Intercultural training organisation Farnham Castle has announced its open International Assignment Briefings programme for 2010. The detailed briefings are designed to offer in-depth analysis and discussion on all issues of concern to those facing the challenge of a move to a new country.

"With a significant number of foreign assignments continuing to fail each year, it is essential that employees and their families are properly prepared for a move abroad," explains Jeff Toms, director of marketing and client services at Farnham Castle. "Our programmes are designed to ensure participants are equipped with the information required for a speedy and successful adaptation to their new country. This allows assignees to become more effective in their new role more quickly, which is so often the missing link in less successful assignments."

Assignment Briefings are offered on a regularly scheduled 'open' or 'tailored' basis. One-day open briefings are available to participants and partners from any company and are available for any destination country, including a Welcome to Britain programme for those coming to live and work in the UK. They cover guidance on cultural awareness and adaptation, a review of current cultural, social, economic and political issues, first-hand advice on living and working conditions, up-to-date information and practical advice on business culture and practices, discussion of the symptoms and effects and the development of practical strategies to manage culture shock, and professional guidance on health and security where required.

Farnham Castle also runs tailored programmes, which can be delivered at a date of the participants' choosing (subject to availability), which are suitable for both new and more seasoned expatriates and partners. A customised Family Programme can also be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the parents and their children, with parallel sessions providing content appropriate for the ages of the participants (8–12 years and 13–16 years).

For more information, go to www.farnhamcastle.co.uk