Managing diversity and language barriers. Advice?

[hkem1]

If anyone has advice on this I would greatly appreciate it.

I think the easiest way to do this is for my to put the questions first, then add the background if anyone needs it.

Some people have told me that humor is a good way to get deal with diversity and language barriers, but how do you do that without coming off as a offensive to someone?

I am afraid there will be a student who is uncomfortable and mean with kids who are different than him, how would you handle this?

I really want to try to build trust and a relationship with these students, but how can I do that when I may not speak their language?

Some of these kids who may not speak a language that is common at this school become very isolated; that is something I really want to avoid. Any suggestions?

Any general advice would be greatly appreciated.

Background:

So, I'm in the middle of my training as a proctor (think RA) for my school; the training is going well, but what I feel unprepared for is how I will lead such a diverse group towards a common goal.

Me and three other proctors are in charge of 21 sophomore boys, many of who are away from home for the first time, and most aren't from the U.S. My dorm has students from: the U.S., China, Japan, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Mexico, Germany, Peru and South Korea. Honestly, the challenge of bringing us all together intimidates me.

In my dorm it is almost every students first year at this school, so I don't know if that will make it easier for them to make friends, or not, but that is a big concern of mine. These students are probably all very smart and most are talented with a musical instrument, but what we have been trained to do is push them towards more social activities so that they don't stress out as much about school.

The English skills of these students varies from non-existent to practically fluent. My 4-member proctor team has someone fluent in English, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish.

Of course I have faculty members here that I can ask for help on all of these things, but I thought I would ask on here to see if there were any ideas.

Thank you so much

 

[LuciferSam]

Aka taka waka saka taka ika wicca dicka shucka sala fala calla freena shplitznoid gerken waken frizza licka gaagaa molotashkivita el fuopa a la king. No wham sayin'

 

[hkem1]

Aka taka waka saka taka ika wicca dicka shucka sala fala calla freena shplitznoid gerken waken frizza licka gaagaa molotashkivita el fuopa a la king. No wham sayin'

Gosh, you're funny tonight.

 

[Spanellie]

When i was in a dorm we had different activities somewhere around once a month consisting from food bingo (big thing for dorm kids, well where im from any whos) to making cards to send back home to volleyball. Granted we didnt have that diverse of students but it was a great way to get to know other kids. Hope this may help you out some!
Nellie

 

[Poodleone]

All of this may sound like touchy-feely drivel but I think when you look back it will make sense:

Some of what you brought up is bound to happen- some people will be mean but that may well have happened at their school at home as well as here. Some people may shrink back and not want to participate, others may let the language barrier hold them back. HOWEVER- it is more likely that that majority of these guys came here to be part of something positive and interesting. You are providing that. Just by living together every day and seeing your example of interaction and humor, these guys will benefit and change.

Something as simple as sports- doesn't have to be organized, just kicking a soccer ball around for example- builds trust and confidence.

Sounds like you have all your bases covered as far as what you can plan for and prepare for. Now, you just have to get started and do the best you can. SO many things are going to be out of your control. Just accept that all you and your fellow proctors can do is reach out, offer, try to understand. You sound genuine and intelligent but fearful of failure. Turn that around. You are DOING SOMETHING- not everyone would take that risk. Remember that other students are also responsible for participating- you can't worry over their choices. Smile alot and don't take things personally (as much as possible). Enjoy and appreciate all of the good experiences that you will bring into your life and the lives of others. If you only focus on the "what if we fail" aspect of the project, you will miss out on the "this is a good thing" part of it. Good luck!

 

[GoodWitch58]

it is my experience if one treats everyone as a person first, then most of the rest of it goes away.

Perhaps a good field trip would be to spend a day in a kindergarten class where there is a wide diversity of children...watch how the kids manage to interact with one another. Somehow, most of them (if they have not learned bad habits from some adult in their lives) will find a way to communicate--little kids don't see the differences as much as they see the similarities.

Good luck! It will be fun.

 

[Koa]

Here is an idea - avoid talking religion and politics. Try things like exercise, sports, musicians in the round, etc, to bond them with their similarities.

 

[scooterbug44]

No matter what group is thrown together, there will be an overlap of languages and interests. Focus on what they have in common and not on "managing their differences" and you'll be fine.

 

[Dwight Williams]

You could try sitting around the dorm, watching Letterman while smoking pot and eating Doritos. It was rigorously researched, tested and deemed effective at the U of C in Boulder in 1990.

 

[Here4Good]

You could try sitting around the dorm, watching Letterman while smoking pot and eating Doritos. It was rigorously researched, tested and deemed effective at the U of C in Boulder in 1990.

There was a pilot program at Colorado State in the late 70's. I didn't participate personally, but my friend Ernie Lundquist said it was a real team builder.