Teach English in Hanshui Zhen - Bazhong Shi

When teaching English as a foreign language in any country (other than your country of origin) you will find cultural differences. This is part of the reason people travel; to experience other cultures, languages, food, environments and landscapes. While teaching Business English you have to consider not only the general customs and norms of the country you are teaching in, but also the professional/corporate culture of the company that has hired you. It is very important to have some cultural sensitivity if you want to be successful. As any teacher will tell you you must be able to connect and with students. “In order to foster a successful classroom and a productive learning environment, a teacher must attempt to establish some kind of connection with his/her students” (American TESOL Institute, 2011, p.1). Even in a Business Englsih class, where students may be adults and motivated by professional gains, communicating with everyone in a culturally sensitive way is crucial. Not only will it help your relationship with students but it will create a culturally sensitive classroom of mutual respect among all participants. In order to be a good Business English teacher it is best practice to do a bit of research about the countries general norms and practices. Also, it is imperative to do some investigating regarding the culture of the company you are working with. A large hospitality corporation might have very different expectations and norms than a smaller start-up technology company. Both companies might be very different from your country of origin. Knowing, understanding, accepting and working within the companies culture and the countries customs will allow you to be a key player in the clients’ acquisition and use of the English language in a professional setting. There are many ways to foster your own cultural sensitivity as well as that of the classroom. Because we are focussing on a business English setting it is best to remain more formal and professional in speech and in manner (again, a little research in this area would go a long way). Also, remain open to the input and general manner of your students. Remember, their way of doing things has been around for hundreds of years and the fact that it is different than yours does not make it right or wrong, it makes it different (ESL Job Exchange, 2018). Accepting this will allow you to work within the systems of the company. Another way to be culturally sensitive on the business English classroom is to make sure your materials are relevant and at the right English language level to your students. For example if you have your students hold a variety of job positions within the company choose an assortment of reading/writing/speaking/listening materials that will reduce any power differentials and allow you to facilitate a wide range of language practice within the scope of business (The Edvocate, 2015). If you want to create a culturally responsible classroom you must first start with yourself. Being culturally sensitive is best approached with some research, curiosity, acceptance, and a flexible and productive attitude. Perhaps a little humility too. Also keep in mind the students you are teaching and the values and expectations of the company as well as the country’s customs when lesson planning, using materials, setting up the classroom, and teaching. How to deal with cultural differences while teaching abroad (2018, October 22) Retrieved from: https://www.esljobexchange.com/cultural-differences-abroad/ Lynch, M. (2015, August 22), 6 ways teachers can foster cultural awareness in the classroom. Retrieved from: https://www.theedadvocate.org/6-ways-teachers-can-foster-cultural-awareness-in-the-classroom/