Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on February 14, is one of the most well-known cultural holidays in the United States. While many people associate it with romantic relationships, Valentine’s Day in the U.S. goes far beyond couples. It is also a celebration of friendship, kindness, and connection — especially meaningful for international students studying English in the United States.
For students attending an English school in California, experiencing holidays like Valentine’s Day is a great way to immerse themselves in American culture while practicing English in real-life situations.
The origins of Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day date back to Ancient Rome. According to the most popular legend, Saint Valentine was a priest who secretly performed marriages at a time when the Roman emperor had banned them for young soldiers. Valentine was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, a date that eventually became associated with love and devotion.
Over time, especially in the United States and Europe, the holiday evolved into a celebration marked by cards, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt messages. By the 19th century, Valentine’s cards became widely popular in the U.S., shaping the modern celebration we know today.
How Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the United States
In the United States, Valentine’s Day is not only for romantic partners. Friends, classmates, teachers, coworkers, and even family members often exchange cards and small gifts. Schools, colleges, and language institutions frequently organize activities that encourage interaction and social bonding.
For international students studying English in Los Angeles or other parts of California, this inclusive approach makes Valentine’s Day a welcoming and culturally enriching experience.
Valentine’s Day around the world: cultural differences
One of the most interesting aspects of Valentine’s Day is how differently it is celebrated across countries:
Brazil 🇧🇷
In Brazil, Valentine’s Day (Dia dos Namorados) is celebrated on June 12, not in February. The focus is almost entirely on romantic couples, and the holiday is more intimate, with gifts and dinners between partners rather than group or school celebrations.
Japan 🇯🇵
In Japan, Valentine’s Day has a unique tradition: women give chocolates to men on February 14. These chocolates can represent romantic interest (honmei-choco) or social obligation (giri-choco). One month later, on White Day (March 14), men return the favor.
South Korea 🇰🇷
South Korea follows a similar tradition to Japan but adds monthly celebrations related to relationships. Valentine’s Day and White Day are widely observed, and there is even a Black Day (April 14) for single people to gather and eat black bean noodles.
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
In the UK, Valentine’s Day is closer to the traditional European style, focusing mainly on romantic partners. While cards and gifts are common, the holiday is less celebrated in schools compared to the United States.
These cultural contrasts help international students better understand how American traditions fit into a global context.
How we celebrate Valentine’s Day at our English school in California
As an English school in Los Angeles, we believe that learning English goes beyond textbooks and grammar. Every year, we celebrate Valentine’s Day to help students experience American culture firsthand.
Our celebrations usually include:
💌 Card exchanges between students, teachers, and staff
🍫 Chocolates and sweets shared throughout the campus
🎉 Interactive activities and games, which vary depending on what each campus coordinator plans
These activities create a friendly and inclusive environment where students can practice English naturally while connecting with people from different cultures.
Cultural immersion while studying English in Los Angeles
Celebrating holidays like Valentine’s Day allows international students to immerse themselves in American culture, improve communication skills, and feel more connected to life in the United States.
If you are looking for an English school in Los Angeles or an English school in California that values cultural experiences as part of language learning, participating in events like Valentine’s Day can make your journey even more meaningful.
Learning English is not just about the language — it’s about understanding the culture that comes with it.
