Easter is a religious holiday celebrated in countries all over the world, and although the basic celebration is generally the same, each culture has its own traditions. Some of the most random (and exciting) traditions take place in Italy! What can one expect when spending Easter in beautiful Italia? Well, you will not find many chocolate bunnies like here in the United States, but the Italians do love their chocolate. On Easter morning, it is tradition to give giant hollow chocolate eggs to children and loved ones. These eggs come beautifully wrapped, but are quickly destroyed as the receiver
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The U.S. Department of State sponsored an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) multi‑regional project entitled “Strong Cities: Building Community Resilience to Radicalization and Violent Extremism,” administered by Meridian International Center and conducted from February 27 to March 19, 2016. Starting in Washington DC with the Project opening, the Strong Cities Network participants were exposed to American system of federal and state government, U.S. government efforts to counter violent extremism, the roles of community engagement, youth alienation, and women preventing violent extremism.  In 22 days, the 19 participants visited 5 cities and explored various themes that work together to build
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Mathematics is a language unto itself, frequently referred to as the “universal language.”  Early evidence of the mere thought of mathematics dates back to prehistoric times, in which our ancestors kept track of things by notching tally’s and marks into bones.  Sumerian and Babylonian mathematics was a base 60 numeric system, which could be counted physically using the twelve knuckles on one hand and the five fingers on the other hand.  Babylonian tablets between 1800 and 1600 BC cover topics like fractions, algebra, and methods used to solve cubic equations.  One tablet lists the squares of numbers up to
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Indiana’s Relationship with Germany Indiana and Germany’s bond is solidified by a strong heritage, with many Hoosiers having German roots. From the Indiana German Heritage Society to the Max Kade German-American Center of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, to Amish Acres in Nappanee, the German culture is integral to the fabric of our state. Many cities and towns have a German-American club. There are also German singing and dance groups as well as sports clubs. From the harmonies of one of the nation’s oldest continuously active singing organizations, to the presence of gymnasiums in public schools to the Soldiers’
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This January, The International Center welcomed eight new Interns! From India to Indiana, these students and graduates will be bringing their diverse experience and skills to The Center.  One aspect of their internship experience includes posting a blog entry related to the department they work in, adding to the value of the blog!  Without further ado, let’s introduce the 2016 Spring Interns! Global Competency Training Intern – Allison Butler ¡Hola! Ciao! Hello! I’m Allison Butler and I am the Global Competency Training Intern. I help local and foreign companies become more globally aware and culturally sensitive. I’m currently a
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Jane Austen, an English romantic novelist once wrote, “There are as many forms of love as there are moments in time.” In Japan, for example gestures are often considered unnecessary forms of expression while the French tend to be more open when displaying gestures of love. Some cultures, like Costa Rica, who are warm in their affection, will often show endearment even to strangers. Valentine’s Day is just one day specific to expressing love and showing affection toward your significant other. Whether you spent the day relaxing with your family, taking your significant other out for a nice dinner,
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New Year’s Eve celebrations take place all around the world, on December 31st.  That is, if you are following the Gregorian calendar…  To determine Festival dates, Chinese culture still utilizes the Lunar Calendar, which simply counts the moon cycles from one spring to the next.  Chinese months begin with a new moon, about every 29 1/2 days.  The start of the new moon Spring cycle for 2016 began on February 8 and marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year! 2016 is the year of the Monkey! But what exactly does this mean? The Monkey is the 9th of
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Throughout history, what is now known as the month of December has almost always been a time for joining together with family, celebrating the season, and reflecting on the past year. There are dozens of different December holidays celebrated around the world. With this blog post, we decided to explore tranquil winter family celebrations from three different international cultures and religions. We at The International Center wish you a warm and wonderful holiday season, no matter which December holiday – or holidays – you celebrate! Bodhi Day Celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese
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Canada In Canada, there is no federal department of education or integrated system for education. Instead, each individual province or territory has departments and ministries responsible for education, which are led by elected officials. These departments and ministries provide administrative support and financial management for educational institutions. Funding for Canadian public education comes directly from provincial or territorial government (i.e. taxes). Regulations are set up to provide grants to schools based on number of students, special needs, and location. Most provinces or territories mandate public school attendance for all children aged 6 through 16. Approximately 98% of elementary  school students go onto secondary education: high school. Secondary
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France Baguettes, cheese, and wine comprise a basic French meal. Fresh ingredients are a must, & meals are prepared with care. Lunch is 2 hours long. Some businesses close for as long as 5 hours because of lunch. Most famous French dishes are regional specialties. Ingredients used in special dishes vary by geographic region. All great French cuisine is premised upon the careful preparation of fresh ingredients. France’s most essential traditional dish typically consists of bread, cheese, and wine. In France, individual meal portion size is generally much smaller than it is in America. The French widely consider breakfast to be the least important meal
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