Blog Post Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano

Spooky Fun at United International College and United Language Institute: Celebrating Halloween 2024

On October 31, 2024, United International College (UIC) and United Language Institute (ULI) were transformed into a festive, Halloween wonderland. For many domestic and international students, this was not just another evening on the calendar. It was a chance to embrace American traditions, share Halloween excitement, and make lasting memories with friends and classmates. For many international students, this was their first-ever Halloween celebration, and it was an experience they will never forget!

A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays in the United States, and UIC and ULI joined in the fun with their annual celebration that brings together students from around the world. Whether you were carving pumpkins, dressing in creative costumes, or wrapping friends up as mummies, the celebration is always filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a touch of spooky spirit.

The festivities kicked off with a Pumpkin Carving Contest. Pumpkins were handed out, and students eagerly got to work, wielding carving tools to turn the pumpkins into works of art—some spooky, some funny, and others just plain quirky. For many international students, this was their first time carving a pumpkin, an iconic Halloween activity that is often unfamiliar in their home countries. The air was filled with laughter, as students shared tips and marveled at each other’s designs.

Students poured their creativity into the competition, and the result was a dazzling array of jack-o’-lanterns, each reflecting a unique twist on Halloween. Some carved traditional creepy faces, while others went for more imaginative or cultural interpretations. The winner was the sophomore Business Administration tennis student-athlete, Savano Hanna, a native of The Bahamas and first time carving a pumpkin. Every student who participated walked away with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for this fun and quirky American tradition.

Costumes, Contest, and Creative Fun

Of course, no Halloween celebration is complete without costumes! The UIC and ULI Halloween event encouraged everyone to come dressed in their best (or most amusing) attire. Students embraced the spirit of the day, showing off everything from spooky Jokers and ghosts.

Mummy Madness: Toilet Paper Wrap Race

Students also enjoyed the Toilet Paper Mummy Wrap Race. Students teamed up to wrap each other up in toilet paper as quickly as possible, creating the most convincing mummies. Laughter echoed through the UIC Campus garden as teams frantically raced against the clock, struggling to keep their mummies intact. It was a hilarious sight to see students—some of them from halfway around the world—wrapped up in layers of toilet paper, with only their eyes peeking out from beneath the gauzy layers. The fun and excitement of the competition helped build camaraderie among students, whether they were from the United States or abroad.

Looking Forward to Next Year’s Haunting Celebration

The Halloween Annual Celebration is an opportunity for international and domestic students alike to step outside of their comfort zones, try something new, and experience a slice of American culture joyfully and engagingly. Many students expressed how much they enjoyed seeing familiar traditions from a different perspective and how much they appreciated the chance to connect with others from all over the world.

As the students returned to their studies, they took with them not just new skills in carving pumpkins or wrapping mummies, but a deeper connection to each other and to the spirit of Halloween. Who knows what next year’s celebration will bring? One thing’s for sure—if Halloween 2024 was any indication, it will be bigger, spookier, and even more fun!

Happy Halloween from United International College and United Language Institute!