Localization: Training & Development in Chile

by Jen Weaver  

If you're like me, winter's cold weather and icy winds are becoming a bit tiresome. So, this week let's head down south and enjoy the warm weather of a Chilean summer as we explore some common cultural facts about Chileans and their expectations when it comes to training and development. 

Test your knowledge of Chilean culture with the Fun-Fact questions below:

1. Who is Condorito?
2. True or False? Chile is almost as long as California.
3. True or False? To fit the entire country on a TV screen, weather maps have to divide the country into three parts.

 Quick Tips for Training & Development in Chile¹:

• Chile's official language is Spanish, although English is spoken by many well-educated professionals. It's highly recommended to translate and localize your training materials to make the greatest impact on Chilean learners.
• Natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, abound in this country. Some visitors also experience altitude sickness when traveling in certain cities. Keep this in mind if you're conducting a class onsite.
• In negotiations, most Chileans place importance on emotions rather than facts, and truth is often considered subjective.
• As in many Latin American cultures, family is of great significance to Chileans. It's important not to bring dishonor on one's loved ones, and familial ties may mean the difference between professional success and failure.
• Relationships and friendships are essential for business, so it's important to build rapport with your students when initiating a new class.
• North Americans and Europeans are expected to be punctual for business meetings, but Chilean participants may arrive late.
• The business culture is more formal than in many other Latin American countries. Do not address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Many younger Chileans will promptly extend this invitation upon meeting you. Business dress code is closer to European formal than American business attire.
• Citizens in many countries, including Chile, write the date with the day first, then the month, then the year. For example, February 4, 2014, is written 4.2.14 or 4/2/14.
• Chilean summer holidays are in January and February, so it's best to avoid scheduling classes in those months, if at all possible.

Fun-Fact Answers:

1. Condorito (Little Condor in Spanish) is a famous cartoon condor created by Chilean René Ríos Boettiger. Condorito is the Spanish-speaker equivalent of Mickey Mouse.
     
2. True
3. True

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.