What is Corporate Culture?
When preparing for your international mobility, corporate culture during an Erasmus Plus internship requires your attention. According to the most common definition, “corporate culture is a set of knowledge, values, and behaviors that facilitate the functioning of a company by being shared by most of its members.” This idea of corporate culture is acquired indirectly. This means that there is no manual of good conduct for corporate culture during an Erasmus Plus internship. The attitude to adopt during your Erasmus Plus internship is therefore a mixture of observation, commitment, and good manners.
To read: A look back over five years: what Erasmus Plus has brought them professionally
Corporate Culture in Erasmus Plus Internships by Country
While it is not an exact science, some national disparities stand out regarding corporate culture during Erasmus Plus internships. For example, if you choose an Erasmus Plus internship in France or an Erasmus Plus internship in Spain, the corporate culture will be noticeably different. Mobi Trainee, your Erasmus Plus provider, guides you through the main lines of European corporate cultures.
- Spain: In Spain, employee well-being is a fundamental guideline. The country is a pioneer in Europe on mental health issues. In professional organization, it is the notion of collective that emerges. Adaptability and telework are also very widespread in the country. Therefore, autonomy is a quality you need to acquire in preparation for your Erasmus Plus internship. Working hours are most often aligned with Spanish life. Indeed, it is common to start the workday around 10-10:30 am and to work half a day on Friday.
- Italy: Rigor and a certain classicism are characteristic of the corporate culture. However, the notion of hierarchy is not extremely developed. As participants in an Erasmus Plus internship, you will be considered as a contracted employee.
- Germany: The work environment in Germany is known to be very competitive. Seriousness and clear, targeted communication are two factors highly valued in companies. The hierarchy is particularly strong, with the figures of N+1, N+2. Thus, the corporate culture in an Erasmus Plus internship resembles a serious attitude and a respect for norms and rules.
- Ireland: The corporate culture during an Erasmus Plus internship in Ireland can be summed up in one word: individuality. In this Anglo-Saxon country, projects are more individual than collective. The line between post-work life and daily office life is thin. The culture of the pub after work among colleagues is one of the strongest in Europe. This is good to know for your future Erasmus Plus internship!
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Learn more: Using an Erasmus Plus provider like Mobi Trainee
