Personal Space Differences

Personal Space differences in a TESOL classroom can prove challenging, especially if your classroom is made up of students from multiple countries.  Another challenge would be a teacher, who I would hope at this point in her career would understand differences, would need to be aware of the spacial differences to make sure students respect each other's space as well as her respecting the student's space. Success in a classroom would be the opportunity to learn from each other and about each other's cultures.  

I found this topic to be interesting.  I tend to be a "touchy" person and like to give hugs.  I have noticed that my ways were more accepted in the Mexican culture when I lived on the border.   When I moved to the New England area, the people were less "affectionate".  It was a hard transition for me to revert back to the non-hugging person.  I missed the hugs and kisses from my Mexican friends.  After a few years of living here, I have been able to give more of my closer friends hugs but it took a while of me observing and recognizing clues to know when I should hug and when I should not.  This applies too in a classroom.  We need to observe and pay attention to others around us so that we know how to respect their space.

I think when we take the time to understand another culture, be it spacial differences, languages, food, etc, we can make ourselves better because we have the opportunity to accept and be respectful.  No two people are the same and therefore no two cultures are the same or better from the other.  WE can learn from each other and utilize other traditional or cultural information to become a better person and a better society.