No two people are the same, even if they share a lot in common. To foster cultural awareness, you need to
consider all the different aspects of culture that can influence your people’ perceptions, attitudes, and
behaviors. Common cultural differences include:
Race
It’s important to recognize the impact skin color has had on the broader American culture and how it can affect
people’ perceptions of each other and themselves.
Ethnicity
While ethnicity is sometimes used as a synonym for race, it is more accurately defined as the culture we derive
from our nationality. Ethnic differences appear in all immigrant groups and can persist for generations.
Understanding these differences can help you be attuned to your people’ interests and outlooks.

While you know that not everyone worships in the same way—and that some don’t worship at all—it’s good to
familiarize yourself with the ways religious traditions and requirements can impact your people’ behaviors and
free time.
Language
Language barriers should not be educational barriers. While you can’t be expected to speak every language,
you can be expected to make accommodations for those who speak English as a second language.
Economic
The economic situation of a student’s family can greatly impact his or her learning. You should be aware of how
economic pressures can lead to classroom stress as well as to issues with finding time and a place to study.
LGBTQ
A student’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity can become a point of conflict in their lives. It shouldn’t
also be a point of conflict in the classroom.
How do you foster cultural awareness and sensitivity?
Express interest in diversity.
You can go a long way toward fostering a culturally inclusive clinic/hospital/classroom by demonstrating your
own desire to be culturally aware. Ask people to share their stories and relate their cultural experiences to the
your own life.
Maintain high expectations for all people.
Cultural diversity does not require you to have diverse expectations. You should maintain the same high
expectations for all people. Yes, you may choose to make special accommodations for those people who need
them, but you want all people to excel. Maintaining different expectations for different people can wrongly teach
people that cultural differences determine educational abilities.