Newsletter December 2017

Editorial - Christmas and Holiday Season By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

I don’t know about you, but the Holiday Season is one of my favorite times of the year.  Many people think it’s just a commercial holiday to make people shop.  But whatever your perspective, religion, or personal beliefs are, it’s important to remember it always involves family and kindness.  Shopping is a personal choice.  Family is the core group of your personal happiness.  The beautiful thing about family is that it can be anyone.  Being family automatically involves kindness.  Kindness to your closest family members, your friends, your colleagues, and the 7-Eleven guy; you get to choose who, where, and when you spread that love.  That’s what I love about the holidays.  You have a chance to put all your differences aside once a year to just enjoy each others’ company and love.

This last year has been difficult for many people.  Life can take unexpected turns sometimes.  No matter how tough things get, you have a choice on how you want to react.  The holidays are a difficult time for many people, but they don’t have to be.  If you have no family here, invite that cool friend from class over, be kind to your neighbors, or ask that cute person out to a coffee or lunch; you never know if they’re feeling the same way as you.  And if you’re already happy and feeling lucky, organize a small potluck party for people who may not be as lucky as you and watch how much they’ll enjoy themselves.  Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and to not feel so alone in this world.  The best way to spread kindness is through friendship, consideration, and a little heart.  My way of spreading kindness is just trying to make someone smile sometimes.  You wouldn’t believe how far that can go.  Happy Holidays to everyone.  Much love to all of you from a simple office worker.

Language Systems Life Style (NELA) - Thanksgiving Celebration By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Pasadena had lovely weather during this year’s Thanksgiving potluck celebration.  We were very fortunate and decided to have our potluck outdoors.  Our morning students brought an entire assortment of lovely food.  For some students, it was the first time trying turkey, so it was a bit exciting and scary at the same time.   Some of them were impressed with the size and portions of food and sent photographs for their families to see.

Our afternoon classes brought a completely different style of food.   It was great to try different styles of food throughout the day.  One of our students brought a guitar and had a group of people singing.  There was a group of girls counting calories, and then there was the mother thinking of her own parents back in her home country.   Evening students decided to talk about what they were grateful for this year and brought lots of desserts; maybe evening students need more sugar to stay awake.  Anyway, it was lovely listening to everyone share their feelings of gratitude for something in life.
That’s what thanksgiving is about.  It was great to share a meal with students of different ages, countries, and religions all together in one place.  It helped us realize that we are all human and we can learn to understand each other, no matter how different we are.  I guess that’s a good reason to be thankful for this year. 

Discover LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

One of the coolest things I got to do due to the four day schedule was organize Friday activities for students. Because I live in the west side of Los Angeles, I never really took the time to visit North East Los Angeles. I must say that there’s much more to do than people think. There are people from many backgrounds, many cultural events, a lot of history, and unexpected places that would blow your mind. If you like nature, you can go to Eaton Canyon, Monrovia Canyon, or even the many gardens available to the public. The beautiful part is that most of this stuff is free.

If you like art and music, you will enjoy the Pasadena play house, all the galleries and museums, and the free concerts at Levitt Pavilion. They have tons of outdoor movies, community events, and family activities. My mind has really been opened to a variety of great things.

The Arboretum is so close that the peacocks will walk onto our campus sometimes. The Rose Bowl is minutes away if you want to watch a sporting event, a concert, try a 5k, or go to the flea market. There’s richness in culture and history. You can get some of the best Chinese food in one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles. It’s a great deal and one that students from abroad should take advantage of and discover.

Free in LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

• Rose Parade - January 1, 2018
  https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/pasadena-tree-lighting-ceremonies/
• Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremonies - November 17 to December 03, 2017
  Deck the Halls with Holiday Cheer
  Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremonies are free events that deck the halls of Pasadena with holiday cheer. Enjoy festive holiday music and holiday-themed family fun starting with The Paseo Colorado as they kick off the holiday season November 17, 2017. Then join Mayor Terry Tornek at Pasadena City Hall as the Mayor lights the City’s Official Holiday Tree on December 1, 2017. Continue the holiday cheer at The Langham Huntington Pasadena as they light their own beautiful tree on December 2, 2017.Centennial Square

Language Systems Faces Interview with Teacher MR. JEFF ZEDOUTI (NELA) Interview conducted by Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Q: WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

A: I’m originally from North Africa, precisely from Morocco, and “Amazigh” by heritage.

