Journal Entry #1: Navigating International Trade Credit

Conducted by ICRM Instructor Val Venable, CCE, CICP, ICCE, the course is well organized and easy to navigate. The modules include various videos and recordings from experts on the subject. Towards the end, students are expected to answer three different questions and respond to others on a forum discussion board. There's also a quiz at the end of the module with multiple chances to complete until you get a passing grade, I know from my experience in the second module.

I enjoy learning more about international trade credit from experienced credit professionals through their discussion posts. I'm learning from students all over the world, including India, the Netherlands, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the U.K., Spain, Finland, Switzerland and Poland, which makes for a diverse and inviting class discussion.

My favorite discussion post was in the second module, where it asked us to provide an example of a cultural difference that could negatively affect an international trade transaction. I answered to the best of my ability, given my lack of credit experience, and said that it would be a language barrier. Miscommunication can be costly on both parties, in time, energy and finances. I suggested hiring a translator or learning the language of the customer to prevent confusion that often comes with using Google Translate. For instance, given that I'm also fluent in Spanish, I'd facilitate better transactions with Spanish speakers. 

I'm truly enjoying what I'm learning and expect to use this newfound knowledge in future FCIB Week in Review articles.