If this is your first term in college in the USA you have probably begun noticing the annoucement of Back To School Sales.
America is an exceptionally consumer oriented culture. Consumers is the term socioligist and economists use for buyers. Buyers buy products.
Products of all kinds are for sale all over the country 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the USA you can purchase anything from a hamburger to an automobile anytime of the day or night.
Advertisers are businesses which help companies sell the goods and services which they produce or provide. Advertisers use numerous means to tell buyers where and how to spend their money.
One of the tactics that has evolved in American culture to maximize the effect of advertising is Seasonal Selling. Products related to the time of year are heavily advertised through various media, television, magazines and the internet as that 'season' begins.
This Season, this time of year, is known in advertising as Back To School. You have probably already seen and heard numerous advertisements for products and services relating to attending school. Common products range from school supplies, books and paper, to articles to furnish your dorm room such as blankets, microwave ovens and mini-refrigerators.
Because you are quite likely on a limited budget it would be wise to review these sale announcements. If you are not yet fluent in English enough to make sens of these ads ask a friend who is to help you. Spending carefully now can help you save money through the upcoming school term.
Also, you will get some practice in seasonal buying which will prepare you for the upcoming Holiday Season, the biggest USA holiday season of all!
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
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!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
May Finals Graduation and Parties!
As noted a year ago May on USA campuses is the month of finals. It is also the traditional month of graduation ceremonies. And definitely after the drugery and anxiety of finals and the joyous celebration of graduation it is time to party. Go here for all the exciting details.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Mastering English Knock Yourself Out
The purpose for most International Students to complete their education in the USA is often two fold. One, clearly, is to complete the requirements for their degree program and graduate. To this end many International students choose a major which will begin paying them back for their time money and effort promptly. This is probably why Business and Science particularly Computer Science are the top choices for International Students in the USA. That is for a major field of study.
There is one other subject that International Students study or at least practice daily, English. Or more exactly the American Brand of English.
Most International Students must necessarily study English for their education. This form of English is strict and demanding as many students who have attempted the TOEFL can attest.
Writing coherent English for school papers and reports is one form of English which most International Students master at least adequately. There is another form of English which is equally challenging and ultimately equally critical to the International Student's eventual success. That is spoken English. Not the kind that candidates for public office use or even the kind that television and film performers use.
No.
The kind which is essential for communication in the global economy in which International graduates will be performing is termed ' colloquial'. Colloquial English is the English you hear every day in class, at events, while shopping and when celebrating with your American friends.
More importantly colloquial English will be the English you will be speaking on the phone or in person to your American colleagues and American customers when you begin your career.
If you check the translation dictionary on your smart phone you'll find that 'colloquial' means ' common or everyday.' This means that the everyday speech, literally the 'common tongue' that you hear is the most used and therefore the most useful you will find in your USA experience.
By now you have probably heard phrases like ' Knock yourself out' and " No problem'. Everyday English is laced with dozens of these terms.
There is one sure way to gain mastery of colloquial English. Practice speaking with your native English speaking friends. They are the students who use these phrases constantly. Their everyday speech is largely made up of colloquial phrases.
This kind of real life practice is invaluable for gaining confidence in your English speaking ability. So next time you meet a native English speaker, " Knock yourself out.' Pretty soon when someone asks you if you can speak English you will be able to say, " No problem."
There is one other subject that International Students study or at least practice daily, English. Or more exactly the American Brand of English.
Most International Students must necessarily study English for their education. This form of English is strict and demanding as many students who have attempted the TOEFL can attest.
Writing coherent English for school papers and reports is one form of English which most International Students master at least adequately. There is another form of English which is equally challenging and ultimately equally critical to the International Student's eventual success. That is spoken English. Not the kind that candidates for public office use or even the kind that television and film performers use.
No.
The kind which is essential for communication in the global economy in which International graduates will be performing is termed ' colloquial'. Colloquial English is the English you hear every day in class, at events, while shopping and when celebrating with your American friends.
More importantly colloquial English will be the English you will be speaking on the phone or in person to your American colleagues and American customers when you begin your career.
If you check the translation dictionary on your smart phone you'll find that 'colloquial' means ' common or everyday.' This means that the everyday speech, literally the 'common tongue' that you hear is the most used and therefore the most useful you will find in your USA experience.
