Kaplan International Languages has been sold to Inspirit Capital. Kaplan Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim all content and material appearing herein. Use of the KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES brand is under a transitional license from Kaplan, Inc.
Learn more

Culture

Learn about international cultures and customs to prepare for your trip abroad

Stay up to date on important Kaplan news.

SIGN UP NOW

title

Featured articles

Thanskgiving celebration
5 min read
22 November 2024

An International Student’s Guide to Thanksgiving in the USA

Ask any American what their favorite holiday is, and nine times out of 10 they’ll tell you that it’s Thanksgiving. At the very least, they’ll admit that it’s the best day of the year for food 😉 But this holiday means more than just all the treats you get to eat — it’s a time for gratitude, celebration, and community. If you’ve just moved to the USA and want to understand more about why Thanksgiving is so important to the country, then keep reading. ...
students with light torch
6 min read
31 October 2023

UK Celebrations: The Origin of Firework Night!

If you’ve ever been to the UK during November, you may have noticed that for one night only, the nation celebrates Bonfire Night by getting together to watch a dummy called Guy Fawkes burn on a blazing bonfire. ...
people cheering in a bar
4 min read
17 May 2013

Fun Facts about the Eurovision Song Contest

What is Eurovision? Eurovision is one of the world's longest running TV talent shows, and has been broadcast since 1956. Here are a few fun facts about Eurovision that we've dug up:...
3 persons talking together in a Kaplan school
5 min read
9 February 2023

How to use small talk in English

If you’ve moved to an English-speaking country, you might notice that many locals will talk about rather mundane topics – such as the weather, current affairs or a recent social event – while waiting for the bus or waiting for a meeting to begin. This practice is known as ‘small talk’ and is an important social custom. ...
students laughing together in Liverpool
4 min read
4 February 2021

Top 10 must know Cockney rhyming slang phrases

Have you ever gone for a ‘cuff link’ at the local ‘bath tub’ and forgotten your ‘bees and honey’? How about taken the ‘London fog’ for a ‘ball of chalk’ but got totally ‘Kate Mossed’ in the ‘do me goods’?...
students smiling in edinburgh
9 min read
24 July 2023

Different British Accents

When most non-UK people think of British accents, they often think of the posh ‘Queen’s English’....

An International Student’s Guide to Thanksgiving in the USA

Thanskgiving celebration
5 min read
22 November 2024
An International Student’s Guide to Thanksgiving in the USA
Ask any American what their favorite holiday is, and nine times out of 10 they’ll tell you that it’s Thanksgiving. At the very least, they’ll admit that it’s the best day of the year for food 😉 But this holiday means more than just all the treats you get to eat — it’s a time for gratitude, celebration, and community. If you’ve just moved to the USA and want to understand more about why Thanksgiving is so important to the country, then keep reading. ...

UK Celebrations: The Origin of Firework Night!

students with light torch
6 min read
31 October 2023
UK Celebrations: The Origin of Firework Night!
If you’ve ever been to the UK during November, you may have noticed that for one night only, the nation celebrates Bonfire Night by getting together to watch a dummy called Guy Fawkes burn on a blazing bonfire. ...

Different British Accents

students smiling in edinburgh
9 min read
24 July 2023
Different British Accents
When most non-UK people think of British accents, they often think of the posh ‘Queen’s English’....
Want to stay up to date on all things Kaplan?
students walking in the outdoor

Get all the latest updates on new products, courses and destinations!

Sign up today!

How to use small talk in English

3 persons talking together in a Kaplan school
5 min read
9 February 2023
How to use small talk in English
If you’ve moved to an English-speaking country, you might notice that many locals will talk about rather mundane topics – such as the weather, current affairs or a recent social event – while waiting for the bus or waiting for a meeting to begin. This practice is known as ‘small talk’ and is an important social custom. ...

5 International Writers Who Have Been Translated in English

girl reading a book
7 min read
10 February 2021
5 International Writers Who Have Been Translated in English
As booklovers across the world know, great works of fiction come from all different cities and continents. English is the international language of communication, and it is common for many popular writers to have their work translated into English....

Top 10 must know Cockney rhyming slang phrases

students laughing together in Liverpool
4 min read
4 February 2021
Top 10 must know Cockney rhyming slang phrases
Have you ever gone for a ‘cuff link’ at the local ‘bath tub’ and forgotten your ‘bees and honey’? How about taken the ‘London fog’ for a ‘ball of chalk’ but got totally ‘Kate Mossed’ in the ‘do me goods’?...

Fun Facts about Parties

students at a party
5 min read
1 February 2021
Fun Facts about Parties
Whether it’s a tea party, New Year’s Eve, Glastonbury Festival or the Rio Carnival, everybody loves letting their hair down in one way or another. Partying is a tradition that goes back to the beginning of time, and many of the most fascinating stories throughout history end (or begin with!) celebrations. Here are some fascinating facts about some of the most interesting parties and party-goers in history: ...
kaplan-blog-category-card-brochure-download
Find the destination of your dreams

Discover Kaplan’s outstanding range of worldwide schools! Which one is the perfect location for your study adventure? Find out today!

Download our free brochure!

Where do Leprechauns Come From?

girl in dublin
27 January 2021
Where do Leprechauns Come From?
Here at Kaplan we take St. Patrick's Day pretty seriously, especially at our English school in Dublin. So we're getting ready for our big St. Paddy's week-long event with lots of fun facts about green beer, shamrocks, and leprechauns!...

Fun Facts: Meal Time Habits

girl cooking with a host
22 October 2020
Fun Facts: Meal Time Habits
All humans eat to survive. They also eat to express appreciation, for a sense of belonging, as part of family customs, and for self-realization. For example, someone who is not hungry may eat a piece of cake that has been baked in his or her honor....

Fun Facts: Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Woman with skull make-up
5 min read
22 October 2020
Fun Facts: Dia De Muertos (Day of the Dead)
The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday famous for its positive attitude towards death. Friends and family gather together to pray for and remember their loved ones who are no longer living. It is a festive and colorful celebration lasting three days, and remains a defining part of Mexican culture....