A Laugh is a Way to Ease Tension

I tutor a few English students as a part time job. One of my students was recently accepted to Ohio University, by no help of mine. She is working towards getting a Visa. This is where I come in, I am helping her with the Consulate's questions. She asked me today, after explaining that many Chinese are afraid to talk about it, whether Americans will laugh at her for not speaking English well. I thought about it for a moment, and quickly answered "Yes, they will. A few Americans will laugh at you for speaking English not as well as they do. Laughing is contagious. It is a way to relieve tension. They will laugh, but you will not know why. They may laugh because they feel a cultural difference or are uncomfortable. It is just a good way to relieve tension." She was a little nerve wracked at first, but then I saw her on my way to the store, and I explained that it is nothing to be nervous about, just laugh with them. Laughter is contagious, so you will fit right in. Is this good advice? I think so. Do you?