Foreign Student Guideline (Imran)

It is common to see foreign students here at East-side High. The whole process of suiting yourself around the different environment here does not have to be intimidating although you probably are now. But no worries, the people at East-side High would really understand if you have trouble fitting around here. To make it easier for you, here are some guidelines that might be useful so that you get a glimpse of the local customs here.

            It is a custom for the society here to be extremely polite to the elderlies. By extremely, it really does mean very polite. This of course includes elderly way beyond our age also those who are younger than you even by one or two years. We take those matters very seriously. It’s a polite way of saying people who has more years ahead of us have more experience and they deserve some respect. A way to show this is by greeting them whenever at sight and maybe slip in a little polite gesture like asking “How are you?”. We also tend to bow slightly in front of that to signify respect. It might seem much for people who are not accustomed to our culture. But if we look at it in a broader way, it really does make a harmonious societal environment.

            Next let us touch on social gestures. This one is sort of simple because we believe that this custom is applicable to societies around the world. That is to smile to every people. That everyone means your friends, workers, teacher, even the people who visits East-side High. Everyone is included in this list. No one is left out. It is a very simple gesture that everyone does. It does take much effort but the deed goes a long way. By that we must also make ourselves available for social interaction. It signifies that we are not anti-social people and arrogant. Isn’t it wonderful to see everyone socializing with each other all around. We are social animals anyway we need to live in a society.

            Moving on to the next, you do notice that there are a lot of Muslims here. You do not have to feel intimidated with all the religious propaganda that is around saying bad things about Muslims. I am sure that your presence here is greeted well. The important thing here is that we should respect any religious practices here at East-side High. That also includes you. You are free to practice your own religious beliefs and we wouldn’t budge. It is common to see an influx of people going to the prayer room during lunchtime to perform their prayers. During that time, you should make way for them if they want anything. We would also do the same for you.

            As a conclusion, our differences do not have to set us apart. It really is easy to follow it and you might not even need this guideline. But it is here for you just in case. We would do well if we understand and respect each other. With that we could achieve a harmonious life together.