Exchanging Cultures, Celebrating and Connecting

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 exchange participants, the party was another …

The Calming in the Storm

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 Carolinas, people gathered together, bracing themselves …

American English is Made in the U.S.A.

A blog series supporting the August theme of The U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs 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 America, the original English language had been greatly influenced …

Leveling the Playing Field

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. The intent was to shine the …

What’s Presidents Day All About?

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 on the third Monday in February. …

A Legacy of Love and Service: Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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 principles.” As cultural exchange advocates and …

Giving Thanks

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, but all have to do with the …

Labor Day – An Nationwide Tribute to American Workers

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 states soon followed suit. In 1894, …