Offered in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, November (2nd week only)

*Designed for 5th-12th grades

During its 62 years of operation, over 12 million immigrants made the difficult journey to Ellis Island enduring medical examinations, legal inspections, and language barriers to settle in America. (Simulation and role-play experience for students.)

• Designed for 5th-12th grades
• Offered at the International Cultural Center only
• Program time:  2 hours  (approximately)
• Not available in October and December

Offered on specific dates: September 14, October 5, March 8, March 22, May 10

* Designed for 4th-7th grades and GT classes

K-12 GEO is excited to partner with the National Ranching Heritage Center for this program exploring the influence of European culture on the development of Texas. Students will examine the effect of cultural contributions on daily pioneer life from countries such as: Germany, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, and England.

• Available dates at the International Cultural Center: September 13th, October 4th, November 1st, February 24th, March 7th, May 2nd, May 7th, and May 9th 
• Designed for 4th and 7th grades only
• Programs will begin at the International Cultural Center and end outdoors at the NRHC.  Program time: 2 hours 
• "On The Road" option available upon request.  Program time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
  • Not available during the months of October and December

Offered in October and November (Community Celebration at ICC on October 28)

* Designed for K-12th grades

Steeped in ancient Aztec rituals and blended with Spanish colonial culture, El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) honors deceased loved ones. This festive holiday is celebrated throughout Mexico, Central and South America, as well as areas of the United States. 

• Designed for 1st-12th grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• * Note: Colored icing for sugar skulls could stain clothing. Please ask students to dress appropriately
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour 
• Available October 1st- November 1st

Offered in October and November

* Designed for K-12th grades

Though customs and traditions vary from state to state, Diwali- the Festival of Lights- is considered by many Indians as the most important celebration of the year. The use of light during the festivities signifies inner peace and the victory of good over evil. Students will explore the many traditions of Diwali including the use of the rangoli and the diya pot.

• Designed for K-12th grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in September, October and November

* Designed for K-12th grades

In Japan, Obon is an annual event commemorating one's ancestors. Though customs vary across regions, students will learn about traditional dances and the use of lanterns that are often part of the festivities.

• Designed for K-12th grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
• Not available in October and December

Offered on December 8-9

* Designed for K-5th grades

Weihnachtsfest is a celebration of German Christmas traditions. K-12 GEO partners with Texas Tech's Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures department to present German customs and language, a Puppenspiel (puppet show), German Christmas carols, and various cultural activities and crafts.

• Designed for K-5th grades
• Program time: 2 hours
• Because these programs are booked to accommodate large groups from multiple campuses, the session times are pre-determined for both the morning and afternoon sessions. (9:30-11:00 and 12:30-2:00)
• We advise booking your reservation at least 2-3 months in advance due to the popularity of this program
• Available on December 6th and 7th 

Offered on December 1-2, December 5-7 and December 12-16

* Designed for K-6th grades

Every culture speaks a language of light, each with its own traditions and meanings. This program examines the history and cultural significance of light festivals around the world.

• Designed for K-5th grades
• Program time: 2 hours 
  
• Because these programs are booked to accommodate large groups from multiple campuses, the session times are pre-determined for both the morning and afternoon sessions. (9:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30)
• We advise booking your reservation at least 2-3 months in advance due to the popularity of this program
• Available on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19

Offered in January

* Designed for K-5th grades

Lunar New Year is often considered the most joyous of celebrations lasting sometimes more than a week. Traditional customs the students will explore include: time with family, the sharing of red envelopes, dragon dances, and traditional foods.

• Designed for K-5th grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December 

Offered in March, April and May

* Designed for 6-12th grades only

Throughout Chinese history, calligraphy has long been valued as a visual art form.  Students will explore the history of calligraphy and examine the influence of the Chinese zodiac on daily life. Exploring both calligraphy and the Chinese zodiac demonstrates the value placed on literacy and self-expression in the Chinese culture.

• Designed for 6-12th grades only
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December 

Offered in February and March

* Designed for K-12th grades

The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley. Traditionally a semi-nomadic people, the rich culture of the Maasai includes communal living, herding, intricate beading, and coming-of-age warrior traditions. Students will explore the rich culture of the Maasai people.

• Designed for K-2nd grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in February, March and May

* Designed for 3rd- 12th grades and adults

Throughout Africa, masks are used in religious ceremonies and social events combining both human and sometimes animal features to connect man with his natural environment. Beading is also a prominent part of both the culture and economy of Africa. Beading customs are used not only in coming-of-age ceremonies, but also as a form of eco-tourism bringing much needed income to the families of the region. By learning about the traditions of mask making and beading the students will explore the rich culture of Africa. 

• Designed for 3rd- 12th grades 
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in March and April

* Designed for K-12th grades

The Holi festival welcomes spring and celebrates the triumph of good over evil with the legend of Holika and the throwing of color. Elephants have long been revered in India, appearing on temples and bestowing blessings on devoted Hindus.  During the annual elephant festivals they are dressed in the finest costumes and painted with bright colors to parade through towns.    

• Designed for K-12th grades
• Note: Colored powder could stain clothing. Please ask students to dress       appropriately.
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• Not available in October and December

Offered in April, May, August and September

* Designed for K-12th grades

Originally celebrated in northern India, Raksha Bandhan is traditionally a Hindu celebration honoring the special bond between brothers and sisters. Today, the practice varies across the country and also includes other relationships not limited to immediate family.  

• Designed for K-12th grades
• Program time: 1 ½-2 hours
• "On The Road" available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in April, May, September and October

* Designed for grades K-12 and adults

Located in the remote regions of the Sierra Madre mountains, the Huichol people have managed to maintain most of their traditional culture and practices. As a result, their artwork continues to reflect their deep religious devotion and connection to the beautiful environment in which they live. 

• Designed for grades 1st-12th
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in April, May, September and October

* Designed for 3rd – 12th grades

Though papermaking traces back to the ancient Chinese culture, it can be seen in many different forms throughout the world. Living in the central plateau region of Mexico the Nahua and Otomi people continue to practice a traditional art of papermaking using Amate bark. 

• Designed for grades: 3rd – 12th grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in May

* Designed for K-2nd grades only

Cinco de Mayo recognizes Mexico's victory in the Battle of Puebla. Celebrated May 5th in Mexico (primarily the state of Puebla) and also in regions across the United States, this holiday has become a source of pride for Mexican-Americans as a way to honor and celebrate their ethnicity and cultural heritage.

• Designed for grades: K-2nd 
• International Cultural Center program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• "On The Road" option available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December 

Offered in May

* Designed for 3rd – 5th grades

Originally celebrated as Boys' Day, today this national holiday honors the individual strengths of children in Japan. Unique traditions and decorations, such as the Koinobori (Carp fish kites), bring wishes of good fortune and symbolize the desire for children to become strong and brave individuals as they mature. 

• Designed for 3rd – 6th grades
• Program time: 1 ½-2 hours
• "On The Road" available upon request. Program time: 45 min - 1 hour
• Not available in October and December

Offered in January, February, March, April, May, August, September

* Designed for 2nd-12th grades, GT classes

Music and dance have been used for generations as a form of social interaction in which people celebrate customs, express emotions, explain relationships, and pass-down oral traditions. This program explores the music and dance traditions of various regions of the world.

• Designed for 3rd-12th grades
• International Cultural Center program time: 2 hours
• Not available in October and December