It is important to remember that ESL students have minimal experience not only with writing in English, but also with the American classroom experience in general. American dress, for example, is surprising for many international students, as it is more casual than academic attire in many countries. In South America, as well as in many East Asian countries, the classroom atmosphere is much more formal in terms of dress as well as student-teacher relationships. Many times ESL students find the casual nature of the student-teacher relationship disrespectful and unsettling.

Keep in mind, also, that many times ESL students are more historically and culturally aware than are American students. ESL students may also be more politically sophisticated than their American counterparts. They may be surprised at and even offended by American students’ lack of knowledge of or interest in their countries of origin.