What if I make a mistake?
That is the most common question we receive about going into the homes of our friends in Travis Heights. We assure you, there is nothing you can do to be cast out of a home, but we've put together a few tips below that may be helpful.
Students' origin and native languages
Most likely your student's home country is either Afghanistan, Iraq or Morocco. Their native language might be Pashto, Dari, Arabic or Farsi. We encourage you to ask your student about their home country, about their family and even try to learn a few words in their native language. This will open up many conversations.
Sharing meals and tea
You will be honored and respected as a teacher of the English language. You will most likely be fed (sometimes snacks of nuts and dried friut, sometimes full traditional Middle Eastern meals) and offered green tea with lots of sugar. It is an honorable tradition to share a meal with someone in the Middle East, so please join!
Greeting my student and their family
It is a good idea to remove your shoes prior to entering your student's home. It is also good not to initiate a converation or physical touch (handshake/etc) with someone of the oposite gender. You may acknowledge someone of the oposite gender by crossing one hand over your heart and nodding hello. They may initate a hand shake, which you may of course reciprocate. Ladies are frequently greeted with a handshake or hug.
American assumptions
Depending on how long your student's family has been in the United States, they may assume that you are a Christian. You may choose to identify yourself as a follower of Jesus. Jesus is very much loved and admired in this culture. Discussing your faith is a customary practice in the Middle East.
Attire
It may be helpful for women to wear loose fitting pants and sleeved shirts covering your elbows. Many of our female students wear a hijab, or a head covering, but it is not necessary for our teachers. Men may choose to wear normal, everyday attire.
Questions
When in doubt, please don't hesitate to ask a question. Whether that be to your student, their spouse, or one of the ELA teacher coordinators or curriculum coordinators. We are here to help!