The Ugly Teacher Image

[Niko]

Don't be so loud. Listen. Dress up.

Those are some of the tips I'm offering to English Teachers travelling abroad. We need to counter the image of the Ugly English Teacher. The behavior of English Teachers overseas is terrible at times.

Some tips for you all:

1. Be proud of your own customs and ways of doing things. But remember, you are in a foreign country, so act accordingly.
2. Listen at least as much as you talk, and stop bragging!
3. Save the outlandish behavior and loudness for your parents. Am sure they will tell you where to go in no time.
4. Think as big as you like, but talk and act smaller.
5. Dress up. You can always strip down. Have pride in your appearance.

While we are admired for what people describe as our youthful enthusiasm, optimism and can-do spirit, we are seen as loud, arrogant and completely ignorant to cultures outside our countries.

Let's reshape some of the negative perceptions of English Teachers worldwide.

One word which I would like you all to remember is RESPECT. Think about it.

Comments by Jocelyne Z.

[Blueoceans]

Very good article about "The Ugly American, Don't be so Loud"!

Very true statements. I viewed this kind of behavior from Americam Servicemen, when I was in the Navy, many years ago during my visits to many different lands.

It never fails, how some Americans, can be real arrogant asses, when it comes to not respecting other cultures and customs! It's probably this way with certain people, because, they are that way at home also! It's all in how you are brought up.
I was embarassed sometimes, being around some of my fellow shipmates, when on liberty. It's no wonder some people get the wrong idea of Americans.

I like to think, these individuals are just a small minority of most Americans.

Nicely put article.

George