I expect to learn about history and culture of some different countries in order to understand better how people is and why they are that way. I expect this understanding will help me to be more aware and sensitive when interacting with other people here at AIIAS and wherever God may call me to serve Him later. Even if I had to teach English in my country, Argentina, it will be very useful to know about other cultures, because it is very common to have people from different countries in the English class.
I believe that knowing other culture`s manners and proper social behavior can brake barriers and let people know each other better. On the other hand, in some cases, not taking attention to a little cultural issue like for instance, greeting between men and women, can damage a relationship.
I remember once that my husband and I have gone to a SDA Church in another country, men came to greet him but didn’t greet me, though I was just beside him! That ofended me, I have to admit. But then I came to know that it was a cultural issue. It wasn’t proper for men to greet women in front of their husbands; it was the husband who had to introduce his wife to other men.
So, I know how important cultural issues are to have good relationships, and of course it is very important for teachers to have a good relationship with students.
