Cross-Border Learning: Insights from a Senior Auditor in Belgium on the Value of the MOVE Program

Interviewer: Could you please introduce yourself? 

Julien: My name is Julien. Through the MOVE program from Forvis Mazars Belgium, I had the opportunity to work at Forvis Mazars in Japan for about six months. I also joined the company trip in July, where I was able to interact with many colleagues. 

Interviewer: I remember you were actively involved in the company trip and club activities. These are great opportunities for people to connect beyond their departments. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them. What initially sparked your interest in the MOVE program, and why did you choose Japan? 

Julien: Even before joining Forvis Mazars, I always wanted to work outside my home country, France. During my job search, I came across Forvis Mazars in Brussels, Belgium. It offered both the opportunity to work abroad and the experience of living in an international city at the heart of Europe. It was an ideal environment for someone like me who wanted global exposure and overseas experience. After a few years at the firm and becoming more comfortable in my role, I applied for the MOVE program. 

Interviewer: Now that you’ve completed the MOVE program, how do you feel about the experience? From the perspective of your professional growth—given that you already had audit experience in Belgium—what do you think you gained? 

Julien: My MOVE experience in Japan allowed me to work in a completely different culture and workplace environment. It was one of the most enriching opportunities offered by Forvis Mazars, and it truly broadened my perspective. I learned how to adapt to a brand-new environment and develop the ability to grow both professionally and personally from scratch. I also gained insights into Japan as a major economic powerhouse—its business customs and realities. I became more interested in local regulations, accounting, legal, and tax matters, all of which are extremely valuable for building an international career. This experience also felt like recognition from my management back home for the work I’ve done over the years, which was very rewarding. 

Interviewer: It sounds like this program will continue to support your career even after returning to Belgium. Could you share any specific skills or knowledge you acquired during your stay? 

Julien: Through the clients I audited and the engagements I worked on, I gained insights into business management. I learned about Japanese accounting practices, strengthened my knowledge of IFRS through international engagements, and developed a deeper understanding of the dynamics that have kept Japan among the world’s leading economies for decades. 

Interviewer: So you gained a lot through hands-on experience. How about in your personal life? How did the MOVE program impact you outside of work? 

Julien: I’ve lived abroad a few times before, and each experience left a strong impression. But this time, because the cultural differences between Europe and Japan are so significant, it was definitely the most impactful. What stood out the most was interacting with local people and colleagues. Because of the language barrier, communication was sometimes limited, but that made every interaction feel more meaningful and sincere. I was also surprised by how comfortable life is in Tokyo despite being a huge city, as well as how different the pace of life is from Europe. Tokyo’s infrastructure and convenience made everyday life much easier and more enjoyable than I expected. 

Interviewer: It sounds like you saw the language barrier not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to communicate more intentionally. Were there other cultural differences you noticed? 

Julien: Beyond the language, adapting to Japanese cultural norms and etiquette was a big difference. In Europe, direct communication is generally acceptable, but in Japan, it can be considered impolite. Learning and adapting to these nuances was difficult, and I realized that foreigners can easily cause misunderstandings. I always tried to be mindful and avoid making anyone uncomfortable. Also, the summer was extremely hot this year—temperatures over 35°C with nearly 90% humidity—so I had to adjust my clothing and adopt more Japanese summer habits to avoid melting completely! 

Interviewer: Even in a global company, communication styles in Japan are quite unique. Could you tell us more specifically how you contributed during your time here? 

Julien: In the teams I worked with, I needed to take initiative. As a senior, I took on responsibilities similar to those in Belgium—leading several engagements, managing client communication, and serving as a main contact point for partners. However, in some cases, the language barrier made working on certain files difficult. With colleagues who could communicate in English, everything went smoothly and we adapted well to each other’s working styles. Interestingly, I also worked on group-level engagements handled by colleagues in Belgium. It was funny to learn that the data prepared in Japan was being reviewed by my team back home. 

Interviewer: That must have been a moment where you truly felt the global nature of our firm! In your view, what kind of impact do you think you had on the Japanese staff? 

Julien: I believe I brought positive energy and enthusiasm to the teams around me. Although I can be a bit shy, I did my best to communicate openly and share my culture, background, and personal experiences. During my stay, I built genuine friendships and meaningful relationships within the firm. I hope that had a positive impact on the people I worked with—I know I certainly learned a lot from them. Above all, I would be happy if I was able to convey a positive image of myself and of Belgium. 

Interviewer: I’m glad to hear you had such a fulfilling experience. Finally, would you recommend the MOVE program to your colleagues? Why? 

Julien: Absolutely—I would participate again if I could. The program is ideal for people who are curious, enjoy challenges, and want to explore. MOVE offers a unique opportunity to expand your internal professional network, meet incredible people, and discover inspiring work environments. For those who want to look beyond their home country and explore new ways of working in different environments, this experience can be truly amazing and deeply rewarding. 

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