The Greatest American Holiday

This weekend the Fourth of July will be observed all across the USA. This holiday which commemorates the founding of the United States of America is celebrated enthusiastically in every area of the country.

Planet College International has an extensive explanation of this holiday click here . Celebrations nationwide nearly always include a fireworks display.  Above is a preview of what you can expect.

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

June And The Celebrations Continue Part 2

As June rolls on you will notice two other celebrations in addition to Graduations. One is Father's Day which in the USA is  observed on the third Sunday of June. As the title clearly explains this is a day where Father's are honored. Traditionally this recognition is through gifts and meals. If you are not able to be with your own father perhaps some friends might invite you to join in their family celebration.  If this should happen it is not likely that you would be required to contribute a gift or a meal. Just your presence would be enough.

The second celebrations which have traditionally been observed as part of June are weddings. June has for some time been a month when many couples schedule their actual wedding ceremony. It is generally thought that this has evolved from the same conditions which caused Commencements to be scheduled in May and June. The weather is more likely to be pleasant and agreeable for an outdoor celebration. Also, many couples meet in college and June is a convenient time for them to marry after having graduated. Thus they begin their new life together.

With all this happening right on campus June can be a festive month for an International Student. Enjoy!

June And The Celebrations Continue

If graduation ceremonys were not completed on your campus during May those ceremonies will probably populate the early days of your June calendar.  On many USA campuses the actual ceremony where diplomas are awarded is called Commencement. 

This title could be confusing to an English Language Learner. Searching your English Dictionary ap you would learn the primary definition for commencement is ' to start'.  The second definition is ' ceremony for conferring diplomas' and degrees. 

Why would a ceremony which clearly signals the end of a long road for most students be designated with a word which means beginning?

The explanation lies in the origins of the USA's education traditions. Education in the USA is largely modeled after the traditions of Europe, particularly Northern Europe, specifically England and Germany.  Those countries experience long, grey, overcast winter months.  By the time the Spring months ocurr everyone is ready for a happy celebration usually outside in the sunshine. Because the granting of a degree to a student is considered a beginning, the beginning of their career and adult life, the actual outdoor ceremony is called Commencement signaling another beginning for the students.