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Cultural Advisers

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Cultural advisers should have extensive experience and language skills in their area of expertise. A combination of study abroad and work experience is highly recommended.

Cultural advisers are strong communicators who are sensitive to cultural differences. They are curious, always interested in learning more about the people, language, and culture in which they specialize. They are fluent in two or three languages. For government and corporate jobs, they are knowledgeable about the political, economic, and social issues of the countries they work with, to successfully bridge the gaps in negotiations. Diplomacy is essential in their work. They are organized, have public-speaking skills, and are able to work with a wide range of people from various backgrounds.

Knowing the history, culture, and social conventions of a people as well as the language is a an essential part of the job. Also, expertise in another area, such as business, education, law, or computers, is necessary to be a cultural adviser.

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