Ramadan is a special month for Muslims that comes once every year and lasts about 30 days. It is the ninth month in Islamic calendar and the time changes every year. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, which means they do not eat or drink during the day. It is time for prayer, reflection and becoming closer to God.

Muslims fast because it helps them learn patience and self-control and feel how poor people live. During fasting time, Muslims pray more, read the Qur'an and try to do good. At sunset, families eat a meal called Iftar and before sunrise they eat Suhoor. Ramadan is not only about food but also about improving behavior and thinking positively. In Ramadan, people should avoid bad habits like arguing or saying bad words instead try to be kind, patient and helpful. Muslims pray more and read the Qur'an and try to avoid bad habits.

After Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr which is a happy holiday. People wear new clothes, visit family and friends and eat special food and sweets. Children receive gifts and money and everyone feels joy and happiness. Eid is a beautiful celebration that marks the end of fasting and brings families together.

In conclusion, Ramadan is a peaceful and meaningful month that brings families together and reminds people to be kind and thankful.

Meet the Writer:

Amani Shehadeh is from Palestine. Her hobbies are swimming and riding horses. These activities help her to relax and have fun. Her goal is to get a master's degree at UIC in social work.

Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration held on February 14th, dedicated to expressing love and affection between intimate partners, friends, and family. It is widely recognized as a day for romantic gestures, gift-giving, and acts of appreciation.

On Thursday, February 12th, the students and teachers at the Tutorium English program gathered to celebrate Valentine’s Day. There were group activities such as decorating heart-shaped cookies, making crafts or decorated cards, and chatting with classmates from other classes.

The Tutorium students talked about how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in their countries. They also had the opportunity to practice English and enjoy some sweets.

In your country, do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? How do you celebrate it?

Meet the Writer:

Alexandra Paredes is from Mexico. Her hobby is hiking. Her goal is to speak very well and also complete a career at the university.

Fun Facts:

My family has 3 dogs, and they are all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

I play in a community band (like an orchestra, not like a K-pop band). I taught myself how to play the trombone and have been playing with the band for over 5 years. I've played in it with all 3 of my children over the years.

I have been at the Tutorium since 1998.

I can help you...

in conversation, with confidence, to smile.

We are halfway through the semester, and midterms are just around the corner. It seems like there are so many papers, projects, and homework that you can’t keep up with it all. You might be feeling a little overwhelmed and very tired. Sometimes, the life of a university student can be stressful. The good news is that you don’t have to walk this journey along. UIC and its campus community are here for you. There are so many resources available. Here are just a few: 

To learn more about all the resources available to help you finish the semester strong read more>>. 

Every semester, the Tutorium does research to improve our program. We collect information from both teachers and students. The course evaluations ask students 10 questions. You may also write comments, which we encourage you to do.

These questions are about the course, about your own work for the class, and the teacher. These surveys are anonymous. Your answers will not affect your grades.

After the semester is over, our Director and your teacher will look at your comments, and the Administrative staff will study the statistical information for the whole program. 

Thank you for helping us improve our program and participating in this evaluation system.

Though these are general office hours for global students to drop in, staff will also focus on various topics each visit, as outlined above.

Tuesdays from 11-12 AM in AH110

February 24: Advising

March 10: Mid-Point Check-in

April 7: I-20 Renewal, holds, and registration

April 21:I-20 Renewal, holds, and registration

April 28: Finals Week Support

International students (F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2 visa) must complete a U.S. tax form. (We know, it's crazy, but you really need to do it anyway.) 

How to complete Tax Form 8843

Visit AH 105 if you have any questions. But first, try it yourself. It is simple. 

Last Tuesday, in the spirit of Valentine's Day we spoke about love over pizza and cookies. Join us in March for the next one! 

If you’re ever looking for something fun to do on campus, check out the UIC Today Events page. From sports events to Spark events, there’s always something going on right here at UIC. Grab a friend and find an event to attend! Don’t forget to write about your experience and submit your writing to the newsletter. We would love to hear from you! 

Do you enjoy theater? Are you a fan of tragedies? If your answer is yes, here's an opportunity for you! UIC's School of Theater and Music is producing the play "Sweat." Bring a friend or a classmate and see this fantastic production. Tickets are only $5 for UIC Students. Click here to buy your ticket.

English Practice Tips:

This Week: Midterm exams. You got this!

Next Week: Midterm Break. No classes March 2-6, 2026

After the Break: Classes resume on Monday, March 9th. 

Email questions to tutorium@uic.edu.
Or contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.