Module 3 Discussion: Moving Students Into a New Culture

I experienced culture shock when I first visited my wife’s family in Colombia. I did not speak the language or really know anything about Colombia, besides that she had lived there as a child. Immediately upon landing I knew I was not in Florida anymore. I felt helpless because I could not really communicate with any of the locals. Luckily my wife helped me make it through by translating for me. Her family is also bilingual, so they also helped by teaching me important phrases in Spanish. They also explained local customs to me. Through this experience I can me more empathetic to ELL that enter my classroom. I know that they have abilities they just may need more help expressing themselves in a non-native language.