As you prepare for your service learning adventure, you’re probably anticipating some culture shock. What you might be less prepared for is the fact that you could shock the culture. It definitely goes both ways. Though probably not intentional, you could create shockwaves by using offensive American terminology.

Keep international communication clear and friendly by avoiding these five words:

Cool

Seems harmless, right? In some countries, “coolie” is an insult used to label an uneducated blue collar worker.  Because “cool” sounds dangerously  similar to “coolie,” it’s best to avoid using this favorite American term.

America

Speaking of America, that’s another word you’ll want to avoid in your volunteer abroad adventures. No matter which GLA destination you choose, the word “America” is not a good choice when referring to your homeland. Because “America” can be used to describe three regions of the word (North, Central and South America), using it to describe your geographic origin sounds arrogant and can create confusion. Instead, refer to home as “U.S.” or “the States.”

Backward

Even if you are visiting rural areas during your high school volunteer abroad program, don’t refer to the area as “backward.” You will probably experience cultures that are very different from your own when you travel with GLA. However, just because a country is different, doesn’t mean it is “backward.” Referring to an area or people as “backward” implies that they have failed to progress and innovate.

Overseas

This word may not be so much offensive as it is inaccurate. You don’t necessarily have to travel “over” an ocean in order to travel internationally. Give yourself grammatical credibility and use “abroad” instead.

Foreign

When you refer to someone from another region or culture, never refer to them as “foreign” or a “foreigner.” The term implies that someone or something is out of place or strange. You probably would prefer not to be called a “foreigner” when visiting another culture, so apply the golden rule and refrain from using it to describe the people you meet internationally.

Now that you have a “do not say” list, note these other travel tips to keep international communication clear.

• Keep your voice down. Some cultures are offended by loud noises or talking.

• Don’t smile all the time. Though being polite is certainly encouraged, smiling too much can flag you as a tourist and set you up for scams. It can also be viewed as propositioning in some countries.

• Learn courtesy essentials. Get up to speed on “please,” “thank you” and other polite terminology to ensure that you leave a good impression.

Tips on How to Respect Host Countries While Studying Abroad

So, you’ve decided to go on a volunteer abroad trip to China. You know the culture is different, and you’ve been warned of impending culture shock. What do you need to know before you go on your high school summer program? How can you best prepare yourself to respect the host country where you’ll be spending a big chunk of your summer? Here are a few tips.

1. Learn the language.

You don’t have to become fluent in Mandarin, but becoming familiar with a few polite terms will work wonders. Being able to say “hi,” “thank you,” “my name is…” and “have a good day” in the language of your destination lets locals know that you respect them enough to start learning their culture. It also makes you look less like a tourist and more like a pro traveler-always a plus.

2. Dress conservatively.

While skinny jeans and tank tops might be appropriate where you grew up, many cultures have deeply-set religious and cultural traditions that preclude Western style. Your regular garb could be considered disrespectful in China or many other Eastern cultures. Many pro travelers recommend keeping knees and shoulders covered, especially if you’ll be visiting religious sites while you travel.

3. Learn history.

Learning about the history of the place where you’ll volunteer abroad will give you a deeper understanding of the culture. It answers a lot of those Why on earth do they do things like THIS? questions that come up on an international trip–and you’ll be one of the best-informed among your fellow service trip sojourners. It’s a win-win.

4. Try the local food.

Don’t turn up your nose at the local cuisine. If you’re a picky eater, it might be best to try things before asking questions (“What kind of meat is that?!” isn’t the best way to impress a host in your destination country). Be respectful and willing to try new things–even if you only end up taking one bite.

5. Watch and learn.

Some things you take for granted-like the way to cross the street-might not be exactly as you expect when you’re on the other side of the world. Watch the way the locals conduct themselves and become a master of imitation. This technique could save your life on a busy Shanghai intersection.

Going on a high school volunteer abroad trip means stepping out of your comfort zone and getting a feeling for a new place, which can be a challenge–but a worthwhile one. Keeping an open mind while you’re there will make your trip exponentially more rewarding. You won’t regret it.