Newsletter December 2016

Editorial - Christmas and Holiday Season

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          Halloween is over. That means the holiday season is upon us. It’s the time of the year when you start to prepare your calendar for social and family events. It’s the time when people act a little nicer and are more thoughtful toward everyone. Not all people celebrate this time of the year, but there are plenty of festivities for different cultures that happen during this time. If you have the opportunity, take the time to experience the different events going on in Los Angeles that can help you enjoy and learn about different cultures’ celebrations.
          I remember living in Japan and discovering that Christmas was about couples and Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was interesting to see how people in a different country interpret their own version of the holiday. You never know what you can discover when you take the time to learn and adapt to a new culture. So rather than stay home and wait for the season to fly by, make a friend from a different culture and see what new adventures or customs you can discover. You won’t regret it. At worst, you’ll have an interesting story to tell your friends and family when you see them again. Make the best out of this time because you may not have the opportunity to live it again. Take a chance and enjoy every second of your life. That’s what the real holiday season is about; being grateful for life and those around you.

Language Systems Lifestyle - Thanksgiving Celebration

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          What are you grateful for? What makes you happy to be alive? Who do you love to be with? These are the questions that I think about just before Thanksgiving. The reason it’s a special holiday is because it doesn’t matter where you come from or what spiritual belief you may have. I think it’s easy for us to lose track of the things that matter most when we have so many things to consider on a daily basis. 

          I like to live my life like it’s my last day always. I always live in Thanksgiving. But for those that haven’t taken the time to reflect, it’s important that you take some time to think about what matters and what doesn’t. Focus on what you do have. Because most of the time, we have everything we need; we just forget to appreciate having it. And you won’t know how much it really means or matters until it’s gone. So would you rather wait until then? Or would you rather tell that person that you love them, or feel grateful to be healthy? Priorities matter and days like Thanksgiving give us a sense of direction.

Discover L.A. (Northeast L.A.)

Dodger Stadium

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          

          One of my favorite places in the world is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. I can’t talk enough about this place, but I’ll tell you some of the coolest things you can take advantage of for next season. Dodger stadium was built in 1962 when the team moved from Brooklyn, New York, to what is now the coolest city in the West coast of the U.S. Okay, okay. Clearly, I’m an Angeleno and I’m biased, but if you’re living in, or visiting, Los Angeles, you should try to watch a game. 

          The stadium can boast about one of the coolest views in the city. It’s not too far from Downtown, so you can take advantage of your time and visit several places before a game. One of the coolest things you can do is bring food into the stadium without any problems. However, drinks are strictly monitored and visitors are only allowed to bring sealed water bottles. If you want to watch a game, I say you try the pavilions, as they offer the best chance at catching a ball, and the proximity to the players for the price is unbeatable. 

          Dodger stadium is one of the three oldest baseball stadiums in all of Major League Baseball. It has a long history and an even better team. It’s always best to go in groups and the best way to buy tickets is online. There are many apps available to get great deals. You can get tickets anywhere from five to twenty dollars in the All You Can Eat Area depending on the time and day of the game. So take advantage of the situation next season and enjoy a good day at the ballpark.

Free in L.A. (Northeast L.A.)

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

School Night
Stay out late on a school night with this series of free Monday night concerts in Bardot's sumptuous courtyard lounge. Though the sets are short, the price is certainly right, as is the lineup curated by resident DJ and KCRW tastemaker Chris Douridas; expect a mix of local bands and touring acts like Miguel, Eleanor Friedberger, Odesza and Father John Misty. 

Bardot, Hollywood
Monday November 7 - Monday December 26 2016
FREE

Comedy Palace
This weekly comedy showcase in Los Feliz hosts one of the most stacked lineups of stand-ups this side of the 101. Located above a Chinese restaurant, the free Comedy Palace attracts a steady stable of late night show regulars every Thursday as well as surprise guests—you never know when Patton Oswalt will drop in or Maria Bamford will mount a month-long residency. It's worth every penny... if it actually cost you any to begin with. 

The Palace, Los Feliz
Thursday November 3 - Thursday December 29 2016
FREE

Language Systems Faces 

Interview with teacher Andrew Pak (NELA) 

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

1. How long have you been working at Language Systems? 
I’ve been working in Language Systems for a year.

2. What part of your job do you enjoy?
I like the interaction with students, faculty, and front desk staff.

3. What is the most difficult part of your job? 
Explaining things in a way that everyone understands.

4. Where are you from originally? 
I’m originally from Ogden, Utah.

5. What do you miss about your home country? 
I miss the four seasons.

6. Do you speak any other languages?
I speak Korean

7. What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

Student Article 1 

Christmas is coming

By Yu Fu (Lesley)

Christmas is coming soon. For me, I get really excited about the many NBA Basketball games on TV. You can watch games all day long as the first game starts at 9:00 AM and the last one begins at 7:30 PM. 

