Module 1: Successful personal integration in Ecuador

1. Cross-cultural awareness : the key to a successful expatriation

• Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
• Culture shock and the integration process
• Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes

2. Key aspects of Ecuadorian culture

• An Amerindian state comprising three distinctive regions
• Native, Hispanic and mixed race inhabitants: a multiethnic population
• An ancient and prestigious civilisation
• The impact of colonisation and slavery
• Impressive but insufficiently developed economic resources
• A complex democratic system

3. Ecuadorian values and behaviour patterns

• The importance of family life and marriage
• Costeños and Serranos: identification with one's region of origin
• A patriarchal social structure
• A clearly defined class structure: respect for age and titles
• Religious fervour
• A restricted view of space coupled with a flexible view of time
• Pride and a sense of honour

4. Practical day-to-day information

• Focus on the host town
• Transport, administration, housing, security, hygiene and healthcare
• Social life, leisure activities, learning the language
• Schools, extracurricular activities, sport

Module 2: Successful professional integration in Ecuador

1. The Ecuadorian corporate world

• An extremely hierarchical organisational structure
• A clear focus on productivity and on the end result
• National and international companies: managerial differences

2. Effective communication with the Ecuadorians

• Frank and direct communication
• Smalltalk, greetings and displays of warmth and emotion
• The widespread use of non-verbal communication
• English for business and Ecuadorian Spanish  

3. Working with Ecuadorian teams

• Effective management: sincerity, leadership and fairness
• Building trust and confidence: listening, supervising and leading by example
• Involving and praising others: encouraging adaptability and personal commitment
• Conflict resolution: understanding and interpreting respect and silence
• Discreet management. Dealing with touchy and sensitive people

4. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Ecuadorians

• Giving relationships that personal touch: the vital role of the human factor
• Appearances are as important as content
• Patience, prudence, tact and perseverance
• Written contracts, their interpretation and implications

5. Final handy tips

• Caution, patience and humility
• Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code
• Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion