Cultures in conflict: handbook for ESL teachers of Arab students

American teachers of English as a foreign language sometimes find the behavior and attitudes of Arab students puzzling, and in turn, Arab students are occasionally offended or bewildered by American customs. This handbook explores in detail differences between the two cultures in values, acceptable behavior and expectations, with the hope that understanding of these differences will lead to more successful teacher-student relationships while maintaining the ethnic identity and individual integrity of both parties. The information was gathered through library research into the history and culture of the Middle East, the phenomenon of culture shock, values analysis, and a review of American customs and etiquette, and through extensive interviews with Arab students and ESL teachers.