The first game involves two of the biggest East Coast cities in the USA: The Boston Celtics versus the New York Knicks. There is a lot of pride between these two cities. This brings out even the most casual observers. The final game involves the two Los Angeles teams: The Los Angeles Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers. If you have the time and money, you may want to consider going to this game on Christmas Day. 

Still, the most exciting game will be the NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. These two teams are considered to be the top two teams in the NBA. They are also both favored to be in the Finals once again. 

No matter where you go, you should watch these games with your family and friends. It will be a wonderful time and a good way to spend your Christmas Day.

Student Article 2 

December: My Favorite Month 

By Eaint Thiri (Angela)

December, to me, is the most beautiful and joyous month of the year. Although I love the holiday season and winter fashion, they are not my favorite things. My two favorite things are the lights and setting new goals for the New Year. 

December is the month of Christmas celebration. Families come together and decorate their homes with lights and songs. I love how the season brings out generous and forgiving feelings out of people. 

December is also the month of planning. Since it is the last month, many people plan their goals for the new year. Everyone is excited and ready to start fresh and new. I feel that the month of December brings the best out of people. Thus, it is my favorite month of the year.

http://languagesystems.edu/

From a teacher to a student: Where Should I Study?

Finding the Right English School

When I was a teacher in Tokyo, I saw advertisements everywhere for English language schools. My Japanese friends would visit several schools before deciding which one to attend. Now that I’m a teacher in Southern California, I see many English language schools trying to recruit international students from all over the world. However, there is a challenge facing international students coming to study English in the United States. Which school should they choose? International students do not have the ability to visit several schools in person to see which schools would be best for their needs. If you are planning to study English in the United States, here are a few tips on helping you choose the right school:

·              Do your homework. Google some schools in the geographic area you want to study. Go through the school’s website. Look at the school’s social media activity on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Many schools now have multiple ways you can contact them including What’s App and other messaging apps. Don’t be too shy to ask questions.

·              Look for accreditation. While doing your research on prospective schools, make sure the school has federally recognized accreditation (see http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html for a list) and U.S. government approval to issue I-20s for student visas.  

·              Look on the school’s website and social media. Are there a lot of postings of student outings and events? Is there information that is beneficial to students? Are there relevant blogs for students to follow or English tips posted regularly?

·              Know your goals in English.  Does the school have a variety of programs to suit individual students’ needs (i.e. TOEFL, Conversation, Business English)?  Look for a school offering classes that will closely meet your goals in English.

·              Ask about the qualifications of the teachers. Do they need to have a degree? Do they need teaching experience? The school should be able to answer questions about their teachers’ qualifications and experience.

·              Ask about the teaching method and curriculum. Is it student-centered? Are there scheduled starting dates for classes? Schools that have a clear methodology and specific starting dates are generally higher quality than schools that offer classes starting anytime with no specific curriculum or prerequisites for enrollment.

·              The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” is generally true. If a school is unbelievably cheap, chances are the classes will not be high quality.  As a general rule, it’s always best to stay in the middle and not buy the most expensive or cheapest commodity or service. The cheapest things will often fall apart because of low quality, and the expensive things are just not worth the price, even if they are good.  Look in the middle and find English classes that are good quality and suitable for your needs. Also, remember that there is a lot of competition among schools. Ask about promotions and other incentives for enrollment.  

Doing a little homework and asking the right questions will really help you when deciding where to study English in the United States. 

http://languagesystems.edu/

                            

An Open Letter to Current and Prospective Language Systems Students

An Open Letter to Current and Prospective Language Systems Students

Dear International Students,

The recent presidential election has caused feelings of uncertainty about the future among international students studying in the United States. At Language Systems, we have been hearing from current students who have questions about the recent changes, as well as prospective students who are unsure if they should come to the U.S. at this time. Here are a few points to consider for current students and those who wish to study in the U.S. in the future:

The number of international students in the United States is at an all-time high. The Institute of International Education (IIE) recently released an Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange stating that in the 2015-16 academic year, over one million international students were studying in the United States, a seven percent increase from the previous year. “The Open Doors findings show that international students value the quality, diversity and strong reputation of U.S. institutions and recognize that these institutions will give them opportunities that can help them not only in their education but also in their careers," said IIE President, Allan Goodman.  "The more we can open doors to other cultures for our students, the better off our country and our world will be.”

