Introduction: Taking the first international assignment can be a daunting task. Everybody has to have that first international experience. The difficulty of the work assignment is compounded by the difficulties caused by the assignment being in a foreign country.
Internet Assignment: Assume that you have just been told that your skills are needed in your company's subsidiary division in Saudi Arabia. This division is responsible for all sales and service of your company's products in the Middle East region. Your knowledge of the product, its use, and potential problems are your specialty. This is your first experience with servicing the product on-site in a foreign country, and you are eager to take on this assignment. However, you know very little about the languages, customs, and business practice in any of the countries of the Middle East.
Your manager suggests that you use the Internet to begin to explore the region, its languages, customs, and business practices. First, conduct an Internet search to see what you can learn about this region of the world that might be helpful. Focus on languages, customs, and business practices.
Follow-up:Choose the three or four most helpful sites that you found. Be sure to note the strengths and weakness of each. Finally, respond to the following questions:
- What characteristics do the most beneficial sites have in common?
- Who were the authors and sources of the most beneficial sites? Why would those authors (or sponsors) go to the trouble of creating such a site?
- In addition to using the sites you found, what additional resources will you need to be successful in this assignment?
