Monthly Archives: October 2012

International Education Week – November 12 – 16, 2012

IEW

This important week, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education, is observed across the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world. It is always celebrated the week before the American Thanksgiving holiday. International Education Week is an opportunity for au pairs and exchange students to share with their host communities information about their culture, history, government, language, food, holidays school systems and traditions.

International Education week would be a great time for au pairs to volunteer to share their culture and customs with schools, libraries or other organizations in their local communities. American children and adults are always curious about other cultures and customs, and au pairs can provide them with a wealth of valuable, interesting information. For more information about International Education Week, visit their website: http://iew.state.gov/
Rhode Island Au pairs who would like assistance planning their presentation can refer to Au Pair in America’s Global Awareness Website or contact your community counselor.

Au Pairs who offer a cultural presentation during International Education Week will receive recognition on the IEW website and will receive a letter of appreciation from Au Pair in America.

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Columbus Day

Columbus Day is celebrated in the USA on the second Monday in October. It is a day in which we celebrated Christopher Columbus’ trip from Spain to Hispaniola, North America in 1492. He was sent by King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella of Spain. Columbus’ crew sailed on the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus was looking for a faster route to the far east (Asia) in order to trade for valuable spices. Instead, he found North America, after sailing for five weeks. The ship Santa Maria sank in Hispaniola, but the Niña and the Pinta both made it back to Spain.