Rebecca CP#3 (IE)

15.01.29

Today in Ramin’s class, we split up into trios to discuss cultural customs dealing with greeting the opposite sex, greeting children, greeting the elderly, and approaching teachers outside of class. We had a checklist for what was considered an expected behavior, and what would be inappropriate.

The topic that differed the most between myself and my partners Alycia and Johanna was how and when we interact with a teacher outside of class. While we all agreed that it would be strange to meet a teacher at, say, a restaurant or cafe (though I did point out that occasionally students do this with college mentors if working on a project, but that it’s an exception), teachers in Brazil and Venezuela usually do not have office hours. I explained that most teachers/professors in the US have office hours, so students who have any concerns or questions can have the time to discuss it with the professor. I also said that a lot of professors will try to work with students if they have class during the office hour by finding a time that works for both of them. In Brazil and Venezuela, it is customary to only ask questions after class, and that teachers usually do not have office hours, and students asking for attention outside of class is uncommon.