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Successful Language Training: What Does it Look Like, and What Can it Provide?

Successful language training often helps employees determine if they can easily accept a global assignment. Many transferees may have a commanding grasp of several languages. Language proficiency and other professional skills often prepare them well for work in a new location. However, their family members may not be as proficient in multiple languages. The prospect of relocating to a destination where language may become a barrier can be daunting.

Employers should inquire as to whether transferees, their spouses, and their family members have proficiency in the language that is most in use at their new location. If they do not have proficiency, employers should provide assistance with language training.

What Does Successful Language Training Look Like?

Language training programs may include several helpful elements. All of these elements work together to provide transferees and their family members with valuable communication skills. These programs provide professional resources that are proven to assist transferees and their family members successfully settle in to their new location.

GMS spoke with Inigo Lopez, CEO of BiCortex Business Language Services to learn more about how participants can get the most out of their language training programs. Inigo agreed to share his expert guidance on this topic.

Successful Language Training Should be Efficient

Inigo notes that for greatest efficiency, students should study in a private class. Also, the number of student in group classes should always be kept to a minimum. The best solutions are tailored to the student’s specific needs including:

  • Preferred location (home, office or a neutral location)
  • Level of education
  • Business industry
  • Student’s professional and personal objectives

Language training that uses multiple methods to teach students typically has the highest rate of success. These methods may include conversation, use of visual aids, grammar exercises, and self-study. Also, students report higher levels of satisfaction with the training program. As a result, they are also more highly motivated.

Successful Language Training by Expert Language Trainers

Inigo believes the best language training providers work with trainers with the following profile:

  1. Significant number of years within the field of education
  2. Native and multilingual teachers
  3. Qualifications from renowned colleges and universities
  4. Highly motivated specialists with excellent customer feedback

Language Training and Complementary Services

Beyond language training, good solutions offer a range of complementary services. Inigo believes language training and other services can work together to help students reach the highest level of success. For example, tutoring can extend beyond language to include academic support in schools, preparatory classes for examinations, diplomas, and entrance exams, or writing papers.

Additionally, training should incorporate a wide variety of formats. Live online classes, online module learning, and custom solutions all work together to help students learn at their own pace.

What are Students of Successful Language Training Saying?

Inigo provided comments from several students who have utilized language training solutions successfully. Their comments show the amount of value that language training can provide:

M. recently relocated from Colombia to the United States

“My goal is to learn the English language because now we live in the United States…the language training classes helped me a lot…my level is very low as a beginner. My advice to others who want to learn a new language would be that first you really need to want to learn and receive classes both on grammar and tenses, classes can be online as it is similar to face to face in my experience.

The best thing for me is to simply learn, I love to learn more things every day. English for me is a priority and is a goal of mine in 2020. My favorite resources were the internet based tools and videos.”

R. recently relocated from India to the United Kingdom

“My main goal is to be fluent in it, and be confident. So far it is good, my teacher helps very much, and I like her classes. My advice to others is try to use English every day, read books, when looking for a word you do not know yet, always use more than one dictionary.

The best thing about learning a new language is that I am able to develop my confidence level, improving my social interaction and encouraging connection between peers. For me, the best way to learn has always been watching movies and shows. A good way to learn and practice English is to talk with our friends.”

What Should Employers do About Language Training?

The most successful company relocation programs provide a wealth of support programs and services for transferees and their family members since they are often key to ensuring a successful relocation. GMS provides our clients with an extensive range of language training programs as well as other valuable business services so employee relocations are successful. Our high-touch service model fully extends to helping transferees and their family members with everything they need during their relocation process.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop successful language training programs to help their relocating employees and their family members settle in to their new location. Our team can help your company determine the best language training solution for your relocation program. As a result, this will help 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.

Contact our experts online to discuss successful language training solutions to help your transferees and their family members, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Domestic Relocation Challenges Domestic Relocation Tips Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Relocation Best Practices

Video Destination Spotlights Show Transferees Their New Location

Video Destination Spotlights from Global Mobility Solutions’ MyRelocation® Technology Platform are an ideal solution. These spotlights show candidates and transferees all of the positive aspects of their new location. Visually demonstrating an area’s attractions, activities, and highlights helps showcase the best aspects of a city. Video Destination Spotlights also help give employees and their family members peace of mind as they consider relocating to a new city.

What Do Video Destination Spotlights Include?

