
Attract international talent. Take on Responsibility.
12. August 2026Just over a year ago, we began running intercultural awareness seminars for small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany on behalf of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The training sessions form part of the PAM project – Partnerships for Development-Oriented Training and Labour Migration – which is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.
Just over a year ago, we began running intercultural awareness seminars for small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany on behalf of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The training sessions form part of the PAM project – Partnerships for Development-Oriented Training and Labour Migration – which is commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.
The project has several key objectives. On the one hand, it helps German companies to recruit qualified apprentices and skilled workers from the partner countries – Ecuador, Vietnam and Jordan – and thus tackle the shortage of skilled labour. On the other hand, it promotes regular and fair channels for international training and labour migration and strengthens cooperation between the participating countries. For us as intercultural advisers, one aspect is of particular importance: helping people to understand one another better.
Whilst the future employees are carefully selected in their home countries and prepared for their stay in Germany, we support the host companies on their journey towards a successful collaboration. After all, integration does not begin on the first day at work. It begins with openness, mutual understanding and a willingness to question one’s own perspective.
The questions that really matter
Our seminars rarely focus on major cultural studies theories. Much more often, we address the issues that actually concern HR managers, trainers or line managers.
For our EXPERT Arne Augustini, it is these and similar questions that repeatedly take centre stage in his sessions as part of the PAM project: How do I welcome a new colleague from Jordan? What role does religion play in day-to-day working life? Do I need to take specific dietary requirements into account? How do I phrase criticism in a way that is motivating whilst remaining respectful? How can we successfully integrate new colleagues into existing teams quickly?
At first glance, these questions may seem mundane. In practice, however, they often determine whether new colleagues feel welcome and whether a good start leads to a trusting working relationship. It is not uncommon for it to be precisely these seemingly minor moments in everyday working life that make all the difference to the success of the initiative.
A situation from one of the sessions might illustrate this more clearly. One participant is responsible for looking after the trainees and, where necessary, also helps them find accommodation, usually in mixed-gender shared flats. A new trainee from Jordan had already expressed her concerns beforehand about living in a shared flat. The participant is wondering how best to handle this. On the one hand, there are no specific requests; on the other hand, she also wants to act in a culturally sensitive manner. In discussion with me and the other participants – some of whom already have their own experience with trainees from other cultures – we are able to develop a roadmap and a sort of conversation guide for the person asking the question. During the discussion, we come up with an initial alternative arrangement: staying in the flat of an acquaintance who is currently studying abroad, so that the new trainee has a suitable place to live for the time being. This gives us a little more time to find a permanent solution. The new colleague’s wishes are respected and her culturally-influenced concerns are taken seriously. With the necessary time and a period to settle in, trust can now be built and a sustainable solution found together.


Photo: © PAM/GIZ
Photo: © PAM/GIZ
Cultural competence builds confidence in taking action
One insight has been repeatedly confirmed over the past few months: professional qualifications alone are not enough. Successful collaboration arises when people are prepared to reflect on their own perspectives and to accept other points of view.
Each of us views the world through our own cultural lens. Our values, communication patterns and expectations seem self-evident to us because we have grown up with them. When different cultural backgrounds come into contact, misunderstandings can easily arise. However, these are not a sign that anyone is doing anything wrong. They are a normal part of intercultural encounters.
This is precisely where intercultural awareness comes in. We do not impart rigid rules of behaviour or offer simple solutions. Rather, we raise awareness of why people communicate differently, make decisions or formulate expectations in different ways. We discuss topics such as communication behaviour, relationship orientation, perceptions of time, hierarchies and tolerance of ambiguity using specific situations from everyday working life. Our aim is to give participants greater confidence in their actions and to encourage them to remain curious, ask questions and clarify misunderstandings at an early stage.
An exchange that benefits everyone
A particular added value of the seminars lies in the exchange between companies. The online seminars bring together organisations from different regions of Germany and from various sectors. Some already have many years’ experience of working with international teams, whilst others are facing the challenge of supporting trainees or skilled workers from a different cultural background for the first time.
It is precisely this diversity that makes the events particularly valuable. Companies learn not only from our input, but also from one another. Practical experiences, successful examples and even openly discussed uncertainties enrich the seminar experience.
What particularly impressed us throughout the entire seminar series was the great openness of the German companies. Very few arrive expecting to already know all the answers. Rather, they want to understand, ask questions and make their new colleagues’ start in Germany as smooth as possible. At the same time, they recognise that the new employees are also willing to embrace their new working and living environment. Integration is therefore not a one-sided process of adaptation, but succeeds where both sides are willing to learn from one another.

Photo: © PAM/GIZ
Our conclusions after a year
The past few months have shown us once again that successful migration for training and work involves far more than simply placing qualified skilled workers and trainees. What is crucial are people who are prepared to listen to one another, ask questions and view differences not as obstacles but as opportunities.
The GIZ PAM project creates an excellent framework for this. The intercultural seminars are a key component of GIZ’s comprehensive approach. They provide a space for reflection, exchange and mutual understanding, and help to dispel uncertainties before they turn into misunderstandings.
We are delighted to be part of this project and to support companies on this journey. Every successful integration demonstrates once again that cultural diversity is not a risk, but an asset. Where people treat one another with respect, curiosity and openness, the foundations are laid for successful collaboration and long-term partnerships.

Author: Arne Augustini
EXPERT at ti communication specialises in Jordan and more.
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