been working to increase immigration into the country by introducing a new work permit and two new visa categories for qualified foreign workers. Currently, foreign residents make up approximately 1.5% of Japan’s total population. The country’s amended Immigration Act in 2019 is expected to increase the nation’s pool of qualified workers.

However, Japan does not currently have structures in place to support a significant influx of workers from other countries. The Immigration Services Agency is considering a new Japan Public Certification System to support a rising number of foreign workers. Through June 2019, a record number of foreign people were registered in Japan as residents. The newly arriving foreign people in Japan have been entering the country on visas for engineers and international services, highly skilled professionals, and technical trainees.

Global Relocation can Help Employers in Japan Recruit Foreign Workers

Employers in Japan should consider highlighting their relocation program’s benefits in their recruiting materials. In the same way that aging impacts country demographics, aging also impacts industries. The healthcare industry has been responding effectively to mitigate critical talent shortages in several ways, including:

  • Defining a Superior Brand That Clearly Identifies the Employer
  • Focusing on Cultural Fit During Recruitment
  • Delivering Exceptional Candidate Experiences
  • Leveraging Data to Increase Recruiting Effectiveness
  • Keeping Candidates Engaged with Quick Processes

Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) are ideal sources for information on global candidate recruitment and relocation. Pre-Decision Services are critical for employers as they provide valuable information about a candidate’s ability to accept a position and be successful. Data gathered with Pre-Hire Assessment tools can be paired with structured interview questions to better understand the candidate’s interests, goals, and motivations.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company mitigate the effect of how aging impacts country demographics. Our experts will use industry best practices to design your relocation program. As a result, this will increase your company’s ability to attract and retain new employees.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact our experts online to learn more about how global relocation can be used to mitigate how aging impacts country demographics, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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What is the Best Way to Learn a New Language and Culture?

Learning a new language and culture can be challenging. Many employers go to great lengths to identify candidates for global relocation assignments. Often these positions require a specific set of skills and education. Also, the candidate must have a desire to learn new languages and cultures. Pre-decision services are valuable in this stage of the relocation process.

Pre-Decision Services

Employers gain a wealth of information from pre-decision services. As a result, employers can forecast relocation costs, understand candidate motivations, and provide candidates with helpful resources.

Pre-decision services often include:

  • Candidate Assessment – Assess candidate expectation, skills, personal qualities, family circumstance, and financial preparedness.
  • Cost of Living Analysis – Cost of living comparison of origin and destination cities to help determine acceptable or competitive salary range.
  • Market Analysis – Determines the likely home sale timeline and identifies potential home sale challenges such as negative equity.
  • School Reports – Public and Private School reports provided to the relocating employee to aid community selection.
  • Moving Cost Estimates – Cost estimates on household goods transportation, helps budget for relocation costs.
  • Community Search & Tours – Coordinates community orientation tours to familiarize relocating employees to their new location, and assist in selecting an area that fits their particular interests.

By using pre-decision services, employers gain many benefits. Candidate job acceptance ratios rise and global relocation success rates increase. With these rising acceptance ratios, employers can rest assured that candidates are ready and willing to do what it takes to be successful.

What About the Global Location’s Language and Culture?

Once the candidate accepts the global relocation, employers can help them increase their chances for success. By providing valuable tools for candidates, employers help them fully prepare for their new position. One valuable tool is a virtual trainer for language and culture.

Global Relocation Virtual Trainer for Language and Culture

A virtual trainer for language and culture allows candidates to access training anytime, anywhere. This access gives candidates the flexibility they need. Whether traveling or in a remote location, the virtual trainer lets candidates learn at their own pace.

Language Modules include:

  • Intuitive, straightforward interface
  • Self-paced lessons
  • Focus on conversation proficiency
  • Cultural insights and nuances that impact vocabulary and grammar
  • Mobile apps for quick brush-ups

Cultural Modules include:

  • One-on-one personal training via webcam
  • Coaches explain how to see cultural differences to promote synergy
  • Practical and actionable guidance to operate in business settings
  • Learning to leverage skill sets found in other cultures
  • Communicates values including mutual respect and understanding

What Does This Mean?

Relocating employees who use a global relocation virtual trainer greatly increase their chances for success. Employers that offer this valuable resource also save from 50% to 75% over the usual costs of language and culture training. The cloud-based software lets Human Resource professionals focus on corporate objectives. Relocating employees gain valuable skills that can help them succeed in future endeavors.

What Should Employers do for Language and Culture Training?

Employers should work with a qualified Relocation Management Company (RMC) that can provide access to a global relocation virtual trainer. Employers considering relocating new hires or transferees to global locations should provide them with as many valuable resources as possible. This will help the relocating employees increase their language and culture knowledge. As a result, these employees will be more likely to succeed in their assignment.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how they can gain the benefits of using a global relocation virtual trainer. Our team can help your company understand how to provide your relocating employees with valuable and easy to use tools for language and culture training.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s language and culture training needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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