Cross Cultural Training Programme:

Can you answer these questions ?

What does mañana mean
Do you need a Spanish driving licence if you are an EU citizen ?
Is 26 December a holiday in Spain ?
Where will you find ‘tapas’ ?
When was the Spanish Civil War ?
What is mudéjar architecture ?
Which are the 3 art museums that make up the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Madrid ?
What is the present rate of unemployment in Spain ?
Who is Gaudi ?
Who is Spain’s Foreign Minister ?

If you scored 10 out of 10 you have started the process of integration – congratulations!

Come and learn more with Spanish Relocation Network.

Your assignment in Spain may be for one year or ten – however long it is, you will settle in more quickly and feel more at home if you know something about the country, its history, geography and people.

Taking part in Spanish Relocation Network’s Cross Cultural Training Programme is an essential part of this learning process and an effective way to invest in your future in your new home.

The programme can be tailored to your individual requirements – the sessions can be business or family oriented – or both. It can be at the office or at home and will usually last for one or two days depending on your needs and wishes.

Programme organisation

A detailed analysis of your immediate and future needs and your recent experiences enable our programme to be tailored to your specific requirements. We can be flexible.

The programme

The programme is designed to be of interest both to the company employee and to the spouse.

Objectives

To provide vital information about living and working in the country.
To provide background information about Spain
To increase the cultural awareness of the participants

Details of areas that may be covered

Background to Spain

History
Geography
The history and role of the monarchy
Politics today
Foreign policy and the importance of Spain in Europe
The role of religion
Social issues
The role of the media

Living in Spain

Family life
Values
Education
Leisure and sport
The manana syndrome
Practicalities

Working in Spain
The structure of this section will depend on a number of factors relating to the participant’s profession.

Language Training

Spanish Relocation Network can suggest the best way to approach learning Spanish, depending on your needs and the time you wish to invest.However your commitments may not allow you to start your studies immediately.

We offer a brief introduction to the language – which will enable you to manage the basics of taking a taxi, ordering a meal in a restaurant and saying Buenos dias to your neighbours. Communication starts here !

Our teachers are qualified and have considerable experience in starting the beginner on the path to fluency.

ANSWERS

1. 'Mañana' means 'tomorrow'

2. EU citizens may drive in Spain with the driving licence from their own country. But this must be registered with the traffic department within 6 months of the date that their residence permit was issued. (see Essential Information for more details)

3. No

4. In bars all over Spain. Tapas are small portions of food which accompany drinks and range from a simple plate of olives to expensive specialities. The word 'tapa' means 'lid' and the custom of placing a small dish over the drink to keep out the flies started in Andalucia. Later the idea of placing a small pieve of food on the dish became popular, particularly in Madrid.

5. 1936 to 1939

6. The mudéjares were the Muslims living under Christian rule in the Middle Ages - Typical of the mudéjar architectural style are Moorish arches and intricate geometric patterns in brickwork. (see the oldest surviving church in Madrid - San Nicolás de las Servitas).

7. The Prado, The Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía.

8. In 2000 the projected unemployment rate is 13 ½ %. This is still the highest in Western Europe but it has fallen from 23% in 1995 - a huge achievement.

9. Architect of the Sagrada Familia and many other amazing buildings, Gaudí is Barcelona's most famous citizen. Born in 1852, he is seen as the genius of the Modernista movement.

10.Mr Josep Piqué