In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular tradition for December 25th. Many Japanese students believe that this tradition comes from America, but Americans don’t traditionally eat a layered sponge cake for Christmas. Around the world, there are two main types of cake that are served as “Christmas cake”. Christmas Cake with Dried Fruits: In the…
Read MoreIn the month of November, there is a men’s health awareness campaign called “Movember” (Australia) or “No Shave November” (USA). The two events are similar, but there are some key differences. Movember Movember started in Australia in 2003 when a group of friends decided to make mustaches trendy again. They wanted to support an important…
Read MoreIn Canada, the second Monday of October is Thanksgiving Day. This year, the date is October 10th. On Thanksgiving, many Canadians eat a large meal with friends and family, celebrate the harvest, and reflect on their gratitude for good things in their life. This harvest tradition was started by indigenous Americans many centuries ago. More…
Read MoreNational Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 in the United States will begin on Thursday, September 15th and end on Saturday, October 15th. Unlike other heritage months, Hispanic Heritage Month is a one-month period that covers the second half of one month and the first half of the next month. Link: Why is this? National Hispanic Heritage…
Read MoreLast night, official news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II spread across the internet. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom. She became queen upon the death of her father, King George VI in 1952. At the time of her death, she had reigned for 70 years.…
Read MoreThis month, many students are traveling for the summer holidays! Other students may already be preparing to study abroad in fall semester. As the LLSR office will be closed from August 8-19, please check out our Study Abroad & Travel page for more information on these activities. Happy travels!
Read MoreAs mentioned in last year’s July post, Canada celebrates Canada Day each year because it became a dominion of the UK on July 1, 1867. (Although it became an independent nation in 1931, Canada still recognizes the British monarchy in its constitution and maintains close cultural ties with other Commonwealth countries.) Celebrations include parades, display…
Read MoreLast year, the USA created a new federal holiday: Juneteenth. Juneteenth is short for June nineteenth (19th), which was the date in 1865 when the last African-American slaves in Texas were informed that they were legally freed by orders of the U.S. government. (Video: What is Juneteenth? – VOA) From the U.S. Department of Defense…
Read MoreHappy Asian-American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This month, the U.S. government, military, and schools celebrate famous people, foods, dances, books, movies, music, and other cultural influences that have come to America from Asia and from the Pacific islands. Because Asia and the Pacific Islands include many countries, there are many different cultures to learn about this…
Read MoreWelcome, new students, to the University of Shimane! For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, first-year English classes at the University of Shimane will be in person! The vaccine has been available to the public for several months now, so we hope that everyone will stay healthy. There are many, many holidays in…
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