Q: HAVE YOU LIVED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRIES?
A: I have visited several countries and spent almost sixteen years in Asia.  First, I lived in Thailand, and then moved to China.

Q: HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?
A: Besides my native tongue, I can speak French fluently and moderately Spanish.

Q: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE U.S., CALIFORNIA, AND LOS ANGELES?
A: I had a chance to visit and explore other states before settling in California. And indeed, each state has its own charm, pros and cons. However, California remains a welcoming state to many new immigrants, offering various opportunities in terms of good living standards as well as affordable costs of living. The climate is its own prestige, which attracts many people from all colors of life. Los Angeles was, and always will remain a legend city that has a stunning history, and there is a lot to learn about this very busy city which still keeps growing and prospering.

Q: WHAT ‘S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A TEACHER?
A: For all these years that I have been operating in the education field as an ESL instructor, I have learned that in order to become a successful educator one should deeply believe in the profession’s ethical values as the main foundation and building blocks of a genuine teacher. I am indeed very grateful to be part of the world’s education mission, pouring and sharing the best off my knowledge, energy, and capacity with students from different backgrounds and parts of the globe. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to work at Language Systems International School which allows me to further my ESL knowledge and learn new teaching methodologies, as well as broaden my educational horizons. I strongly believe that knowledge is power. And being a teacher, one should constantly keep learning because curiosity has no cure.

Student Article 

By Bond (Level 5)

Hello Guys!  My name is Bond.  I’ve been studying English at LSI for several months and I’ve been in L.A. for four months.  This Christmas holiday is going to be a special one for me because it’s going to be my first Christmas celebration in the US.  My plan is to go around sightseeing by bus and watch the light decorations on the street.  Then, I’m going to spend a day in Hollywood and enjoy the decorated Christmas trees and simply walk around the streets looking at the decorations on buildings and other trees around Hollywood.  I hope to enjoy the unique atmosphere and the feelings of joy and happiness that arise in every living thing there.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter November 2017

Editorial - Thanksgiving By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

When you get to live in another country, you have the opportunity to learn about language and culture. One part of a country’s culture is holidays. So, what holidays in America are really “American?” I mean, which holidays are rooted in American history and helped shape the character and values of the USA. One of the most truly “American” holidays is Thanksgiving. This holiday was born out of a historical context which all American children learn about in elementary school. Of course, history can always be interpreted from different angles and by different groups of people. Today, Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and for many, football! Those are the three “F”s of Thanksgiving. Each family has their own little traditions, but all of them will gather together on the fourth Thursday in November to eat a meal and to spend time together. Many Americans return to their hometowns for Thanksgiving. It’s a great time to reflect on the good things we have in life and to have an attitude of gratitude. If you’re in America for Thanksgiving, we hope that you will be able to feel the spirit of the holiday.

Language Systems Life Style (OC) - Halloween By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

October in America is a really fun month because we get to celebrate Halloween! At the different Language Systems campuses, our students also get a chance to celebrate Halloween and have some fun. Of course the main ingredient in Halloween fun is costumes! Without dressing up in costumes, there is no Halloween, and wearing a costume is not just for kids. Many adults in America go to great lengths to put together a really cool, scary, or funny costume. Each year Language Systems hold a contest for the best teacher and best student costume. It is really amazing to see how creative some people can get when it comes to putting together a costume. Jack-o-lanterns are also an essential part of celebrating Halloween. At the Language Systems campus in Orange County, each year the teachers help the students learn how to carve a pumpkin and turn it into a jack-o-lantern. Halloween really is a fun time to be a student in America.