By now you have probably heard phrases like ' Knock yourself out' and " No problem'. Everyday English is laced with dozens of these terms.
There is one sure way to gain mastery of colloquial English. Practice speaking with your native English speaking friends. They are the students who use these phrases constantly. Their everyday speech is largely made up of colloquial phrases.
This kind of real life practice is invaluable for gaining confidence in your English speaking ability. So next time you meet a native English speaker, " Knock yourself out.' Pretty soon when someone asks you if you can speak English you will be able to say, " No problem."
Sunday, March 29, 2015
St. Patrick The Easter Bunny Spring Break And You.
March in the USA has many opportunities for students to celebrate. You may have observed just about a week ago the numerous celebrations of St. Patrick's Day on or around your campus.
If that day was not explained it's origin is this.
During the 1840's there was a famine in the country of Ireland. Many Irish people emigrated to the United States. They brought with them their habits, customs and celebrations. Principle among these was St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, largely a Catholic country, the day is dedicated to the man who brought Christianity to Ireland. Traditionally he is known as Patrick and St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday in Ireland.
Once here Irish Immigrants continued celebrating this day and a great deal of alcohol use was associated with this celebration. While alcohol is no longer an indispensable part of any St. Patrick's Day celebration you probably have noticed that many advertisers use the St. Patrick's Day theme , characterized by rich green coloring, to sell their products.
This practice by advertisers will continue for two additional celebrations which will occur this week.
First, Easter, a traditional observation of the beginning of Spring, always celebrated on Sunday, is just about here. Easter has become symbolized by a figure of a happy rabbit known as The Easter Bunny. Children in the USA are sometimes told if they are good they will awaken to find a basket full of candy from the Easter Bunny on Easter morning. Advertisers have adapted the Easter theme, a rainbow of colors and a figure of a large happy bunny to sell their products.
Finally, simultaneous with the arrival of Spring many American schools schedule a break from the regular class schedule, usually a week. This break is known as Spring Break and again many advertisers adopt the theme of College Spring Break to sell travel packages, excursions and opportunities for students to getaway and party. You have probably seen the posters on campus featuring fit, healthy, attractive students on a beach during the day and in a club at night and partying, partying, partying.
These holidays, as close together as they are, can add up to a kind of " March Madness" for International Students who have not fully experienced American Culture. To help you understand
Planet College International has provided these posts.
Please click through and learn more. Happy Easter.
Enjoy your break.
If that day was not explained it's origin is this.
During the 1840's there was a famine in the country of Ireland. Many Irish people emigrated to the United States. They brought with them their habits, customs and celebrations. Principle among these was St. Patrick's Day. In Ireland, largely a Catholic country, the day is dedicated to the man who brought Christianity to Ireland. Traditionally he is known as Patrick and St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday in Ireland.
Once here Irish Immigrants continued celebrating this day and a great deal of alcohol use was associated with this celebration. While alcohol is no longer an indispensable part of any St. Patrick's Day celebration you probably have noticed that many advertisers use the St. Patrick's Day theme , characterized by rich green coloring, to sell their products.
This practice by advertisers will continue for two additional celebrations which will occur this week.
First, Easter, a traditional observation of the beginning of Spring, always celebrated on Sunday, is just about here. Easter has become symbolized by a figure of a happy rabbit known as The Easter Bunny. Children in the USA are sometimes told if they are good they will awaken to find a basket full of candy from the Easter Bunny on Easter morning. Advertisers have adapted the Easter theme, a rainbow of colors and a figure of a large happy bunny to sell their products.
Finally, simultaneous with the arrival of Spring many American schools schedule a break from the regular class schedule, usually a week. This break is known as Spring Break and again many advertisers adopt the theme of College Spring Break to sell travel packages, excursions and opportunities for students to getaway and party. You have probably seen the posters on campus featuring fit, healthy, attractive students on a beach during the day and in a club at night and partying, partying, partying.
These holidays, as close together as they are, can add up to a kind of " March Madness" for International Students who have not fully experienced American Culture. To help you understand
Planet College International has provided these posts.
Please click through and learn more. Happy Easter.
Enjoy your break.
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