Basic Rules for working with middle eastern students:

* in general (assuming you're a man) NEVER make body contact with the woman unless she initiates it (as in a hand shake, you sick freaks!) If you're a woman, just know that some men are very wary of this!

* There is a definite Student/Prof relationship with Arabs. Teachers in general are seen as people to be respected (which is likely why you'd find them standoffish, it's not being rude, it's being respectful). You will even find this outside of the school, or even years after and you see the student on the street.

Generally, "the west" is seen as something that Jordan wishes to attain to. I would think (not to ruffle feathers) that now that Bush is no longer the president, you will find less resentment than before. Also, if the students are paying to come to your school/institution, it's likely because they WANT to be there. Right??