There are many features that visually highlight the best aspects of a location. GMS Video Destination Spotlights include several major topics that are at the top of the list for new hires and transferees.

Major Topics in Video Destination Spotlights

1. Education and Schools

Employees, family members, and children of school age can learn about various public and private school options. Distinguished universities and colleges in the location are noted, as are cultural institutions with educational programs such as art institutes.

2. Transportation

Transportation alternatives including plane travel, light rail/commuter lines, ferries, and local highways help employees learn about the various ways they can travel to and from work as well as the local area. International airports that are nearby the location provide a sense of comfort for employees and family members who are relocating over a wide distance.

3. Housing and Cost of Living

Knowledge of the cost of living in the new location is one of the most important consideration for employees and transferees. Learning about the range of housing options helps employees make informed choices for their new home’s location. Families relocating to a dense urban area may prefer to find new housing near large city parks and recreational facilities. Video Destination Spotlights are an ideal format to show local amenities to families.

4. Geography, Climate, and Weather

For some transferees and new hires, the ability to be near mountain areas with great skiing is a significant draw for a new position. Alternatively, proximity to the ocean and warm weather can be a deciding factor. Weather in a new location may have a strong impact on an employee’s decision to accept a relocation assignment. Therefore, it is important to include this information.

The geography of a location might be one of the most important points in a decision to relocate. Video Destination Spotlights instantly show the local geography, letting employees see features such as mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Some employees may prefer to be situated among rolling prairies found in the Midwest. However, other employees may prefer to be surrounded by old-growth forests and rocky coastlines found in New England.

5. Sports, Attractions, and Lifestyle Easy to Show in Video Destination Spotlights

Outdoor enthusiasts may prioritize their decision on a relocation based on the range and breadth of sports opportunities. Major outdoor destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, or Big Bend National Park may become a deciding factor for those who want to explore these natural attractions. Parks and trails draw hikers, bikers, walkers, runners, and are highly desirable community amenities.

Major sports teams such as the New York Yankees or the Dallas Cowboys often draw sports fans from throughout their respective metropolitan areas. Cultural Institutions such as the J. Paul Getty Museum or the Art Institute of Chicago are major destinations for tourists as well as local residents. Video Destination Spotlights focus on and highlight these and other lifestyle amenities within the community.

6. Dining and Shopping

Sampling local cuisine can be an exciting adventure. All Video Destination Spotlights include highlights of local restaurants, favorite dishes, and regional flavors. Southern California cuisine reflects the diverse cultural influences of many nations. New Orleans cuisine, by comparison, is known for Cajun and Creole foods such as Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Étouffée, and Po’ Boy Sandwiches.

Relocating employees also want to know about the local major shopping venues. Being able to easily find their favorite stores and locate the services they need helps employees feel “at home” in their new location.

Conclusion

Providing a wealth of resources for employees with relocation assignments helps companies remain competitive in their industry. Our clients note how helpful our global and domestic Video Destination Spotlights are for their employees. GMS continues to extend the many valuable resources we provide to our clients into new technologies and easy to use formats.

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.

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.

To see one of our Video Destination Spotlights, or to learn how our team of relocation program experts can help your company provide industry-leading resources to your prospective employees and transferees, contact us online or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Domestic Relocation Tips Domestic Relocation Trends Household Goods

What is a Video Survey for Household Goods Moves?

Have you heard about a video survey for household goods moves? Relocating employees who are participating in a household goods move as part of their relocation usually work with a household goods moving provider who completes a general or summarized inventory (also known as a “cube sheet”) as part of the in-home survey. The goal of the cube sheet is to create a list of contents that will be moved.  This will help increase the accuracy of the moving cost estimate. It will also provide a record of the items the relocating employee is moving.

Also, the in-home survey helps determine what services are needed, and the amount of those services (based on a combination of the company’s relocation policy, situational requirements, and relocating employee needs). The services may include packing, crating, appliance service, and determining how to address any residential access challenges.

Important information a household goods moving provider writes on a cube sheet:

  • Inventory should be complete for each room
  • Describes every item
  • Notes items that are not a part of the move

So what is a Video Survey for Household Goods Moves?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides guidelines and regulations for the Household Goods (HHG) Moving Industry. The HHG Working Group Paperwork Subgroup Minutes show the household goods moving industry has been at the forefront of discussing and recommending video surveys. The FMCSA also provides many helpful resources for relocating employees, including a Moving Checklist. As a result, relocating employees can more fully prepare for their move. Also, they can learn about all phases of the move experience, and know what they should do to help ensure a smooth process.

