PIRE participants from 2007 to 2009 took part in a semester-long language and cultural training program to prepare for their travel experience. This program, organized by FIU's Office of Education Abroad, covered the cultural history, underpinnings, and societal differences that students will find when they travel abroad. Each country's business and academic cultures as well as differences in typical etiquette rules are discussed and rudimentary language training is provided.

PIRE PI Dr. Yi Deng welcomes student to the 2009-2010 Cross-Cultural Communication and Interation Workshop.	Liza Carbajo, Director of the Office of Education Abroad; Magnolia Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Office of Education Abroad; and Rosey Yang, Chinese Cultural and Language Instructor
Pictured from left to right: Professor Marie Guiribitey, Spanish Cultural and Language Instructor; Professor Maria Antonieta Garcia, French Cultural and Language Instructor; Liza Carbajo, Director of the Office of Education Aboard; Professor Augusta Vono Brazilian Cultural and Language Instructor	Dr. Aixa Perez-Prado led students through a series of activities during the Cross-Cultural Workshop.
Magnolia Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Office of Education Abroad and Professor Michael Lenaghan, Indian Cultural and Language Instructor speak with PIRE participant Jonathan Sanchez.	PIRE participants from left to right: Sajjad Zaidi, Camilo Silva, Mark Rajan, Jose Roman, Nathanael (Nate) Van Vorst

Instructors provided Cultural and Language training and posted materials on the LA Grid Wiki and/or Forums. FIU's Office of Education Abroad hosted a pre-departure orientation that included the presentation linked below.

PIRE pre-departure orientation

Argentina	China
China	India
Spain	Spain
Mexico	Mexico