Q. “What resources will be included in Neway’s online classes?”

A. Selected readings, case studies utilizing Harvard Business School and Neway Training’s own case studies that were developed from our many years of working with Chinese and foreign companies; audio and video segments produced by our trainers; Culture Compass, a web-based tool that assesses your own cultural orientation with specific suggestions for how to adjust one’s work style to communicate effectively in a selected country; and online forums where our training staff lead weekly discussions based on reading assignments.


Q. “How will I interact with trainers and other students/participants?”

A.  Each week there are reading assignments followed by online discussions.  Participation in online seminars is an important component of our courses.  These discussions help students process the readings and apply concepts to their own situation whether currently employed in a business that conducts business in China, or through application of learning using actual case studies. The daily/weekly exchange of ideas and perspectives in discussion forums will enhance understanding of complex issues related to American and Chinese communications. Our aim is not only to examine these topics thoroughly but have you apply your learning through team projects and analysis of case studies.  You’ll be placed in situations as a manager and decision-maker in these companies and asked to resolve management issues.

Q. “How much time should I plan on each week as a time commitment for these courses?”

A. Each week is divided into two segments with reading requirements, discussion topics and occasionally additional assignments. One benefit of online courses is their accessibility 24 hours per day, seven days a week. It’s important to stay relatively current with discussions within a 3-4 day period which revolve around readings and discussions. This should be manageable for most participants since the virtual classroom is accessible anytime.  Some students may participate in discussions over their lunch break while others may be able to carve out time during work hours. Others may devote time in the evening while at home.

Readings will average 30-60 pages per week. Not all readings, however, are equal.  Some will require more time than others, offering greater complexity on some issues.

As a rule of thumb, assume 2-3 hours per week for readings, another 3-4 hours for online discussions and 3 hours for assignments, whether individual or team-based.  Ten hours per week is a good estimate of time required for these courses. (Some weeks may require more while others less).  Keep in mind this learning environment is likely to become contagious for most of you with fascinating discussions involving how participants would respond to communication challenges, or address management issues involving cultural dilemmas. The amount of time will soon become a non-issue.

Q. “Will I be graded on participation in these courses.”

A. No letter grades will be provided, yet we use three measures of performance: Extraordinary Accomplishment, Acceptable Completion and Unsatisfactory. Evaluation criteria are based on the amount and quality of participation in the weekly discussions, and individual, as well as, team assignments. Additional grading criteria is provided at the start of each course.

All participants receiving “Extraordinary Accomplishment” and “Acceptable Completion” will receive certificates of completion from Neway Training.

Q. “What are the technology requirements?”

A. Internet access is all that’s required. The virtual classroom is password protected and several days prior to the start of each course, students will be provided with details of how to access the classroom.

Q. “What books and resources are required for each course?”

A.  Required reading and web-based resources will vary for each course, ranging from $75-$150.  In some cases, materials are provided in the virtual classroom. When purchases are required, a list of books and cases will be provided three weeks prior to the start of each course. For Course 2, we utilize Culture Compass, an online program that embraces many aspects of conducting business across cultures. Students will assess their cultural profile scores and preferences and compare these against norms in China; and assess how their preferences may be altered to work most effectively in China. The fee for use of this program is $100 per participant.

Q. “What is the schedule for Neway Training’s courses?”

A.  A new series of courses begins every quarter (April, July, October, January), or when a cohort of 10 students or more is registered for any single course. Contact us for course schedule information.

Q. “Do you offer group discounts should my colleagues want to participate along with me?”

A. Yes. If you register for Courses 1-5, you’ll receive a 15 percent discount plus Business Etiquette in China for free (a $295 value); and if  5-9 participants from the same company or college register, the group will receive an additional 5 percent discount – for a total savings of 20 percent! Contact us for rates for groups of 10+.

Q. “May I register for all three courses now and receive the discounted rate, yet take each course as my schedule allows?”

A.  Yes.

Q. “What if, due to work commitments, I fall behind in the course?”

A. The commitment of time to readings, weekly discussions and assignments is manageable and you can easily catch-up if done so within a 48-hr period.  It’s important to stay relatively current as every 3-4 days we shift to new topics and areas of focused discussion. To maximize your learning from our course, we encourage your active participation in the weekly online discussions.

Q. Tell me more about Neway Training.

A. Neway Training, is a subsidiary of Neway Consulting & Sourcing, and based in Qingdao, China.  We have a US-based office located in Stowe, Vermont.

Our staff have extensive experience working in multinational corporations, import/export, corporate training, higher education, Chinese government agencies and in trade associations. Neway Consulting & Sourcing has assisted multinational companies in recruitment of employees, training and development, and served as senior HR managers for Ciba, Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America), and Almatis; as well as in the External Taxation Section of the State Tax Bureau, China Chamber of International Commerce, and the China Council for The Promotion of International Trade. Neway’s staff specializes in cross-cultural communications, import/export, and knowledge of how to successfully conduct business operations in China.

Q. “If I don’t currently work for a company that conducts business in China, will these courses be helpful to me?”

A. If a college senior or recent graduate, our courses are designed to provide specialized knowledge about China that will help add value to any future employer. With rapid growth in trade between the U.S. and China, with small and large companies alike, skills in how to navigate East/West cultural differences and negotiate effectively with the Chinese are essential to your future job opportunities. Neway Training’s detailed courses on importing and sourcing from China and business negotiations offer an important compliment to your undergraduate degree – and speak directly to the needs of companies starting or expanding trade with China. You’ll quickly become one of the in-house “China experts” by completing our six-course series.

If a mid-career professional seeking to enhance your value in a company -- or perhaps seeking to add a new global focus to your skills and change careers, our program provides just the answer. Without question, trade between the U.S. and China will result in rapid job growth for years to come, particularly for those with specialized skills to communicate and work with Chinese partners. There’s no better way to boost your career prospects than to develop specialized knowledge in how to conduct business in the Middle Kingdom. Many companies sorely need just the knowledge and expertise offered in our six-part series: Historical Roots: Understanding Our Cultural Differences, Communicating Effectively Across Cultures, Importing Successfuly from China, Sourcing Products from China, Successful Business Negotiations in China, and Business Etiquette in China.