- Become aware of your own cultural values and beliefs and recognize how they influence your attitudes and behaviors.
- Become aware of the cultural values and beliefs of others and understand how they influence their attitudes and behaviors.
- Avoid stereotyping.
- View each student as an individual, rather than as a representative of a particular culture or country.
- Appreciate students' value systems and help them understand the learning community and its values.
- Understand that nonverbal behaviors are not universal in meaning--eye contact, gestures, body positions, space. Do not let varying styles of communication interfere with having a meaningful advising session.
- Be a good listener and try to understand what students are asking. To improve communication, rephrase their remarks to verify your interpretation.
This requires- openness to change;
- acknowledgment of diversity;
- knowing and respecting the norms of other groups;
- understanding and accepting those differences;
- the ability to be nonjudgmental and inclusive.