U.S. schools want and need international students.  According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, international students contribute nearly $36 billion to the U.S. economy.  Many Americans welcome and value the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of having international students in their communities. This is especially true in private and public institutions all over the United States, where international students can contribute positively to intercultural communications and understanding. The bottom line is that international students are viewed positively and are welcomed in U.S. educational institutions.

California is one of the most popular places to study. Another important fact from IIE’s Open Doors report is that almost 150,000 international students were studying in California in 2015-16. This makes California a top destination for many students coming to study in the U.S. We believe one factor making California so popular is that it is one of the most diverse states in our country, making it feel safe and accepting for international students. Plus, California schools’ extensive experience with international students is evident in the variety of services available in even the smallest educational institutions.

Language Systems has a message for all its current and prospective students. Language Systems has been in business since 1987 meeting the needs of our diverse international student population. It is evident in our many years in the Los Angeles area that we value our students from all around the world, and we are proud of the accomplishments they've made after completing their studies at Language Systems. The diversity at Language Systems has made us even stronger in building an open and culturally diverse community in which students can feel safe and confident to pursue their dreams. Be assured that you will always be heard and appreciated at Language Systems, and that we will do our best to make your learning experience valuable and enjoyable.

The Language Systems Team.
http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter November 2016

Editorial

The meaning of Thanksgiving

By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

          In 1993, I was a university sophomore and decided I wanted to learn more about the Korean Language and History. I applied to be a foreign exchange student at Yonsei University in Seoul Korea and was accepted! I was so excited! I arrived in Korea on August 15, 1993 and during my one semester at Yonsei University I had the most amazing time. Even though it was my first time living in a foreign country, I never felt homesick... until Thanksgiving! 

          Suddenly I realized that I was going to spend Thanksgiving apart from my family for the first time in my life. This made me think about why Thanksgiving was so important to me and to many other American families. First of all, on Thanksgiving my whole family always got together in one place. I loved spending time with my grandparents from both sides of my family. Secondly, every family has their traditions, and these are very valuable. My dad was always in charge of cooking the turkey. I remember waking up on Thanksgiving Day to the wonderful smell of turkey and stuffing. Finally, that day caused me to stop everything and simply be grateful for all the blessings I have been given. Being in Korea on Thanksgiving gave me a whole new appreciation for the holiday. I hope all Language Systems students have a chance to enjoy the spirit of Thanksgiving this year in America.

Language Systems Lifestyle 

By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

Halloween is always a special time of the year for our students to have a lot of fun while learning about American culture. Every year at our Orange County campus we hold costume and pumpkin carving contests. It’s always really cool to see some of the costumes that both teachers and students come up with. Last year the winner of the student costume contest was a Japanese student named Yohsuke. He dressed up as a big baby. He was wearing an adult-sized diaper, had a big pacifier in his mouth, and was carrying a baby’s bottle of milk. His costume was crazy and funny! I think that’s why he won. The students also come up with some really great ideas for the pumpkin carving contest. Of course, Language Systems provided the students with plenty of Halloween candy in the good old American tradition! 

Discover Orange County

Discover Vietnamese food! 

By Bao, Level 6 Student

          

One of the cool things about OC is city areas like Little Saigon. It’s an area that has tons of Vietnamese people and is well-known for Pho, which is a kind of Vietnamese noodle soup. In America, people can find Pho restaurants easily in any area where there is a Vietnamese community. In Southern California, if you love Asian food, you should taste the Pho in Westminster City, Orange County (OC), also known as Little Saigon. There are many Pho restaurants in Little Saigon, but I strongly recommend a restaurant called “Pho 79.”

Pho 79 is located at 9941 Hazard Avenue, Westminster, OC, at the corner of Bolsa Avenue and Hazard. For over a century Pho has been served in a bowl with a specific cut of white rice noodle in clear beef broth, with slim cuts of beef. Variations feature tendons, tripe, meatballs, chicken legs, chicken breasts or other chicken organs. There are also three bowl sizes: medium, large, and extra-large. The extra-large is also called the super bowl in Vietnamese. This will help you when you want to order in any Pho restaurant in America. You and your friend can have a meal with each other at Pho 79 for around $17 (including tip) for two extra-large bowls.

With many Vietnamese living outside their own country for a lot of different reasons, Pho is not only a type of food, but also part of their memories of Vietnam. Therefore, when a Vietnamese person opens a Pho restaurant, the owner also wants to introduce Vietnamese culture to people in America. So when you come to Pho 79, or any Pho restaurant, you are not only tasting Vietnamese food, you are also tasting Vietnamese culture.

