Smile Big World

Thank you for sharing your cultures with our community!

Dance performance in Charlotte celebrates the African diaspora Children from refugee and immigrant families took center stage at the Mint Museum in Charlotte on Wednesday night, performing traditional dances to celebrate Africa Day and the African diaspora.

What a wonderful local opportunity to help the immigrant student community prepare for the next school year!

Studying abroad or even visiting another country is a priviledge not everyone gets to experience, however it is life-changing to say the least. Having worked in the field of International Education for the past 30 years, I can say that the opportunities are much more abundant than ever before. Also, the need to get out and explore the world is more critical than ever.

Help begin this journey for the next generation by exposing your children, students, or community members to other cultures. This can be done by attending a community cultural event, sharing your own culture (especially a meal), or renting the at your school or organization for an unforgettable journey around the world! Whatever the method, the idea is to build curiosity and open-mindedness. See smilebigworld.com for more information and remember to smile big!

🎉 🇲🇬 Our students have spoken! We're thrilled to share that our Madagascar program, Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, has been recognized as a top-rated study abroad program based on student reviews! 🌍️

Here's what our students are saying:

"This was absolutely the most incredible experience I’ve had. I feel so grateful to have been able to witness the diversity and beauty of the wildlife and plants - it's magic you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Every day we spend in the forest was easily one of the best days of my life." - Ulla Kymlander

"I discovered three new species of frogs in the coastal rainforest. I am now a published scientist and have fielded interviews with NPR, BBC, and others. That life-changing experience could not have happened without the mentorship of [the program director] and the deep immersion in Malagasy culture and ecosystems that this program offers." - Hugh Gabriel

"If you are thinking about enrolling- DO IT! The hands on experience with Madagascar's rich biodiversity gave meaning to my biology degree. I now have expertise in field sampling methods, which has opened doors to new opportunities for me." Ryan Thompson

"I learned so much inside and outside the classroom. The cultural immersion is unlike any experience I have ever had and probably will ever have. From this program I developed an interest in the field I now have a career in, and I am so thankful." - Josh Coster

Thank you for sharing your cultures with the community!

Join us to experience community and culture.

Don't forget to look up every once in a while!

🌕 The Full Moon Calendar of 2026 — A Year Written in Moonlight

Each full moon carries a story shaped by nature, seasons, and centuries of tradition. From warm summer nights to the quiet stillness of winter, these lunar names reflect how people once lived in harmony with the rhythms of the Earth. ✨

🔵 May 31 — Blue Moon
A rare second full moon in a single calendar month. It symbolizes uniqueness and unexpected moments—hence the phrase “once in a blue moon.”

🍓 June 29 — Strawberry Moon
Named by Native American tribes to mark the strawberry harvest season. It represents abundance, warmth, and the sweetness of early summer.

🦌 July 29 — Buck Moon
This is when male deer (bucks) begin to regrow their antlers. A powerful symbol of growth, renewal, and strength.

🐟 August 28 — Sturgeon Moon
Named after the large sturgeon fish that were most easily caught during this time. It reflects survival, tradition, and connection to water.

🌽 September 26 — Corn Moon
A harvest moon tied to gathering crops. It symbolizes gratitude, preparation, and the richness of the Earth.

🏹 October 26 — Hunter’s Moon
Traditionally the time to hunt and prepare for winter. It represents foresight, resilience, and readiness for the colder months ahead.

🦫 November 24 — Beaver Moon
When beavers build their dams and prepare for winter. A reminder of hard work, protection, and long-term planning.

❄️ December 23 — Cold Moon
The final full moon of the year, rising during the longest nights. It symbolizes reflection, stillness, and inner strength.

✨ The Moon doesn’t just light up the night—it connects us to time, nature, and ancient traditions.
Which full moon are you most excited to witness?

May 4 (Mon) – Park & Pick

🥕 Access to fresh food matters.

Park & Pick creates space for nourishment and connection.

Meet the Angel Oak Tree

Estimated to be around 1,400 years old, this majestic Southern live oak in Charleston, South Carolina, is a living witness to history. Its longest limb stretches 89 feet, and its canopy spans an incredible 160 feet. Surviving hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and centuries of change — it’s a true natural wonder.

Creativity meets language 🎨🌍

Join us for Creatives Who Language in the ACTFL President’s Town Hall Series
📅 May 26 | 7 PM ET

Hear from educators + creators shaping how language comes to life in and beyond the classroom.

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/4dlJUg1

Grateful for the opportunity to present the Earth Balloon .prep as part of their international picnic!

Standing at an impressive 19 feet high, there were a lot of dropped jaws. We took small groups inside and located places like Mount Everest, the Nile River, and the Australian Outback. We also played 'guess the country' world trivia, which was a lot of fun!

If you or anyone you know is interested in having the Earth Balloon at their school, festival, church, summer camp, or community event, please DM me or direct them to my website, smilebigworld.com which has all the details. Now is a good time to think about next school year!