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Giorgio Cappuccinelli ‹ EF Academy Blog

<p>Halloween is coming and people from different countries are preparing to celebrate according to their own traditions. The following are 10 of the most unique Halloween celebrations from all over the world.</p>
<h3><strong>Scotland and Ireland </strong></h3>
<p>Many modern Halloween traditions originate from the pagan Celtic population that once lived in these two countries. On the 31st of October, a festival named Samhain was originally used to celebrate the Celtic New Year. This included the bonfires, games, traditional foods and fortune telling that are still part of Halloween celebrations today.</p>
<h3><strong>USA </strong></h3>
<p>Halloween was brought over to the US by Irish immigrants in the 19th century and quickly became an occasion to celebrate and organise parties. Traditions include children knocking door to door asking for ‘trick or treat’ and the carved pumpkin lanterns that can be seen everywhere on the night of the 31st.</p>
<h3><strong>Italy</strong></h3>
<p>In Italy, Catholic and Halloween traditions are intertwined in the celebration of Ognissanti. Between the night of the 31st and the 1st of November, a feast is held to remember and honour the Saints.</p>
<h3><strong>Romania </strong></h3>
<p>Halloween in Romania is a great opportunity to learn more about the legend of Count Dracula, the world’s most intriguing vampire.  Some residents and tourists may take impressive trips to his castle, while others wait until the 30th of November to celebrate Noaptea Strigoilor – the Night of the Spirits.</p>
<h3><strong>Slovakia </strong></h3>
<p>Another interesting tradition comes from this little country where one chair for each member of the family, dead and alive, is positioned in a room that usually features a fireplace.</p>
<h3><strong>Austria </strong></h3>
<p>Many families in Austria leave a table with food, drink and a lantern to welcome the spirits of relatives and close friends that will come to visit during the night.</p>
<h3><strong>Mexico </strong></h3>
<p>El Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated to honour those family members who are not of this world anymore.  A table is prepared where the family place food, calveritas (poems written for the dead) and cempasuchil (flowers). A drawing on the floor is then made to lead the spirits of relatives to the table.</p>
<h3><strong>Germany </strong></h3>
<p>Before the arrival of night, traditional German families will make sure all the knives in the house are safely stored. This ensures that any souls of the dead coming to visit them will not get hurt.</p>
<h3><strong>China </strong></h3>
<p>In many Asian countries, where Halloween is not part of their cultural identity, other similar celebrations have evolved. A festival called Teng Chieh usually occurs during summer. People believe that spirits revisit the world for one day and for this reason lanterns are turned on to help them find their way.</p>
<h3><strong>Japan </strong></h3>
<p>Similar to this is the Japanese Obon Festival. During this festivity, of Buddhist origins, people celebrate the return of the spirits of their ancestors. Everything ends with lanterns which are set free on the river to symbolise the return of the spirits from the world of the dead.</p>
<p>Even if in your country there are no strong Halloween traditions, it’s still an excellent opportunity to learn more about other cultures and to get involved with charity events. So happy Halloween, however you’ll be celebrating!</p>
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<p>Across our three EF Academy campuses, we have students representing near to a hundred different countries and cultures.</p>
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Halloween is coming and people from different countries are preparing to celebrate according to their own traditions. The following are 10 of the most unique Halloween celebrations from all over the world. Scotland and Ireland Many modern Halloween traditions originate from the pagan Celtic population that once lived in these two countries. On the 31st …

10 Halloween traditions from around the world - EF Academy Blog

10 Halloween traditions from around the world ‹ EF Academy Blog

10 Halloween traditions from around the world

10 halloween traditions around world

<p>Oxford is surrounded by an international atmosphere that is also reflected in its culture and food. For this reason, you can choose between a wide range of restaurants that sometimes might make it complicated to make a decision that everyone agrees on. In order to prevent a lengthy discussion with your friends that leaves everybody starving, this is a list of five eats that will make everyone happy.</p>
<h3>1. Taberu</h3>
<p>This Japanese sushi bar and restaurant located in Cowley Road is one of the top Asian restaurants in Oxford. Here you can have a real taste of the oriental cuisine thanks to both elegant sushi, as the Uramaki spider roll, and exquisite main dishes like the chicken Katsudon.</p>
<h3>2. Franco Manca</h3>
<p>If you prefer to go for some Italian food, you should give a shot to Franco Manca. It is the perfect spot where you can try one of the best pizzas that you will ever find outside of Italy. It also gives you the opportunity to cleanse your palate with a generous portion of tiramisu.</p>
<h3>3. Five Guys</h3>
<p>When you feel too lazy to go out for a meal, nothing is better than a burger. Through the app of Deliveroo, you can easily order one of the different options that Five Guys offers and personalize it with all the toppings you choose. Not the perfect choice if you are on a diet, but sometimes you have to bend the rules.</p>
<h3>4. Bubble tea</h3>
<p>In Oxford, you will have to taste the bubble tea at least once. Initially a Taiwanese beverage, it is now offered worldwide in a wide range of formats and flavors. The best two shops are the Formosan Tea Bar and Chatime. Also, in this case, if you feel too lazy for a walk to the city center, you can always have your bubble tea delivered and sip it while you study with your peers.</p>
<h3>5. Heavenly dessert</h3>
<p>The name does not lie: this is definitively heaven for anyone craving sweets. It is a perfect place to chill with your friends while you all kill the anxieties of a long and strenuous week. The hint is to try the Chocolate brownie explosion: an outstanding chocolate fudge brownie teamed with two glorious scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and generously doused in Belgian milk chocolate sauce. If you’re also thirsty, add one of their many refreshing frappes and enjoy your diabetes. It might be worth it!</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>In this series, we’re gaining some local cultural insights from <a href="https://www.efacademy.com/oxford/">EF Academy</a> students. On today’s menu – a majorly important element of every destination – the food!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Stay tuned for next week when we head to the southwest of England and learn about <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/culture-classroom-4-top-eats-in-torbay/">Torbay’s top eats</a>.</em></p>

