Be ready for changes, setbacks, and surprises in international work

One of the hallmarks of international travel is bilingual or multilingual signage. Here in Atlanta is an example of Spanish-English signage.

Signage in the Rome airport. This concourse was arranged in a circle with restrooms, cafes, shops, and gates. A light rail train connects the terminals.

International work requires patience and resilience. Our Germany Study Abroad trip last month went along well. We had few setbacks mostly due to the fact that our Karlsruhe colleagues helped to plan and smooth the way for our visit. Last night, as I prepared to leave for Amman, Jordan, from where I will be teaching the first two class meetings of English 674, my patience was tested. My flight to MSP was delayed to the extent that I would not be able to make my other connections. Here I am back at the Des Moines airport with a new itinerary and an arrival time of approximately one day later.

This kind of situation is not unusual in international work. We have to learn to be adaptable, patient, and learn to think on our feet. Last night I was lucky to be working with Shannon, a very capable and patient Delta employee here in Des Moines, to re-arrange my ticket. We’ll see what the rest of the trip has in store for us.

Later today in Atlanta, F Concourse (International Departures)

Here in the international departures concourse I have heard announcements in Japanese, Spanish, and English so far. A Korean Air flight left recently for Seoul, and a Delta flight was preparing for departure to Narita (Tokyo).

Later in the Rome airport after at 9 hour flight from Atlanta…

One unexpected feature of the Rome airport was the “smoking room” near G8. It was very busy and unfortunately, the doors were not airtight.

The departures board in Rome airport displays a large amount of technical information using color, ordering, and fast updating to provide the traveler with critically important information. You can see the current time (13:03 or 1:03 p.m.), which flights are currently boarding, and a large amount of additional information. As you would expect there are Italian and English headings.