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
• Program time: 2 hours

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 cultural contributions from countries such as; Germany, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, and England, as well as daily pioneer life and American Indian traditions.

• * Designed for 4th-7th grades and GT classes
• * Program dates and sizes are limited
• Programs will begin at the International Cultural Center and end at the NRHC.
• Each program's activities will be based on the availability of performers, group size, and weather.
• Program time: 2-3 hours

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 K-12th grades
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• * Note: Colored icing for sugar skulls could stain clothing. Please ask students to dress appropriately

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.

• * Designed for K-12th grades
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours

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, dances and the use of lanterns are often part of the festivities.

• * Designed for K-12th grades
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours

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: 1 ½ 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

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-6th grades
• Program time: 1 ½ 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)
• It is offered for approximately 10 days during December. (AM/PM sessions)
• We advise booking your reservation at least 2-3 months in advance due to the popularity of this program

Offered in January

* Designed for K-5th grades

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

• * Designed for K-5th grades
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours

Offered in March, April and May

* Designed for 6-12th grades only

Throughout Chinese history, calligraphy and paper cutting have long been valued as visual art forms. Exploring both art forms demonstrates the value placed on literacy and self-expression in Chinese culture.

• * Designed for 6-12th grades only
• Program time: 1 - 1 ½ hours

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.

• * Designed for K-12th grades
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours

Offered in February, March and May

* Designed for 3rd- 12th grades and adults

In Ghana, 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 in Ghana. 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.

• * Designed for 3rd- 12th grades and adults
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours

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 Hindu’s. Though they are mostly used as working animals, during the annual elephant festivals they are dressed in the finest costumes and painted with bright colors to parade through towns for the tourists.

• * Designed for K-12th grades
• * Note: Colored powder could stain clothing. Please ask students to dress appropriately.
• Program time: 1 ½ hours

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 hours

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 Indians 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 K-12 and adults
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours

Offered in April, May, September and October

* Designed for 3rd – 12th grades

Living in the central plateau region of Mexico the Nahua-Otomi Indians continue to practice the traditional art of paper-making and Amate (bark painting).

• * Designed for 3rd – 12th grades
• Program time: 1-1 ½ hours

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 K-2nd grades only
• Program time: 1-1 ½ hours

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 – 5th grades
• Program time: 1-1 ½ hours

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 2nd-12th grades, GT classes
• Program time: 1 ½ - 2 hours
• * This program is based on the availability of performers