Module 3 Discussion: Moving Students Into a New Culture

My first experience with culture shock happened when I was 11 years old - summer before 6th grade. We took a family trip to Europe and visited several countries. I'm easily squeamish which isn't usually a huge issue. However, over that 2 or 3 week trip, I was unable to go #2 because I absolutely hated the restrooms in Europe - specifically the bidets. 11 year old me was absolutely appalled by things like bathroom paper tolls being a roll....one single roll of thick rag that is allowed to be used over and over. On trains, waste did not fall into water. Flushing simply caused a trap door to open and a quick jet of water would push everything out - ON TO THE TRACKS. 

Everything about the restrooms freaked me out so I would only be in them for as little time as possible. I honestly did not orient to the new culture restrooms - my body simply could not hold it anymore. For the final portion, we returned to family's house in England where I finally felt comfortable again because their home was fancy.

I really appreciate this question because it brought the reading for this discussion completely full circle for me. I can't imagine had I been a student who'd moved there how uncomfortable I would have been due to trying to hold it/almost being scared of the restrooms. It would've been distracting, upsetting, and could even led to embarrassing social situations. While I already hold great sympathy and respect for ELL students, this discussion question personalized it and encourages me to continue seeking ways to engage and interact with students from other countries and cultures to ensure that there are no potential threats in their school environment. 

• What are/were the implications for your own classrooms?