Oxford's surrounded by an international atmosphere that is also reflected in its culture and food. Here's a list of five eats that will make everyone happy.

Culture classroom: 5 tops eats in Oxford - EF Academy Blog

Culture classroom: 5 tops eats in Oxford ‹ EF Academy Blog

Culture classroom: 5 tops eats in Oxford

5 tops eats oxford

<p>The experience at EF Academy is not only about studying. And it doesn’t need to be. Studying every moment of the day, without putting down your books isn’t what life on campus is about. So here are some tips for students to make the most of their experiences in Oxford.</p>
<h3>1. Join the discussion</h3>
<p>You’ll attend classes every day, so make the most out of them. Instead of sleeping or thinking about something else, try to follow what the teachers say. You need to be brave, ask questions, and join the discussions. The lessons will always be way more fun when you’re interacting with them, so join the conversations in class.</p>
<h3>2. No time for procrastination</h3>
<p>Everyone would agree that it’s easy to procrastinate, but that’s why it’s so important to work hard and avoid it. Part of growing up means you’ll finally be able to organize your time without anyone telling you how to do it. <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/ultimate-high-school-checklist/">So map out your time</a> from the beginning of the year and you will get the best out of planning this experience.</p>
<h3>3. Study with your peers</h3>
<p>Another way to optimize your academic life is to find studying companions. Studying with your peers will probably be one of the most helpful experiences of your time at EF Academy Oxford. There’s always someone who has a gap in their knowledge but strength in others, so try to pair up with those who are strong in subjects you struggle with and vice versa. Better yet, form a study group and help each other out – a friend is sometimes way better than a teacher.</p>
<h3>4. The teachers are there for you</h3>
<p>However, if you and your friends don’t understand something, there’s always a teacher that will be willing to help you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; no one is going to judge you for that. There are many extra classes for students who are having some difficulties at the beginning, and there is no shame in joining them.</p>
<h3>5. Find your spot</h3>
<p>EF Academy Oxford is full of places where you can study. Whether you prefer to study alone in your bedroom or in the library with your friends, my suggestion is to explore and find a spot where you can be more productive. The students from our school are also allowed to access the Oxford Brooks University library, where you’ll find many useful sources and a Starbucks. What’s better than writing an essay with your own cup of mochaccino? Probably a lot of stuff, but this will still make your studies less arduous.</p>
<h3>6. Look all around</h3>
<p>One of the most significant <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/10-reasons-oxford-best-place-study/">advantages of living in Oxford</a> is that the city is one of the most outstanding and knowledgeable places around the world. The University of Oxford is known everywhere and you’ll have access to many of the lectures and events. Going there could be an occasion to revise that argument you’re writing in class, expand your interests, and get new experiences that will look wonderful on your university application. So, do it!</p>
<h3>7. Take time for your hobbies</h3>
<p>As stated above, school isn’t just about studying. You need to find your moments of distraction. Maybe by joining some of the school sports <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademynews/ef-academy-oxfords-cooking-club/">teams or clubs</a>. If you have always dreamt about doing the Model United Nations or if you like to play football and basketball, take your time for it. This is the moment of your life to do it – these opportunities won’t come twice!</p>
<h3>8. Take time for yourself</h3>
<p>The year will be stressful and plenty of ups and downs. For this reason, you will need time to treat yourself with some chocolate cake or hanging out with your friends. Sleep a bit more during the weekends or take some time to go out, you will not regret it!</p>
<h3>9. Independence, independence, independence</h3>
<p>You’re studying abroad, experiencing high school, aging – you’re becoming more independent each day. This means that you’ll have to keep your room tidy and do your own laundry. Try to organize your time, scheduling a time in the day to change the bed sheets or tidy up elsewhere.</p>
<h3>10. Explore</h3>
<p>Take time to explore the most beautiful spots around. Join the trip organized by the school or go to London with your friends on a weekend. Sometimes it’s good to take a break from studying and expand your knowledge about the place you live.</p>
<p>Pro tip: explore a lot when you’re still in the first year of your studies because during the next year you won’t have as much time.</p>
<p><center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C7LEUBQEyxU" width="560"></iframe></center></p>

The high school experience isn't only about studying. And it doesn't need to be. IB student Giorgio shows you what life on Oxford's campus is all about.

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Giorgio Cappuccinelli

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