Brain Drain - Hochschule der Bundesagentur für Arbeit

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Tasks
Before reading case studies get the group into smaller groups and give them five minutes to
think of as many songs about living or going overseas as possible. This is a good way to
energise the group and helps them to get to know each other. Ask the group if they could live
anywhere where would they live (if someone says they wouldn’t then? (if someone says they
wouldn’t ask them to pretend to be someone who would) Why? Get them to describe a
typical working day. How long would you like to work there for? What would you do in your
spare time? Would you be going alone or would you be taking your family? What would you
miss about home? Discuss in small groups then some feedback in big group.
Talk about personal experiences (even holidays if never worked abroad)
Brain storm potential problems people may face when leaving their home countries e.g.:
• Impact if going alone
• Impact if going with family (returning home children may speak host country’s language
better)
• Impact of coming home
• Support for incoming migrants (especially from very different cultures)
• Culture shock
• Reverse culture shock
Look at the PowerPoint presentation - can download it on
��������������������������������� under Brain Drain Brain Gain) either in one group or
broken down into smaller groups – they can present to each other and discuss.
Look at the case studies – do role plays in threes where one person is the client, the other is
the counsellor and the third person observes, make notes and gives feedback.
Look at the example of the coach for the 2 nd case study and discuss.
Why do some people have an easier time than others?
“How would you feel if…?” game… you couldn’t buy your favourite food, understand TV,
wear what you want? etc.
Use clips of films to demonstrate a point e.g. The Namesake, In America, Avalon, Hester,
Street, Sweet Land, God Grew Tired of Us, Everything is Illuminated, Dirty Pretty Things,
The Joy Luck Club, What's Cooking. If possible ask a couple of guests to come and tell of
their experience and ask the group to ask questions and then discuss in smaller groups how
you would advise these people at different stages of their move.
Give groups a video camera to go out and find someone to interview who has either worked
abroad or is a foreigner working here.
How to coach people leaving
How to coach people coming in
Issues with families – spouses – children
Saj’s Career and Life Coaches
Read in groups and discuss. Do you agree? Would you do anything differently?
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