France is one of the most visited countries around the world. Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Louvre, Panthéon, and Notre-Dame are some of the spectacular attractions the country has to offer. Paris, the capital of France, has been often called “the city of lights,” ‘the city of Romance,” and ‘the culinary capital of the world.” The city definitely stands to its standards: Parisian air is filled with affection, beautiful buildings sparkle in the limelight, and then there is French food… Paris is famous for its incredible cheeses, chocolates, pastries and gateaux; the center is known for its hearty peasant fare, pâté and clafoutis (a kirsch-laden dark cherry pie); Burgundy is home to coq au vin, Dijon mustard and escargots; coastal Brittany has abundant fresh seafood, such as moules marinières (mussels in white wine) and moules frites (mussels with French fries); and Bordeaux is synonymous with many of the most decadent of French foods – foie gras, truffles, duck confit, and fine wines and cognac.

France is also one of the world’s largest economies. Today, France is home to more than 20,000 foreign companies running under many different legal forms. According to the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC), France is ranked 27th in the world for starting a new business. Regardless if the purpose of your trip to France is strictly tourism or more business related, below are some useful facts to make your visit more enjoyable:

• The French are very proud of their independence, culture, and language. Take some time to learn basic French phrases and historic facts before your trip. Don’t start a conversation in English, try to speak French even if your language knowledge is limited.

• There is a lot of passion for good food and wine in France. It might be a good idea to study different types of cheeses and wine before you go there.

• Avoid the following cultural taboos at any time:
• Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.
• Do not criticize Napoleon, since he represents a part of the French spirit.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.

Finally, here are some essential French phrases we think travelers should know:

•     S’il vous plaît (see-voo-play) - Please
•     Je ne parle pas français. (zheu neu parl par fron-say)  - I don’t speak French
•     Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît.  (poo-vay-voo ray-pay-tay, see-voo-play)  - Could you repeat that please?
•     Combien ça coûte ?  (kom-bjanne sar coot)   - How much is it ?
•     L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (lad-eesi-on see-voo-play)   Could I have the check, please?

Whether you want a fast-paced city break or a relaxing country vacation, you will find plenty to do throughout France. So, pack your bags and bon voyage!

​Whether you are a fan of Russian literature, interested in Russia’s investment opportunities, or a traveler captivated with visiting a vibrant country that offers a chance to visit extreme Far East, colorful resort towns, Red Square, and taiga; you might want to embark on an adventure of learning Russian language. We’ve invested some time into researching best resources for learning Russian so you can jump right into learning this fascinating and rewarding language.
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• https://2lingual.livejournal.com/

​Great resources for learning and teaching Russian as a foreign language. Here you can find tons of great activities for both kids and adults, amazing book recommendations, read about raising bilingual kids, and download Russian worksheets. You can even find useful exercises that you can do before and after reading “Tom Sawyer” in Russian.

• http://cinema.mosfilm.ru/films/

Mosfilm is the largest and oldest Russian film studio. Some of the movies on their website are with English subtitles and all of them are truly amazing. Enjoy immersing yourself into the world of Russian language and culture. 

• http://learnrussian.rt.com/

Great website for strengthening your Russian vocabulary, learning Russian pronunciation, mastering Russian grammar, and exploring FREE interactive lessons.
 

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pc9rh/episodes/downloads

Another great resource for learning any language is listening to a podcast. BBC’s “Fifth Floor” lets you get your fix of current events while mastering your Russian proficiency. You can even download podcasts and listen to them at your own convenience.

If you are looking for more great resources for learning Russian that in return can help you improve your employment opportunities, learn more about Russia’s science and technology, or get immersed into Russian culture, be sure to email us at info@lingorocket.com or give us a call at 804-997-9308. 

If you are looking for a new language to learn, Mandarin Chinese might be a perfect adventure to embark on. Mandarin is the most spoken and fastest growing language in the world, widely used in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. It is also the third most commonly spoken language in the United States.
Give yourself a chance to be a front-runner in global markets and unlock new business opportunities with Mandarin Chinese.  With Chinese economy on an astronomical rise, Mandarin has become an essential language in the business world. China has become the world’s largest trading nation in 2013 and the largest exporter of goods in 2009. The main exporting destinations are the United States and the European Union. By 2030 China is expected to become the world’s largest economy. Chinese corporate sector has established its global importance in technology, engineering, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals areas.
Another reason to learn Chinese is exploring incredible diverse Chinese culture and the most ancient literature in the world. Understanding the basics of Mandarin Chinese will serve as an open door to comprehending Chinese social norms, customs and mentality. 

The Measure of Business
Learning a new language takes dedication and perseverance, both fundamental skills in business. What would happen if you gave up when the going got tough? Dedicate your time to this new endeavor. Imagine your future success, but don’t expect it now.

 Learning a new language changes the corporate playing field.
Conversations are equal parts talking and listening. Imagine your rate of success when you begin understanding tone, inflection, traditions, and nuances of cultures other than your own.
Earning their trust.
 
Using or not using simple gestures and formalities can make or break a deal. Learning a new language gives you a glimpse into appropriate and professional behavior.
 
If you don’t start early, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start at all.
Children exposed to new languages will often pick them up rather quickly, but even if you’re a monolinguist now, it doesn’t mean you have to continue as such.
 
Expanding your network.
Learning new languages introduces you to new people. When you meet new people, you know more people. Working to expand your network increases the probability of business opportunities and possible collaborations.
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Improve brain function.
Learning new skills—including a new language—improves brain function. As your memory becomes stronger and decision making becomes easier, imagine how this may also help you remembering names, dates, facts, figures and faces. No more handshaking and wishing you remembered that person’s name!