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Bisous – did you know?
Cultural norms for shaking hands with a Muslim woman
High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea
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Cultural Fluency in Action
During her 1980 state visit to Morocco, Queen Elizabeth II joined King Hassan II for a traditional meal. Although well-versed in formal Western dining etiquette, Her Majesty honoured Moroccan customs by eating with her hands, just as her host did.
This moment is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a masterclass in etiquette: understanding that true refinement lies not in rigid rules, but in respectful adaptation.
In international protocol and diplomacy, knowing what to do is important, but knowing when and how to adapt is essential. Etiquette is not uniformity, but cultural intelligence.
Cultural Fluency in Action
During her 1980 state visit to Morocco, Queen Elizabeth II joined King Hassan II for a traditional meal. Although well-versed in formal Western dining etiquette, Her Majesty honoured Moroccan customs by eating with her hands, just as her host did.
This moment is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a masterclass in etiquette: understanding that true refinement lies not in rigid rules, but in respectful adaptation.
In international protocol and diplomacy, knowing what to do is important, but knowing when and how to adapt is essential. Etiquette is not uniformity, but cultural intelligence.
Information & Reservations
International Finishing School – The Finishing Touch (5-Day Program)
Includes expert instruction, off-site visits, tutorial meals, illustrated workbook, refreshments, materials and certificate of attendance.
International Business Success – Cross-Cultural Awareness
Includes 4 hours instruction, lunch, workbook, materials and certificate.
Polished Global Professional – Styled and Dressed for Success
Includes full-day instruction, lunch, workbook, materials and certificate.
Executive Image on a Global Scale – Styled for Success
Includes 2.5 hours instruction, lunch, workbook, materials and certificate.
The Personal Touch – European Elegance & Savoir-Vivre
Includes expert instruction, lunches, materials and certificate.
FAQ’s – Understanding Onsite Training
Facilitator travel fee may occasionally be included. Please contact us about your location. When travel is not included in the price we will:
- Provide you with an estimate before you book a program and establish a flat rate for travel.
- Work with your travel agency, and they can bill you directly.
- Bill you for the actual travel cost.
Onsite Training Pricing Schedule Notes
- Onsite training is training that is delivered to a private group at their location.
- Courses are priced per group, not per person.
- Fees charged for onsite training do not include facilities or catering services.
- All prices are quoted in Canadian dollars.
- Prices quoted on the price chart are for training delivered in Canada.
Answers to General Questions – Onsite Training
How long are your onsite sessions?
The half-day courses run three hours (i.e. 9am–12pm) and our full-day courses are 7 hours (i.e. 9am–4pm). We will work with your scheduling requirements to determine the exact timing for your program.
What is the maximum participants I can put in each class?
We have learned what size group works best for each of the courses we offer. If you have a large group, please call us so we learn more about your needs and find a way to accommodate.
What do you provide and what are our responsibilities?
Depending on the program, we will either ship handouts or send you a PDF to duplicate for your group.
Do you sell products in class?
We will recommend resources that will help support the training if asked, but will never sell products during classroom time.
May I speak with the facilitator before the course?
Please do; let us know if you have any special needs or accommodation of any sort and we will strive to meet your needs.
Will lunch and refreshments be provided?
Refreshments and meals are not provided; we ask that this be coordinated in-house; however, on request we will recommend or coordinate this for you. Meals and refreshments are provided for the finishing school and etiquette courses as it is part of the training program.
Answers to Questions about Tailoring your Course
I’ve reviewed your outlines, and I want certain elements from a few of them, can you create something tailored for me?
Yes, we can work with you to determine the course agenda.
I want something else, can you create a program for me?
Yes, please contact us and we can custom design a training program for you.
Can our company values, terms such as “guests” for our customers; can you build that in to reflect our preferred vocabulary?
Yes, we can accommodate this.
We have a new media officer; can you train one person for public appearance?
Yes, we can provide specialized mentorship training.
Answers to Questions About Training Material
Will there be training material for the participants to keep?
Indeed, training material will be provided.
I would like to purchase your materials to use with my own programs. Do you sell your training programs?
We do not sell our training programs to others. Depending on the program, we will either ship handouts or send you a PDF to duplicate for your group.
Where do you get your training material?
All training programs are professionally developed by Scharf International Consultants. All Social Etiquette and Savoir-vivre and Business Etiquette and Cross-cultural specialist training is through certification through the International Etiquette and Protocol Academy of London and personal experience of our CEO, Eleanor Scharf.
Answers to Questions About Content Ownership
Once a programme has been delivered, may we continue using your content internally?
No. Programme fees cover course delivery only and do not include content ownership.
Without prior written permission, it is not permitted to engage our services for the purpose of copying or reproducing our proprietary training content.
FAQs for Government Clients
We are experienced working with multiple levels of government, including the Federal Government of Canada, Provincial Governments in Canada, the British Government, the UK Delegation to NATO, and EU Governments and Institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept government credit card payment?
We accept all major credit cards.
Can we pay after the work is complete?
Yes, with the provision of a purchase order and signed confirmation letter.
Will your quote include travel and training material?
Yes, we will provide an inclusive quote.
Our facility does not allow cell phones. Is that a problem?
We will follow all government protocols.
Can you provide government references?
Yes.
FAQs for Military Clients
We are experienced working with multiple branches of the Military and Air Force in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept government credit card payment?
We accept all major credit cards.