In a video survey for a household goods move, relocating employees use video technology to record the contents of each room. This survey is usually completed through an app, and includes guidance from a household goods moving estimator or specialist throughout the entire process. A video survey gives moving estimators clarity as to the volume, condition, and size of household goods. Estimators can take note of Items that appear particularly delicate for special packing. Video surveys are increasingly in use throughout North America for household good moves.

2019 Industry Update Includes Video Survey for Household Goods Moves

In Global Mobility Solutions’ White Paper: 2019 Industry Update – Talent Mobility, Real Estate, Household Goods, and Immigration, our experts explain the use of a video survey for household goods moves.

Four key reasons why relocating employees find a video survey convenient:

  1. They do not have time during their work week to complete an in-home survey
  2. Moving out of a remote location
  3. They are moving small shipments
  4. Have a quick turnaround time for their move

Along with this convenience is the increase in information a video survey provides. This information is easily sharable and extremely helpful for every participant in the household goods move.

Participants who may use a video survey during a move include:

  1. Dispatchers
  2. Van line drivers
  3. 3rd party service providers
  4. Planners and coordinators
  5. Relocation Management Companies
  6. Others who may need the information

Relocating employees may be able to complete a video survey for their household goods move quickly and easily. The video file may provide valuable documentation of item condition. This will give the relocating employee peace of mind that their item will arrive to their new location as planned. Any questions can easily be addressed by viewing the video survey. The video survey provides as much detail information as an in-home survey. Also, it is a far better option than a phone survey.

What Does This Mean?

A video survey is a valuable tool for household goods moves. They are also extremely convenient for relocating employees, and may help them easily document items. Participants in a household goods move, from the packers to the movers to the RMC, may all benefit from a video survey.

What Should Employers do?

Companies with relocating employees participating in a household goods move should encourage the use of a video survey if this is of interest to their relocating employees. Companies should work with an experienced and knowledgeable Relocation Management Company (RMC). RMCs provide extensive solutions when it comes to relocating employees who are participating in a household goods move as part of their relocation. Companies should review their relocation programs. This will help ensure their program provides the highest level of relocation benefits and services for their employees.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how they can provide an exceptional relocation experience to their relocating employees. Our team can help your company understand how to implement the use of a video survey for household goods moves for those relocating employees who are interested.

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.

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 how to implement a video survey for any of your interested relocating employees’ household goods moves, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Relocation Management Relocation Technology

MyRelocation® Video Resources Help Relocating Employees Learn and Connect

MyRelocation® from Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) is a cloud-based relocation technology with video resources that lets clients manage and track your employees’ relocation. The technology provides intuitive and easy to use dashboards and helpful information. It also gives users the ability to create over 200 customizable reports on demand. Relocating employees value the ability to access relocation tools and calculators, and utilize virtual destination features. They also prefer the ability to submit expenses online for quick reimbursement, and connect with their relocation coach.

Video Resources

Video enhancements to MyRelocation® improve the usefulness of the technology. They also teach clients and their employees how to best utilize the robust program’s many features. Online tutorials take users step-by-step through several screens, showing how to submit information and where to find data.

In addition to Destination Spotlight reports, several destinations are in line for development of video resources. These videos bring the location to life for employees and their family members. Seeing a new location and traveling through it by way of a video gives depth to the experience. It also generates interest and excitement about the relocation.

Benefits of Video Resources

In addition to providing valuable information for relocating employees and their families, video resources also:

  1. Build credibility and trust with employees and their families, demonstrating to them that their employer truly cares about their welfare and happiness in their new location.
  2. Provide visually engaging images that increase the employee’s ability to envision themselves in the new location.
  3. Can be easily shared with other family members and friends to join in on the entertainment, giving decision-makers greater confidence in their recommendations.
  4. Increase acceptance rates for assignments, as videos have been shown to be highly effective for increasing conversion rates related to buying decisions and assignment acceptances.

Conclusion

Providing relocating employees and their families with a superior relocation technology like MyRelocation® helps them have a successful relocation process. Additional resources in video formats give employees peace of mind when a new transfer assignment is under consideration. Seeing a new location through a video is a helpful way to learn about the many positive features of a community.

The global relocation experts at GMS have the knowledge and expertise to help your company communicate the benefits of video resources to your relocating employees. Contact our team of experts to discuss your relocation technology needs, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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