🤝 Working with people from everywhere: how to survive (and thrive) in a multicultural team

Picture this: it’s your first day at your new job abroad. You log into Slack and see messages in English, GIFs in Portuguese, Japanese emojis, and abbreviations you’ve never seen before. Your meetings include people from Greece, Germany, South Africa, and Romania.

Working with people from all over the world can be amazing, but it can also be a bit overwhelming at first.

Different ways of working, different ways of giving feedback, different meanings behind the same words... and all of this while you're still trying to learn the tools, the team dynamics, and what your job actually is.

If you’ve ever felt lost, awkward, or just unsure how to fit in — this one’s for you.

🌍 What multicultural teamwork really means

It's not just about speaking English and having teammates in different countries. It means learning to work with people who:

• Have different communication styles

• Organize tasks differently

• Interpret silence (or emojis!) in totally different ways

• Value different things — for some it’s being on time, for others it’s flexibility

• Celebrate different holidays and work in different time zones

And while it can feel a little chaotic at first, it’s also one of the best parts of working abroad.

Communication: Keep it simple, kind, and clear

Here’s what really helps when working with a diverse team:

✅ Keep your messages short, clear, and polite.
✅ Avoid slang, sarcasm, or local jokes that may not translate well.
✅ If something’s not clear, ask for a short video call instead of guessing.
✅ Show appreciation often — a “thanks for jumping in!” goes a long way.

And remember: sometimes “yes” just means “I heard you” — not “I agree” or “I’ll do it”. Always confirm next steps in writing to avoid confusion.

Different time zones, same team spirit

When your colleague is just starting their day in Lisbon and your manager is already ending theirs in Manila, you need to get creative.

Tips that work:

• Respect each other’s working hours.

• Rotate meeting times so it’s fair for everyone.

• Record important meetings or share clear summaries.

• Use tools like Slack, Notion or Asana to collaborate async (no matter the timezone).

 Feedback doesn’t have to be scary

Giving feedback can be tricky across cultures — but it gets much easier when you focus on being honest, respectful, and specific.

Try this formula:
Situation – Behavior – Impact

“In Tuesday’s meeting (situation), we interrupted the client a few times (behavior), and I think it made things a bit unclear (impact). Maybe next time we take turns speaking?”

Also, ask for feedback yourself — it shows maturity and builds trust.

“Is there anything I could improve in how I presented the project?”
“Any tips on how I can integrate better with the team?”

 Celebrate your team’s diversity

One of the best parts of international teamwork? You learn so much — about food, music, values, ways of thinking… and even new words!

Here are some small ways to build connection:
💡 Share a fun fact or custom from your country
🎂 Celebrate your teammates’ local holidays or birthdays
📸 Post a pic of your workspace or your view on a morning walk

These little things help people feel closer — even from thousands of kilometers away.

What if I mess up?

You will. And that’s okay.

We all misunderstand things sometimes — maybe you missed a cultural cue, said something awkward, or forgot someone’s holiday.

The good news is: in most international teams, people are forgiving — especially if you show willingness to learn, be kind, and improve. That’s what really matters.

Final thoughts

Working with people from everywhere is one of the best parts of the global job market.

You grow your skills, yes — but you also grow as a person. You learn to listen better, communicate more clearly, and appreciate different ways of working and thinking.

At CityJobOffers, we know that every new job abroad is also a new adventure — and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 🌎💙

Need a printable checklist for your first 30 days on the team? Want to hear real stories from other international workers?
Let us know — we’re always here to help you thrive.