Philippines

Your Filipino student will likely be accustomed to warm welcomes and friendly smiles, as people in the Philippines tend to greet each other and say “hi” in passing.

Filipinos also value laughter and use it to break tension or relieve awkwardness. Laughter puts people at ease in the Philippines.

If you find yourself frustrated or upset with your student at any point, it is most effective to approach him/her in a calm and composed manner. Filipinos respond best to a more peaceful approach.

You may also notice that your student won’t use the word “no” often. Filipinos can be indirect and often find other ways to get their point across when they disagree or refuse.

Your student may be offended if you point at him/her with your finger. In the Philippines, this is generally done with the palm of one’s hand facing downward. A thumbs-up is also the preferred gesture for “ok.”

Fun Fact: There are 175 languages and dialects in the Philippines, and 171 of these are actively used in the country