Business Professionals |
The surge of foreign business investment in Mexico brought on by NAFTA has created a communication problem. Most management from the US and Canada who work in Mexico don't speak Spanish. Although interpreters are typically made available, there is nothing better than one-on-one communication without the presence of a third party.
Some companies recognize these new challenges and are working to further develop the communication skills of their senior management. Contract Freighters, Inc. (CFI), one of America's biggest trucking firms, enrolled five of their vice presidents into the Executive Immersion Program.
"There is nothing like being able to talk one-on-one. It shows respect for the culture and the country and is as definite plus in creating business expansion," stated Herbert Schmidt, CFI's President and CEO. "We don't want to impose our culture or language on our partners. Mutual respect and cooperation adds up to more order taking."
Julie Stratton, Plant Manger for VCI Fulfillment Group S.A. de C.V. has a full staff of Spanish-only speaking employees in their Mexico operation. "Showing respect for the people by speaking their language is the only way one can expect develop teamwork and cooperation. My employees are surprised and delighted to hear me speak Spanish. The more Spanish I know, the better our chances are for continued success in Mexico."
The five-week Executive Immersion Program is among the most comprehensive offered anywhere. The individual attention received is unparalleled. Most students in this program find it necessary to return to their office for at least one week during their five-week study. The five weeks do not have to be taken consecutively, but we recommend completion of five weeks within an eight-week period.
Because Ensenada is just 80 miles south of San Diego, California, travel to and from Ensenada is both convenient and economical. For students coming from the US, Canada and Europe, we recommend flying into San Diego. Students coming from Mexico, Central American and South America find flights into Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico more convenient.
“I am a 56 yrs old female and have a Family Practice clinic in Florida. In 2010 I wanted to learn medical Spanish to assist the patients who visit my clinic from the USA and from abroad as I am located in a prime tourist. My previous background in Spanish was just one year of high school Spanish and I could only say a few phrases. After my first week at the Baja California Language College, and living with a host family, I was able to start talking in phrases to my patients with minimal use of a telephone translation service. After my second week of immersion 6 months later, I now rarely use a medical translation service with my Spanish patients and have even picked up some Portuguese phrases.
I am not always perfect in my conjugations and still have to ask “Como se dice… (how do you say….) sometimes, but my patients really appreciate my efforts and I am complimented on my Spanish language abilities! I have found that just attempting to talk in someone else’s language is a huge gesture of good will, and the way that I have gotten even better is to not be afraid to try! If someone is bilingual, it is better to approach them in their native language, and they also will give me invaluable feedback on my pronunciation and vocabulary when I ask them to please let me talk to them in Spanish for my own practice.
The travel to and from Ensenada, Baja California Mexico was very safe – I flew into San Diego and took all public transportation BY MYSELF each time. I walked through USA customs/bridge in and out of Tijuana and walked to the ABC bus station. In nice weather, I would walk the 3 miles from my host family’s home, or get a ride from them for a nominal cost. I also walked a lot around the town when not in school just to see the fabulous scenery. I would use an internet café a few blocks away from the house that I was staying in into the evening. The host families are all very nice with excellent meals and accommodations.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone of any age.”
Dr. Pat Wahrenberger Family Practice Physician Minneola Florida
Baja California Spanish Language School - Offering Spanish Immersion Programs
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