Seventy foreign students from five continents came together to celebrate an important Muslim holy day. Though not everyone who helped celebrate Eid al-Adha in Denver last month are Muslim, they have all become friends. Most of the students are Turkish, but neither nationality nor religious differences mattered to anyone. In fact, to the cultural [...]
The damage from Hurricane Florence was devastating, the strong winds and rising waters taking their tolls on many Carolina coastal communities. In times such as these, we are both saddened by the losses and, at the same time, heartened by the humanity that inevitably arises in these troubling situations. In communities all over the [...]
A blog series supporting the August theme of The U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs https://www.linguisticsociety.org/ American English is uniquely and distinctly American. The original English language came over to the North American continent with the early British settlers, but it’s evolved over time. Since the 17th century English colonization of [...]
This blog supports the United States Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs June theme of Diversity and Inclusion. “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” Vernā Myers Diversity is a way of life for most Americans. Diversity is so intrinsic to our culture, we tend to forget that it’s [...]
Celebrating the Achievements of African Americans The month of February has been designated as Black History Month. It has become a central theme in American culture, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of African Americans. The early origins began as “Negro History Week,” by distinguished historian, Cater Woodson, and other prominent and influential African Americans. [...]
It’s fascinating when you search the meaning or genesis of something. No matter how much you think you know, there’s always something new to learn. President’s Day is actually not the official name of the holiday celebrated the third Monday in February. It’s still officially “Washington’s Birthday.” “Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated [...]
You’ll be moved – maybe even to tears – when you read a message written by Dr. Martin Luther King’s wife. Coretta Scott King talks about her husband’s dreams for racial equality and about the principles of freedom, justice, tolerance and equality that not only define Dr. King’s dream, they exemplify our nation’s “noblest [...]
The holidays are a time to celebrate time-honored traditions and gather with family and friends but for thousands of international exchange students, it won’t be possible. Our founder, Victoria Lynden, reminded us that for many of our J-1 participants, it’s the first time many of them will be very far away from families and [...]
Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays at Alliance Abroad. It’s a time to refocus and recalibrate in a positive way, and provides the impetus for deep reflection on the many things for which we are deeply grateful. There are many reasons to give thanks, and most have nothing to do with things, [...]
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September to recognize the “social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our America.” Oregon was the first state to officially adopt Labor Day in 1887 and other [...]
