Don't forget to buy tickets for the raffle at the International Consular Ball in two weeks! One ticket is $25 and five tickets are $100. You can buy the tickets online or send a check to the GCIV office. If sending a check, please email Emily Bushey to ensure that your ticket is in the drawing. You need not be present to win.

On March 30, 2007, the Georgia Consular Corps hosted a party to thank the sponsors and organizers of the 2007 International Consular Ball. The Sponsors and Patrons Party took place at the residence of the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines, Mr. Raoul Donato.

Ms. Remedios Gomez Arnau, Consul General of Mexico and Dean of the Georgia Consular Corps, thanked all sponsors and patrons for their generous support and the Ball Committee for its continuing hard work. The evening featured entertainment from a hip-hop dance group and a traditional Filipino dance troupe.

GCIV recently hosted four international visitors who came to Atlanta to study civil conflict resolution. The four delegates represented Croatia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe. With different experiences and situations in their home countries, the visitors came together as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program to examine the role of the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, and citizens in mediating and negotiating conflict. They were able to meet with a wide variety of professionals in Atlanta March 20-25, 2007. Read more about their program in Atlanta.

We are continuing with Vicki Flier's Fifteen Ways to Increase Cultural Competence. Vicki provides cross-cultural trainings for corporations, classrooms, and many other settings. Visit her web site at www.highroaders.com.

5. Avoid projected similarity and simplicity: One of the most significant barriers to successful global business is our own perception of other cultures. Say you are an American who gets an overseas assignment in Britain. You think to yourself, “I won’t get culture shock in England. They’re just like us!” You get to England and discover that, as George Bernard Shaw stated, “America and Britain are two nations divided by a common language.”

Reactions to unexpected cultural differences range from mild surprise to visible anger. Part of increasing cultural competence is learning not to project similarity between cultures. Expecting cultural differences prepares you for reality – and any similarities you discover along the way may be viewed as pleasant surprises. Similarly, culturally competent business people avoid projecting simplicity onto their associates’ cultures. Just because a culture is not developed economically does not mean their culture is not complex, technically competent or rich with ideas to offer.

6. Use the magic phrase I don’t know: Imagine you are walking down the hall at work and pass by your French colleague. You smile warmly and say hello. In return you receive a short nod before your colleague looks away. Immediately you think, “How rude!” Your next interaction with this French coworker turns out negative because you assume he is unfriendly.

What if in place of this knee-jerk reaction you could apply a magic cultural tool? When you ask yourself, “Why did my French colleague not smile back or say hello?” simply answer “I don’t know.” Do not react negatively or positively. Saying “I don’t know” allows for many possible answers; it allows you to wait, gather more information and ask questions. The reasons for behavior might be cultural, work related or perhaps your French colleague just got some bad news. The magic phrase ensures you can handle the situation with cultural competence.

Be sure to check out the GCIV e-newsletter in coming months for more tips from Vicki Flier.

GCIV's membership is critical to the success of our organization, as it serves as an important indicator of community support for the U.S. Department of State and other agencies that rely on us to arrange programs for hundreds of international visitors each year. Becoming a member is easy - just visit our membership page to download an application.

Tuesdays, April 10-June 5, 7:30-9:00 PM
Evening at Emory Great Decisions Group
Join this upcoming discussion group and increase your understanding of world affairs. This eight-week series is based on a briefing book published annually by the nonpartisan Foreign Policy Association. The topics of discussion for 2007 include: the Middle East, Climate Change, Mexico, Migration, South Africa, War Crimes, Central Asia, and Children. Register for the course at the Emory web site.

Thursday, April 12th, 10:00-11:30 AM
IWA April Meeting
The International Women's Associates will have a presentation from personal trainer Abby Schonier. Please contact Emily Bushey at 404-832-5560 x 15 to receive an invitation.

Saturday, April 14th, 7:00-11:00 PM
International Consular Ball
Join GCIV in honoring Georgia's Consular Corps for their efforts in promoting business and cultural ties between their countries and the southeastern United States. The ball will be held at the Georgia Aquarium and will feature our signature Silent Auction. Purchase tickets online or fax in a response card to GCIV. The deadline to RSVP is April 6.