Tailored workshops
We Connect Cultures provides tailored in-company intercultural communication workshops for diverse organizations. Contact us directly for options or explore our workshops below.
About our workshops
Are you part of a working environment where different cultures come together? Then you know that this can be enriching, but sometimes also quite challenging in terms of communication.
Employees from different cultural backgrounds bring their cultural meanings and ways of communicating. To navigate this, Mylène Hanson (a language trainer with a PhD in teaching multicultural groups) and Michelle Boughton-Smith (a Business English language trainer) offer a unique training course for improved international cooperation.
We analyze the specific needs through diverse cultural perspectives, delivering tailored, practical training for the entire international team, including both Dutch and expats. With our language training expertise, we understand the nuances in communication from all angles, ensuring smoother collaboration, reduced turnover, and harnessing every employee’s competences.
The goal of our intercultural workshops
- Cultivating an inclusive corporate culture where every individual thrives.
- Unlocking each employee’s full potential.
- Enhancing organizational inclusivity for improved performance.
- Reducing workplace stress and absenteeism.
- Minimizing employee turnover.
- Fostering a cohesive and collaborative team environment.
Details of our workshops
Our intercultural training sessions are especially developed for international teams including Dutch people and expats. The workshops are personalized, creating an environment where participants learn collaboratively. Before each workshop, we conduct thorough intakes and gather real-life cases, ensuring the relevance of our discussions to your company’s needs.
Trainers: Mylène Hanson and Michelle Boughton Smith.
Group size: Up to 50 participants
Duration & frequency: 6 hours in total on one day, divided into 3 blocks of 2 hours (with two breaks in between). Start time of training in consultation.
Language: English or Dutch (or a combination of the two)
Method: We start with an engaging game to unveil communication differences across various cultures. We delve into the concept of ‘culture,’ pinpoint areas of divergence, and tackle sensitive conversation topics. Participants acquire valuable strategies for navigating multicultural dialogues, which they put into practice through company-specific cases. This workshop aims to refine conversation skills, resulting in a harmonious and more productive work environment.
Location: At your office in the provinces of Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland and Flevoland
About trainer Mylène
I’m Mylène Hanson, an Intercultural Communication trainer and Dutch language instructor for expats, also a singer-songwriter with my own jazz band, WhoSheDo. Dreaming of performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival, I’ve pursued a path of learning and teaching.
My academic journey took me through Language and Culture Studies at Utrecht University, where I delved into teaching in multicultural groups during my research. Following my PhD, I worked as an educational advisor, researcher, and training teacher in culture and Dutch as a Second Language at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences.
With Indonesian roots, shared with my father, I empathize with expats facing the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and communication style. This firsthand experience fuels my passion for intercultural communication. My mission is to facilitate mutual understanding, smoother communication, and a more harmonious workplace atmosphere by encouraging individuals to explore each other’s worldviews. Learning from diverse perspectives continually enriches my understanding of the Netherlands.
About trainer Michelle
I’m Michelle, an experienced Business English and Intercultural Communication trainer with a rich history of collaboration with Dutch and international organizations since 1995. My journey began as an expat, granting me firsthand insights into the intricacies of adjusting to life and work in a foreign culture, and the potential for personal and team growth through cross-cultural experiences.
In 2010, I successfully completed the NLP Master Practitioner program, followed by a postgraduate course in Strategic Training in 2012. Most recently, at the close of 2021, I earned my postgraduate certification in Coaching and Counseling, specializing in Career, Team, and Leadership. These diverse experiences and qualifications drive my commitment to enhancing communication, understanding, and collaboration in multicultural settings, ultimately empowering individuals and teams to thrive.
Reviews
FAQ
What are the trainers backgrounds?
Mylène was born in the Netherlands and has a Dutch-Indonesian father and a Dutch mother.
Michelle is from England and has lived in the Netherlands for 28 years.
In which language will the workshop be given?
The workshop can be conducted in Dutch, English, or a mix of the two.
My group has more than 50 participants, can we still attend the training?
In consultation, we can see if the training can be followed by more people. Perhaps we can split up the group and organise 2 workshops.
Is the workshop intended for teams or for the entire company?
That depends on your wishes and the size of the company. We can make suitable groups in consultation.
Can workshops be longer than proposed?
Yes, they can. In consultation, we can adapt the duration to your needs.