Most Iowa State students might want to think twice before giving a thumbs-up to a student from Germany because he or she could be offended by their gesture.

The above example is just one of the many things taught in ISU’s pre-departure orientation class.

The course, also known as University Studies 335X, is taken for one credit on a pass/not pass basis. The class began last Wednesday and continues for five weeks, meeting every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room 120 of Ross Hall.

“If you are going to travel abroad, even just for vacationing, you should still take the class — it’ll benefit you tremendously,” said Michelle Szabo, program assistant for the Study Abroad Center.

For three hours a week, the members of the class discuss topics such as culture shock, stereotypes, language, gestures, politics, taboos, greetings, religions and history, Szabo said.

The idea for the class was conceived because Szabo recognized students wanted to learn about the subject, but couldn’t because they were overwhelmed with classes and school work.

Offering the class for credit gives students another incentive to take it, she said.

“It’s just in human nature to not want to do something when it’s not required,” she said. Designating the seminar a credit course allows the professor to require the kind of work and assignments that will allow the students to get the most out of the class without feeling it’s a waste of their time, Szabo said.

“It is not a blow-off class. Everyone is required to do a two-page paper every week about various topics such as health, currency or safety issues on the country he or she will visit,” said Kathy Loveland, sophomore in English and Russian.

Loveland will travel to Russia for her study abroad program. “I’m really looking forward to the rest of the class,” she said.

Instead of listening to lectures, the class does skits and group activities, making the three-hour course pass quickly, she said.

“Preparation for going abroad allows a more enjoyable and successful experience,” Szabo said.

In addition to learning about other countries, the class also teaches about the history of ISU.

This will give students the knowledge needed to effectively communicate about ISU to other foreign students, she said.

“It is helpful to understand about other cultures, so we don’t jump to conclusions about individuals just because they don’t have eye contact with us or they appear to be touchy,” Szabo said.

The class is beneficial for everyone, because it helps individuals understand diversity issues not only in foreign countries, but here in the US, she said.

“For example, a Latino female’s 15th birthday is a huge celebration in Latin culture. If a Latino person asks for work off because of a birthday, some might say big deal, it’s just a birthday, but in reality it is a huge deal for Latinos,” Szabo explained.

“Study abroad is about coming home and being more sensitive to people and different cultures,” she said.

Students who have not registered for the class can still attend today’s session in Carver 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to this “Tips for Travelers” session. There is a required $5 materials fee; to register, contact the Study Abroad Center by 5 p.m. today.

For students who can’t make it to “Tips for Travelers,” there will be a pre-departure express course on April 20. It will be an overview of the five-week program.

“Knowledge is your best defense against culture shock,” said Peter Theis, a sophomore in biology and pre-vet. Theis is currently enrolled in the class, and he will travel to India for his study abroad experience.

Students interested in registering for next spring’s class or attending one of the sessions coming up should visit the Study Abroad Center in Hamilton Hall Room 5 or call 294-6792.