Another assignment that can benefit students is to attend a service of a religion different from theirs.  A visit to a mosque, temple, church, or synagogue can expose students to cultural and religious diversity and, at best, foster understanding and respect for others.  Afterwards students can reflect on their visits and write their impressions.  See the sample below.

My name is Veronica.  I am 16 years old, and I have just finished middle school.  My best friend and her mother invited me to go with them to the Islamic Cultural Center.

When I went to the Islamic Center, I was nervous because I saw the Islamic women coming into the center.  I had heard that Islamic women are dangerous because you never know what they might be hiding underneath their clothes.  All the Islamic women were respectful and glad to see us.   I realize now that Islamic women are not harmful because they don't look like they are going to put anybody in danger.

Meeting Basimah at the Islamic center was exciting.  When I saw her, I just looked at her like she was a regular teenager going to church.  I really love her personality because she is respectful and a loving person to be around.  For example, she would tell us how beautiful we are, she wanted to take our pictures, and she held our hands.

When we took her out to lunch a few days later, I saw these young boys staring at our special friend.  The boys put their heads down and started laughing.  It was upsetting to see them being so hurtful.  They were rude and disrespectful.

After we ate lunch, we went to the zoo.  My friend's mother asked Basimah what was another name for turkey in Arabic, and Basimah said, "turkey."  She also told us that sofa is sofa.  Basimah taught us some Arabic, and I learned that la means no, and ma'assalama means goodbye.  I think learning Arabic is interesting.  I would love to learn more Arabic.