Etiquette, Diplomatic Protocol and Cross-Cultural Advisory

Cross-cultural advisory, diplomatic protocol, and etiquette and protocol training for institutions, leaders, and international events where perception, credibility, and precision matter.

NOW LIVE

Our Online Courses Are Open For Enrolment

Two CPD-accredited programmes, self-paced and available anywhere. The same standards we bring to institutions, made accessible to individual professionals.

COURSE ONE

Foundations of Social & Cultural Etiquette

Dining, greetings, dress, and behavioural signals that travel across cultures.

3 CPD CREDITS | LIFETIME ACCESS | PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

COURSE TWO

Foundations of Business & Diplomatic Protocol

Precedence, seating, introductions, and correspondence in official settings.

3 CPD CREDITS | LIFETIME ACCESS | PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

Where Protocol Meets Cultural Intelligence

The Institute of Etiquette operates at the intersection of intercultural advisory and executive education.

Founded by Catalina Bora, a former government official and international relations specialist, the Institute brings institutional experience to every engagement.

We support institutions, executives, and international teams navigating environments where protocol, symbolism, and cross-cultural dynamics influence perception, credibility, and professional impact.

Our work combines strategic advisory with certified training programmes in etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and behavioural intelligence.

Two Pillars of Excellence

Intercultural Advisory

Strategic guidance for institutions and professionals operating in diplomatically and culturally complex environments.

We advise on protocol sensitivity, intercultural dynamics, and symbolic considerations relevant to international engagement and representation.

Typical contexts:
• international forums
• institutional partnerships
• executive representation
• diplomatic environments
• cross-cultural leadership contexts

Certified Training Programmes

Executive education programmes designed to strengthen professional presence, intercultural competence, and protocol knowledge.

Our programmes contribute to continuing professional development standards and provide structured certification.

Formats:
• executive seminars
• institutional training
• professional certification modules
• academic collaborations

Partners & Collaborations

We collaborate with universities, professional associations, and international organisations to deliver impactful programmes and advisory services.

LEADING
UNIVERSITIES

PROFESSIONAL
ASSOCIATIONS

INTERNATIONAL
ORGANISATIONS

DIPLOMATIC
INSTITUTIONS

CORPORATE
PARTNERS

GOVERNMENT
BODIES

Why This Matters?

01

Behavioural signals shape perception

The subtleties of non-verbal cues define the authority of a leader before a word is spoken

02

Cultural expectations influence interpretation

Understanding local norms is the difference between a successful pact and diplomatic error.

03

Symbolism impacts credibility

The visual and structural elements of an engagement act as the silent architecture of trust.

04

Misalignment creates risk

A failure in protocol is rarely perceived as a mistake, but rather as an intentional signal of disrespect.

Areas of Expertise

Diplomatic & Institutional Protocol

Cross-Cultural Intelligence

Professional Etiquette & Conduct

Executive Presence

Nonverbal Communication

Intercultural Communication

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FOUNDER

Catalina Bora

Cross-Cultural & Diplomatic Protocol Advisor

Former government official and international relations specialist, Catalina brings institutional experience in cross-cultural advisory and protocol education.

Her work spans:
• Diplomatic environments
• Multinational institutions
• Executive contexts

She founded the Institute of Etiquette to bridge academic theory and practical international engagement.

Journal of Etiquette & Protocol

Two professionals shaking hands at a first business meeting
The Power of Nonverbals

First Impressions in Business: What Science Actually Shows

First impressions in business are formed faster than most people realise, and once formed, they are remarkably difficult to change. Your first impression forms faster than a blink, and it can open or close doors before you say a single

A painting of a grand formal dining room with an elegant long table set with ornate floral centerpieces, fine china, and silverware, showcasing the opulence of traditional French dining (Service à la Française).
History & Heritage

Service à la Française or à la Russe: A Quiet Cultural Shift

When we think about fine dining today, the sequence feels natural. An appetizer arrives first, then the main course, and finally dessert. Each plate is carefully prepared in the kitchen and served individually. It feels so intuitive that we rarely