Can we pay after the work is complete?
Yes, with the provision of a purchase order and signed confirmation letter.
Will your quote include travel and training material?
Yes, we will provide an inclusive quote.
Our facility does not allow cell phones. Is that a problem?
We will follow all military protocols.
Although we are military, we do not want a program focused on military content. Can you accommodate this?
Yes, we will accommodate your requirements.
We start early. Will you adjust your hours?
If you’re there early, so are we.
Can you provide military references?
Yes.
Training Fees
International Finishing School – “The Finishing Touch” (5-Day Programme)
Tuition: $3,500 + tax/GST
Includes dynamic interactive etiquette lessons, expert instruction, off-site visits, tutorial meals where applicable, an illustrated workbook, refreshments, materials, and a certificate of attendance.
International Business Success – Cross-Cultural Awareness
Private group programme (6 delegates): $2,500 + tax/GST
Includes 4 hours of expert instruction, lunch, workbook, refreshments, materials, and certificate.
Polished Global Professional – Dress for Success
Private group programme (6 delegates): $3,900 + tax/GST
Includes 1-day training, lunch, workbook, refreshments, materials, and certificate.
Executive Image on a Global Scale – Styled for Success
Private group programme (6 delegates): $1,400 + tax/GST
Includes 2.5 hours of expert instruction, lunch, workbook, refreshments, materials, and certificate.
Note: For a full International Business Makeover, this course is offered in conjunction with The Polished Global Professional and International Business Success.
The Personal Touch – European Elegance & Savoir-Vivre (Private Session)
Private group programme (6 delegates): $5,500 + tax/GST
Includes expert instruction, workbook, lunches, refreshments, materials, and certificate.
FAQs for Movie Set, Media & Marketing
Experts in proper social etiquette, we provide cultural table settings, etiquette, protocol, and dress accuracy for French, British, Continental European, North American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multicultural environments. Services are available remotely or on-site.
Pricing: Contact us for a quote based on the scope of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept government credit card payment?
We accept all major credit cards.
Can we pay after the work is complete?
Yes, with the provision of a purchase order and signed confirmation letter.
Will your quote include travel and cultural material?
Yes, we will provide material, oversight, and an inclusive quote.
FAQs for Royalty, VIP & VVIP Clients
We are experienced working with Royalty, VIPs, VVIPs, Ambassadors, and Diplomats with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Please contact us to arrange private sessions in cross-cultural etiquette, social etiquette, poise, and dress code adherence.
Pricing: Provided based on the scope of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept government credit card payment?
We accept all major credit cards.
Will your quote include travel and training material?
Yes, we will provide an inclusive quote.
Our facility does not allow cell phones. Is that a problem?
We will follow all required protocols.
Can you provide references and security clearance?
Yes.
VVIP & 5-Star Customer Service Training
We are experienced training 5-star hotel staff, butlers, concierge teams, event professionals, and customer service teams to properly host Royal, VVIP, Diplomatic, and high-profile guests, including cross-cultural adaptations.
Pricing: Provided based on scope of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we request training on British Afternoon Tea or formal table settings?
Yes, we are happy to accommodate this.
Can we pay after the work is complete?
Yes, with the provision of a purchase order and signed confirmation letter.
Will your quote include travel and training material?
Yes, we will provide an inclusive quote.
Can you provide references?
Yes.
VIP / VVIP Flight Attendant Customer Service Training
We are highly experienced in training flight attendants to deliver VIP, VVIP, and Royal Service, working with Federal and Provincial Governments in Canada, the British Government, UK Delegation to NATO, and EU Governments and Institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept credit card payment?
We accept all major credit cards.
Can we pay after the work is complete?
Yes, with the provision of a purchase order and signed confirmation letter.
Will your quote include travel and training material?
Yes, we will provide an inclusive quote.
Can you provide airline references?
Yes.
Onsite Training
Onsite Training Courses and Workshops
Instructor-Led Training Programs – Delivered On-Site
We will come to you
The onsite training courses and workshops cover a range of topics. We recognize that no two of our clients or participants are alike. We want to learn about your business or individual needs to work with you to understand your goals and choose the correct approach and schedule that works for you.
We Will Come to Your Location
Onsite Training at your Worksite or Location
We work with clients across the globe and have a network of expert facilitators that can fulfill your needs. The bulk of our work takes place onsite at a location designated by our clients.
If you have a group interested in our services and you are not in a dangerous zone, we will travel to all ends of the earth to work with you.
International Facilitation
Onsite Training Course Reminders
Our instructor-led training courses are available to private groups. Workshops are not offered in a public seminar format.
Please contact us to speak with a facilitator about your needs and bringing training to your organization.
We offer training in Canada, the USA, UK, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Central America and the Middle East — across all cultures. Please contact us about your location.
- For information about pricing, please see our fee schedule.
- For instructor-led webinars, take a look at our virtual classroom programs.
Customized Solutions
If you have customization requirements, we can create a custom solution.
Sample Projects
- Organizational development of mission, vision, values and standards and building these into a performance management structure.
- Creating an employee handbook adapted to your terms and conditions or collective agreement.
- Preparing staff to receive international visits for government delegations.
- Preparing you to take on your executive promotion as a polished professional.
- Developing a story to highlight the institution’s history.
Contact us to discuss your program. Once we have had an opportunity to learn more about your goals and objectives, we can provide you with a quote and timeline to meet your goals.