My Graduate Career
by
Min Gong
English Language practice opportunities
Available through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Classes for English Language learning are also available.
Northwestern University Calendars:
Academic Calendars, Final Exam Calendars, and calendars including various University programs.
U.S. Holidays & Customs
| 1 January | New Year's Day | Welcome the new year with parties starting the night before (New Year's Eve on 31 December) |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Monday in January | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Commemorate the birthday of the African-American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. |
| 14 February | Valentine's Day | Celebrate love and romance by exchanging tokens of love (usually cards, candy or gifts). |
| 3rd Monday of February | President's Day | Honor past American presidents like George Washington (the nation's first leader) and Abraham Lincoln (Civil War hero who helped abolish slavery). |
| 17 March | Saint Patrick's Day | Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties decorated in Irish green. |
| 1 April | April Fool’s Day | Play a clever (but harmless) trick or tell a joke to someone with a good sense of humor. |
| Last Monday of May | Memorial Day | Remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. |
| 4 July | Independence Day | View public displays of fireworks as Americans mark the date when thirteen U.S. states declared their independence from England in 1776. |
| 1st Monday in September | Labor Day | Honor the contributions and efforts of hard workers throughout the country. |
| 2nd Monday in October | Columbus Day | Pay tribute to Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally thought of as the discoverer of the Americas in 1492. |
| Last Thursday in November | Thanksgiving Day | Feast on a traditional meal that commemorates the dinner shared by the Pilgrims (first settlers of the thirteen colonies) and the Native Americans. |
| 25 December | Christmas Day |
Celebrate the birth of Christ, leader of the Christian faith, by exchanging gifts with family and friends. |
Table from: American culture, International Students website, https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/way-of-life/american-culture/