Be aware that attitudes to teachers and professors may differ according to background. For example, it may be difficult for a student from a country in which formality prevails to understand why an American student behaves more informally. Discuss it openly and invite the foreign student to explain the differences.
Acquaint yourself with practical matters that relate to religion. For instance, Muslim students may fast for Ramadan, which may cause them to tire easily because of low blood sugar levels. They also may need to eat at specific times, for which you may need to make allowance.
Be senstive to clothing-related issues and encourage students to respect the views of others with regard to attire.
Learn about taboos and explain them in order to avoid misinterpretation. For example, not all students may realize that gestures such as pointing or raising the fingers are considered insulting in some parts of the world.
Discuss attitudes about work ethic and discipline, and how these may vary between cultures.
Recognize that attitudes toward "cheating" or sharing work may vary in different parts of the world. According to "Recognizing and Addressing Cultural Variations in the Classroom," a faculty guide produced by Carnegie Mellon University, some countries have a less individualistic and more group-oriented approach towards work, so that a student perceived as cheating in one country may be acting in accordance with custom in another. Avoid musunderstandings. Make the rules clear.