This Week at the Tutorium

It’s midterm break week!!! Since there are NO classes this week in the IEP, you might be catching up on your sleep or wondering what I should do this week. Well, the midterm break can be a great opportunity to explore Chicago, meet new people, and practice your English.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Visit a Museum: Chicago museums are one of the great things about living in the city. There is always something fun to learn from the Chicago History Museum to the Museum of Science and Industry. Some museums even offer free admission days for Chicago residents. You might even find a discounted admission ticket for students. Find a friend and plan a day to visit one of the museums on the list. For a list of Chicago museums, read more>>. UIC students get free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago when they show their student ID.

English Tip: Go to the museum’s website. Read about one of their exhibits. Maybe write down two questions. Then, visit the museum and learn more about the exhibit. Even try to ask a tour guide one of your questions.

2. Explore a Neighborhood: Chicago is known for its diversity. One way to get to know the people and cultures in Chicago is by exploring the neighborhoods. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Pilsen, Little Italy, and Andersonville are filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, and amazing places to visit. For a list of Chicago neighborhoods, read more>>.

English Tip: Choose one of the neighborhoods to explore, and then grab a friend and check it out. While exploring, try out a restaurant, check out a shop, and even try a fun attraction. Then, write an article about all the fun you had exploring and learning about the neighborhood. Don’t forget to submit your article to the newsletter. We would love to hear from you!

3. Attend Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Experience autumn and all its beauty at Lincoln Park’s Fall Fest. There are so many fun fall things to do, like picking pumpkins, tasting hot cider, enjoying s’mores, and even riding some fun rides (you’ll have to buy tickets for the rides). While at Fall Fest, you can even explore the zoo and see some cool animals. Grab a friend or two and head to Lincoln Park’s Fall Fest. Admission to the zoo is free! To learn more about the fall festival at Lincoln Park Zoo, read more>>.

English Tip: Invite a friend to enjoy the day with you. But you must follow one rule: SPEAK ENGLISH ONLY! When you get stuck and can’t think of an English word or phrase, try circumlocution. Soon you’ll find that speaking English is fun with friends.

The second Monday in October is a US holiday with two possible names: Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day. How can a holiday have two names? Here is the story.

Columbus Day celebrates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. Christopher Columbus, an Italian-born explorer, believed the world was not flat but round. On August 3, 1492, with the help of the Spanish king and queen, he set sail to prove that the earth was round. His quest brought knowledge of the "New World" (the lands of North, Central, and South America) to Europe and changed the history of the world.

However, the celebration of Columbus’ part in history is also quite controversial because it ignores the fact that the Americas were populated with many other peoples (Indigenous people) long before the Europeans knew of the lands. Celebrating Columbus ignores the fact that Columbus and other explorers enslaved Indigenous people and that the European travelers also brought deadly diseases (smallpox) that killed many Native Americans. It ignores the terrible history that followed for Indigenous peoples across the Americas. This holiday is a day of pain and loss for many, specifically Native Americans.

Because of this history, many Americans have begun to recognize this day as Indigenous Peoples' Day in honor of the lives and contributions that Native Americans have made to this country. To learn more, read Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day, and Columbus Day Controversy.

Tuesday, October 21st, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, Grant Hall Room 308
Come practice your English and learn more about American culture! This month’s conversation hour is all about preparing for winter and the fun fall/winter activities. Light lunch, popcorn, and snacks for you to enjoy. Bring a friend and plan to be at our next English conversation hour.

UIC is inviting you to a bone-chilling week of Halloween activities! From brain-melting escape rooms to horror movies to scavenger hunts to soul-defining rock climbing, come join us in activities throughout this Hallo-Week. There will be events for everyone, even those who want to enjoy the Halloween spirit without the terror!

Date: October 27-31

For more information, please visit here if you dare...

Wednesday, November 19th
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join OIS for a Thanksgiving dinner! All UIC international students are invited to a FREE Thanksgiving meal, which will include foods like roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and more. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options will also be included.

Registration for this event will open on October 22. Keep checking the newsletter for more information!