Abstract
As the technology of the industry continues to develop, there is often an urgency to transfer that technology from the developer to the end user. In order for the technology to be used properly and to its full potential, the end user needs tools such as documentation and training. Depending on the level of complexity, documentation alone is not enough, as users may be faced with volumes of technical information. Arguably, the best way to connect a user with his or her new technology is to offer hands-on, practical instruction. Such training requires a certain level of planning and effort when hosted within the same region. Taking the training on the road to other areas of the world presents extra logistical and cross-cultural challenges.
Recently, a new treatment monitoring system was introduced to the field in the USA, which required on-site training. When the same system was exported to operations in Russia, the logistics of personnel movement and busy work schedules demanded the training be hosted at a field base.
This paper discusses some of the considerations for planning and hosting a technical training course in an international location. Various topics are covered, from the logistics of getting equipment through foreign customs to the challenges of translating literature and presentations into another language. Based on the information in this paper, an instructor will be better able to plan and prepare a technical training course in a remote location. Details which are often overlooked and cause last minute crises are discussed, and priorities are assigned to certain tasks which require more time to plan for than others.