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Cultural Sensitivity in the ClassroomWhen teaching abroad it is important to remember you?re not in Kansas anymore (or whichever state or country you hail from). You are a guest in a new country, whose cultures and practices may be completely different from your own. Not only are you a teacher of English, you are a representative of your home country. As such, one should learn the customs of the country one is visiting in order to minimize confusion, embarrassment, or even hostility. Keeping culturally sensitive, both in and out of the classroom, can help make your transition to life in another country run much more smoothly. The first thing one should do is research on the country you are traveling to. If possible, this should be done before you leave your home country. Books at the library or book store, web pages, and, if possible, talks with people who have lived in the country you will be visiting are all great ways to learn more about the new country. Remember to take information found online with a grain of salt, and check more than just one resource. Sometimes people interpret things differently, translate something literally instead of by the meaning of it, or just plain misunderstand a culture they are not of. It would be good to check things from the country you are traveling to or resources written by natives of the country you will be living in. Important information to find out are what not to do while visiting. What do the native people find rude? What words should you not say? What is the main religion of this country and how do people practice it? What are these people?s beliefs, and what actions would they find offensive? Find these things out, and try to keep them in mind. Having a journal to keep this important information in would be helpful, especially as a reference guide while in the new country. It would also be beneficial to learn key phrases in the native tongue. Knowing how to say, ?Where is the bathroom?? ?I would like??, etc. will certainly come in handy and make living in a new place a little less stressful. Remember, not everyone speaks English! Be patient and kind with your students and others outside of school and people will be more willing to work with you. In the classroom, treat all students fairly and with respect. Even in other cultures, the same rule should apply ?treat others as you would like to be treated?. Don?t force students to do something they feel uncomfortable doing, and be sensitive to their learning needs and cultural differences. Ask students questions, get to know them and their learning styles. If possible, observe another class and see how the teacher interacts with their students. This should give you some idea of how to act with your own students. Keep your actions appropriate, and err on the side of conservatism. Always be flexible and willing to try new things when you are abroad. Some cultures may have practices you are not familiar with or comfortable doing, but try your best to accommodate. As a teacher of English abroad you will be exposed to a whole different way of life and you should try to embrace the culture (or learn a bit about it). It will enrich your life, and broaden your horizons. You may try something you would never have thought to try and you might like it!
