Vilnius, Prof. Dr. Anca Colibaba Executive President, EuroEd Foundation Iasi, Romania

(Some) Conclusions of ELAN* Study: “SMEs in the European Union lose contracts worth several millions each year due to language and culture barriers.” “The companies affected by this loss of business reported that in many cases they failed to secure contracts worth several million of Euro.” “Companies can grow their Business by acquiring better Foreign Language Skills.” *ELAN stands for Effects on the European Economy of Shortages of Foreign Language Skills in Enterprise. This pan-European study was commissioned by EC in (

While lack of appropriate language skills can be funny… “Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.” (Hotel catering to skiers, Austria) …or puzzling… ”Drop your trousers here for the best results.” (Dry cleaner's, Bangkok) “Order your summer suit. Because is big rush, we will execute customers in strict rotation.” (Tailor shop, Rhodes)

…some can be really damaging for a business… “Total Quality Qontrol” (Chapter title from a book about the history of the Garuda Airline, Indonesia) Specail today : No icecream ( Restauranmt in Belgrade) “Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 am daily.” (Hotel, Athens)

BUT! Is it enough to speak somebody else’s language to eliminate all communication barriers?

THEN…. …maximise export opportunities by taking into consideration the… … CULTURAL ASPECTS AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION ISSUES!

WHO WE ARE Institute for Social and Economic Research IRES FVG, Italy ( EuroEd Foundation, Romania ( Inno-Motive Nonprofit Ltd., Hungary ( Semantica Ltd, UK (

WHAT WE DO In-CLASS, the Intercultural Communication and Language Assessment Scheme supports SMEs to improve their international competitiveness.

WHY WE DO IT Companies which undergo regulated communication audit tend to operate more effectively in selling their goods and services into markets where their mother tongue is not spoken.

WHO WE HELP The In-Class scheme helps businesses overcome language and cultural barriers in international trading.