Bridging Cultures: Working Overseas  

Working in another country can be a rewarding, exciting experience. Preparing for an overseas job, however, involves more than sorting out visas, work permits, inoculations, and currency exchanges. You must also learn as much as possible about the host culture in order to avoid some of the more unpleasant “cultural pitfalls” discussed in this session. Once you are aware of these issues, you can reasonably assess whether an overseas project is right for you.

Guren, Leah. STC Proceedings (1998). Presentations>TC>International

Cases in International Technical Communication  

Solve complex and real cases in international technical communication with your peers. Have fun, learn a lot, and meet interesting people while you’re at it!

Hoft, Nancy L. STC Proceedings (1998). Presentations>TC>International

FORUM ’95 Conference Demonstrates International Cooperation  

The unusual mix of participants and formats in the FORUM 95 conference supported international cooperation and demonstrated new approaches for professional conferences. The FORUM 95 conference, held November 13-15, 1995, in Dortmund, Germany, supported international cooperation through its themes and organization. Using English as the operating language, FORUM 95 attracted widespread international participation. With the theme of “Disappearing Borders,” the conference demonstrated how limitations in political boundaries, media, and employment locations have shifted during the last five years. For example, registrants from the former East Germany, South Africa, and Estonia brought new perspectives on technical communication. Among more than 320 attendees, 41% were German, 13% Dutch, 12% Swedish, 10% US, 6% British, 4% Danish, 3% Norwegian, 8% all other European, 3% all other.

Reilly, Annette D. STC Proceedings (1996). Presentations>TC>International

Planning Committee Emulates Conference Theme  

Forum 95 offered an ideal opportunity for technical communicators from 21 countries to exchange ideas. The concept worked admirably. Much of the conference’s success can be attributed to the willingness of the four organizing societies, although from different countries, to work companionable together to create a truly international affair. A secondary concept--to organize videoconferences with technical communicators in Beijing and Moscow--added an event greater international component to the event.

Blicq, Ronald S. STC Proceedings (1996). Presentations>TC>International