For more: http://www.pho79mpls.com/

Free in Orange County

By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie
Friday, October 28 - 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
LOCATION: Dana Point Community Center
34052 Del Obispo St.
Dana Point, California 92629

The City of Dana Point will be hosting spooky fun again this year. Fun FREE activities for the whole family! At 3:00 pm the City of Dana Point will be hosting spooky fun at Lantern Bay Park. Halloween Carnival Games, Halloween Cookie Decorating & Crafts, a costume parade and more!
The night ends with the Moonlight Movie, Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG), beginning at 7 pm, plus free popcorn and treats
INFORMATION: 949-248-3530

Anaheim Plaza – Halloween Trick or Treat
Saturday, October 29 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
LOCATION: N. Euclid St. & Santa Ana Frwy.
Anaheim, CA 92801

Free Fun Family Event - Anaheim Plaza Food Court
Anaheim Plaza will be hosting a Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event. This event is for the whole family and will include giveaways, balloon art, face painting, and a kid friendly DJ. Free Tick-or-Treat Bag and Flashlight for the first 100 kids.

Halloween Treat-or-Treating at Anaheim Town Square

Saturday, October 29, 2016 - Trick or Treating 2 pm – 4 pm 

LOCATION: Anaheim Town Square

2180 East Lincoln Avenue

Anaheim, CA 92806

FREE Event! Activities include: Trick-or-Treating, Pumpkin Decorating, Face Painting, Balloon Art, Train Rides, a Costume Contest and More! 

INFORMATION: 714-956-3411

Halloween Carnival 

Monday, October 31st - 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. 

LOCATION: Central Park La Palma

This yearly spooktacular event features a fabulous COSTUME CONTEST for ghouls and boys with special prizes in each age division! This year’s Halloween spookfest will feature CARNIVAL GAMES, a “GOBLIN GULCH” for children under the age of 5, and a haunted area. Free event.
This event will be canceled in the event of rain.
INFORMATION: For more information, please call the La Palma Recreation and Community Services Department at (714) 690-3350

Language Systems Faces 

Interview with staff John T. (OC) 

By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

1. How long have you been working at Language Systems? 
I’ve been working here for about 3 months now. 

2. What are your main responsibilities? 
My job is to help our students with any needs that they might have. There are a lot of different ways that students need assistance. 

3. What is the most difficult part of your job? 
Well, every student has a unique situation or problem, and sometimes it is a challenge to try to find the best way to solve their problems. 

4. Where are you from originally? 
I’m from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. 

5. What do you miss about your home country? 
I miss my friends and certain things about our culture. Sometimes I miss riding around the city on my scooter. A lot of people get around that way in Vietnam. 

6. What is your favorite holiday, either in America or in your country? Why? 
My favorite holiday is Christmas because I think it makes a lot of people feel happy. The Christmas spirit in America is very peaceful and nice.

Student Article 1 

Field trip to the Pumpkin Patch 2016 

By Tom, Level 5

Today, I went to a pumpkin patch with my classmates. There are a lot of international students at Language Systems. Some of them have been in America more than 1 year, so they have celebrated Halloween before. However, most of the students who are at Language Systems have never experienced the holiday Halloween. This is why some of my classmates wanted to visit a pumpkin patch. It was one way to see how American people prepare for Halloween. When I got to the pumpkin patch, I was surprised to see so many different kinds of pumpkins. Some of them were so big that you could not lift them, yet some of them were really tiny. In addition, there were several kinds of roller coasters for kids. It just cost one dollar to go on a ride. We had a lot of fun. That was an interesting experience. One thing that I am a little bit worried about is that none of us actually bought a pumpkin. We just looked around and took lot of pictures. Then we left from the pumpkin patch. I hope the owner and workers were not upset at us.

Student Article 2 

A Dream Come True 

By Yana, Level 7

To me, friendship is one of the most unique things in the world. Friendship can help you grow as a person, and sometimes it can even help you achieve your highest goals in life. Making new friends is always a great pleasure for me. I think I’m a happy and friendly person, and I like sharing positivity with other people. For me, no two people are alike. Of course we all have arms, legs, eyes, noses, etc. However, inside each person there is something different, special, and unique. I always try to find this uniqueness in people. Maybe that’s my way of creating new friendships.

When I was in my country, Kazakhstan, I dreamed about having friends from all over the world. I had “friends” from the USA and England, but that was only on Facebook. I wanted to have real friends from around the world that I actually knew personally. Now I am here in California studying English at Language Systems. Finally my dream has come true! At Language Systems, I have made friends from around the world. Now I have real friends from countries like Brazil, China, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. We share our experiences and enjoy spending time together. Friendship with these classmates has been a wonderful opportunity for me, and I think it will help me for the rest of my life.

http://languagesystems.edu/