Culture and Religion Challenges
How do you overcome challenges presented with students when culture or religion limits they way that they effectively communicate with you? Some times I have students who, no mater what, will not shake hands or make eye contact. It does come across as disinterested or bored.
I usually try to find a common ground and turn the meeting into a bit of a "halo" type meeting. However, it is difficult sometimes. I have found that sometimes, not always, but sometimes you have to meet the person head on and mirror them. I just have to be careful that they don't feel threatened.
This is an interesting dilemma. I think the first step is to identify what kind of influence the accompanying person has on the prospective student. Is this accompanying person the "buying committee", a spouse who will be affected by a change in schedule to the family, or are there cultural boundaries which forbid acceptable western culture methods of communication which are not meant to be rude or misinterpreted as negative signs. In the past I have reached out to people within a said community and explained the interactions I've had to get a more culturally grounded perspective. Sometimes it's a great learning moment, other times it's just plain rudeness or disinterest. Great thought provoking question Mr. McGowan (whoever you are!)
Shawn, The "support" person can be difficult. I like your approach with building rapport! How can you use your skills to build rapport with a tough support person?
Elizabeth Wheeler
Well it does give me the opportunity to try and engage them through allowing them to talk more about themselves personally. When this happens, I tend to let them tell me more about their families and focus less on the academic goals at first. Once they feel comfortable with me, we can usually get back on track to talking about the program. I also try to use it as a teaching tool to help prepare them for future employment and to help them come out of their shell a bit. However, it can be difficult, especially if there is a controlling spouse in the meeting.
Shawn, Great question! I feel the insight you have provided about this situation is key and part of an answer to your question. Knowing that it might be a religious difference/limit offers you the opportunity on how to overcome the challenge. If you feel they disinterested/bored, what opportunity does that present you?
Elizabeth Wheeler
