What does it take to succeed in an international assignment when you're on your own from day one?

In the fourth episode of the Berlitz Language and Culture Podcast, global business and security expert Dan Bolger shares his experience relocating to Albania with minimal support and the essential lessons he learned along the way.

From overlooked onboarding gaps to the power of cultural awareness, language skills, and personal resilience, Dan offers practical advice for professionals and organizations preparing for global deployments. This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, expats, and anyone navigating cross-cultural careers.

Think German’s hard? Wait till you meet its vowels. In this episode, we break down the sounds that confuse learners, terrify tourists, and make German speakers silently judge you. From plain old vowels to those spicy little Umlauts (yes, the dots matter), plus diphthongs that twist your tongue and your dignity, we’re covering it all. You'll finally understand why “ie” and “ei” are basically linguistic booby traps, and why “ö” isn’t just a weird “o.”

Inspired by Berlitz’s blog article “How to pronounce German vowels, diphthongs and the Umlaute.” Buckle up. Your pronunciation glow-up starts now.

• Created with AI using original content from Berlitz US.

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Sinclair, a seasoned leader in international team management and language training, to explore the power of multilingual communication in business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer retention.

Jack shares why having language-skilled staff isn’t just a bonus—it’s a strategic asset, especially when employees shift roles or when cultural sensitivity becomes critical. From hiring diverse assessors to handling tough customer conversations through active listening, he dives into the subtle yet essential communication practices that make a lasting impact.

You'll also hear fascinating insights on regional and generational communication styles, including how to approach conversations with children and adapt to slower-paced dialogues in the South.

Whether you lead a global team or work on the front lines of customer service, this episode will change how you think about language, culture, and connection.