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Comprehensive support for the move abroad

The regular secondment of employees makes numerous demands on internal personnel manage-
ment. Besides the organisational aspect – from the submission of applications for visas to the
search for housing – Böllhoff focuses on preparing employees for their new life abroad.

Here we support potential expatriates at an early stage in the decision-making process. A trip to
the foreign branch in question lasting several days may help them to make their mind up about a
lengthy assignment abroad. If they opt for secondment, we assist them by organising language
courses as required.

Preparations for assignment also include actively raising levels of intercultural understanding and
sensitivity among the soon-to-be expats. For this purpose the HR Department organises intercul-
tural training courses, looking at the society and customs of the new country and possible stum-
bling blocks for them. These programmes revolve around questions such as:
n What is typical behaviour of the country involved in a business setting?
n What special cultural features must be borne in mind?
n How do people behave in a private/social setting?

Daniel Burchert

As the plan is to develop Plastics Engineering
Germany in China, I was offered the opportunity of
Home country going to Wuxi. Prior to secondment I had
Wuxi, China never thought about working abroad. When
I was offered this opportunity, I was simply
Seconded to open to a new experience.

Technical Supervisor
Injection Moulding
Today my assignment abroad is a real eye-
Technology opener for me: It equally challenges and
Role encourages me. Besides the interesting
October 2016 projects I deal with, I particularly enjoy the
Abroad since constant exchange with other cultures.

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