Going global

On the next six pages, we present extracts with key phrases and expressions you can use to talk about working internationally.

The Situation:

Uli works in the Berlin branch for Oenologue, a major wine company with headquarters in France and offices around the world. He’s an oenologist — an expert in winemaking — and he’s on a temporary assignment to the New York office.

1. A warm welcome

Paul: Li, let me introduce you to Uli. He was transferred to the New York office from Berlin two weeks ago.

Li: Great to meet you, Uli. Welcome to New York.

Uli: Nice to meet you, too, Li. It’s great to be here.

Paul: So, Li, as you know, Uli is here on a 12-month foreign assignment. He’ll be working with you on the project for the vintage wine experience.

Li: Fantastic! I know what it’s like to move abroad, Uli, so let me know if I can help you with anything.

Uli: Thank you. I appreciate the offer.

2. A multicultural life

Uli: How did you get interested in wine as a career?

Li: I was born in Aix-en-provence, so basically, wine is in my blood and my DNA! You?

Uli: I first discovered my love for wine on a trip to California. I skipped Disneyland and went on wine tours. I returned to Germany with the dream of starting my own winery. That’s why I completed a M.SC. in International Wine Business.

Li: And your dream? What happened there?

Uli: I prefer to work for Oenologue. The company promised me the opportunity to work overseas. And now, here I am, in New York.

3. A cross-cultural career

Li: I’ve worked in France, Spain, China and Australia for Oenologue. I spent my childhood travelling between Europe and Asia.

Uli: I hope you don’t think I’m being rude by asking you this question. Do you speak Chinese?

Li: I do. It’s why I worked in China. Actually, we’ll be working with my old colleagues. We’ll roll out the vintage wine experience in the US and China together. But English is the lingua franca.

Uli: It’s good to have a range of backgrounds on the team. So,

what happens now?

Li: I’m taking you out for lunch.

4. Ask questions

Li: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re here to help you settle in.

Uli: That’s good to know. Tell me what it’s like to live here.

Li: Forget all your assumptions! Start with a clean slate. Take time to learn what it means to live here.

Can I ask you something personal? Do you have any hobbies? Uli: That’s not too personal! I like bouldering.

Li: You’re in luck. I can introduce you to some colleagues who go bouldering. A few are expats, too. Uli: And how do people like to work here?