I explained that I was Orthodox Jewish. I wear these particular clothes for religious reasons. Long skirts and sleeves are for modesty reasons. We dont shake hands with people of the opposite gender, no it isnt because we dont touch non-jews. (someone i know told me the story that they were offended because they thought that jews dont touch nonjews. explain that its only people of the opposite gender, even Jewish ones, if they arent close family.) Yes, Jews believe in Heaven and Gehenom but in a different way than Xians do. We say its more of a spiritual reward, not gold. We dont believe that yushka (use his real name when talking to goyim) was the messiah…that one was sticky and you should ask a mentor for tips. I would like to know what your mentor has to say about it. I was lucky- it was brought up in class and the teacher changed subjects after I said that I dont believe he was the messiah. whew!
Be careful not to get caught up talking to missionaries or bible students…. they come in many shapes and sizes and should not be talked to. They will try to trick you into saying something you dont believe in or to sign up for something- explain that you have to rush to your next class, sorry.
Remember to use the English translations for words. Bible, not Tanach. Modesty, not tzniyus. If you are stuck, and need a second or two to think, explain that you learned many of your classes in a foreign language and need a moment to remember the proper translations. Dont use it too much but it has helped me in a tight situation.
Uh- if you are taking mostly online classes, then you dont have to worry about these things all that much. I wasnt able to take the online option but at least I was able to combat the problems! B”H!
Hatzlacha!