Discover LA (OC) - Beach Life By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

If you are studying English in Southern California, you need to enjoy the California beach life. But if you take a trip to any beach, you will notice that American people have a huge problem with littering, or throwing trash on the ground. I live in Huntington Beach, and there are trash cans everywhere to help encourage people to throw their trash in the trash can. Even though there are trash cans everywhere, many people who visit the beach continue to throw trash on the sand, in the parking lot, and all over the place. As someone who calls Huntington Beach home, this makes me pretty disgusted. If you want to discover a cool way to help keep California clean, you can join the Surfrider Foundation as a volunteer and you can participate in one of their many “beach cleanup” activities. You can visit their website at www.surfrider.org

Free in LA (OC) By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

• Veteran’s Day in America 
  November 11, 2017 is Veteran’s Day in America. It’s a day where we respect and honor members of the military who have served our country. Every year for Veteran’s day, Huntington Beach holds a free car show. During this event, vendors sell delicious street food and there are free concerts on a stage that is set up right on the beach. At this car show, you can see up-close hundreds of classic, collector cars, customs, motorcycles and more. The whole event is free to the public. One part of Southern California culture is definitely classic and custom cars. You should check out this cool event. Before the car show there is a ceremony to honor the veterans of America. This is a time when international students can experience a meaningful aspect of American history and lifestyle.

Student Articles 

Halloween By Jimmy (Level 7)

 Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday in America. I love it! I really like going to the Halloween costume stores with my friends. When we go there, we try on a lot of different costumes and we take pictures. Some of the pictures are so funny! On Halloween, everyone tried to look really scary or really funny. Everyone wants to wear a special costume. I also like to knock on doors and say, “trick-or-treat.” This is a very cool tradition to me and I can do it only in America. In my country we do not have this kind of holiday or culture. I love Halloween.

Worst Black Friday Ever By Emma (Level 7)

 iPad Pro! I had been waiting so long to finally get one for myself. I had been waiting for Black Friday, and finally the day had arrived. I was so excited! The doors were to open in an hour, and at last I would have an iPad Pro in my hand. I waited in line overnight so that I could get into the store first. I was cold and hungry, and I really wanted to sit in a warm café drinking hot coffee and eating a fresh bagel with sweet cream cheese. But this would have to wait until after I accomplished my mission – getting my iPad Pro! Finally, the manager came to the doors to open for business. As soon as the doors opened, everyone from the line rushed into the store like a bunch of wild animals. I also tried to run into the store. Once inside, I tried to find the iPads. I was like a lion hunting a zebra. I kept looking around, but there were so many people I couldn’t see anything. I tried to focus, but the store was just too crowded. I waited all that time, but never found my iPad. It was the worst Black Friday ever!

Language Systems Faces Interview with Staff (OC) Interview conducted by Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

Meet Christy

Q: So how long have you been working for LSI and what is your main role/job?

A: I’ve been working at LSI for about 6 months. My position is “student advisor.”

Q: What do you like most about your job at LSI?
A: I like the environment and my co-workers. I like being around students who care about their futures and who are pursuing their dreams.

Q: What is the most difficult thing about your job?
A: Sometimes there is a lot of paperwork to do.

Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I’m originally from Thailand. I came to the United States when I was just 6 years old.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love cooking. I like watching cooking videos on Youtube and the cooking channel. I like cooking any kind of food.

Q: What is your favorite holiday in America? Why?
A: My favorite holiday is definitely Christmas. During the Christmas season everyone seems happier. I also like shopping and going to the different sales at Christmas time. The weather around that time is nice too because it is not hot.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter October 2017

Editorial - What is Halloween? By Josh, Assistant Program Coordinator at DTLA

What is Halloween? Though it is one of the most popular holidays in the US, the origins of Halloween go back to ancient Ireland. Every year, Celtic people held an annual festival called Samhain on October 31st, which celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. Because the crops that gave them food died in the winter, the holiday became associated with death. Celts would build fires and make sacrifices, hoping to survive the winter. They even wore costumes, usually made of animal heads and skins.

In the United States in 2017, Halloween has kept the costumes and death, but gotten rid of the fires and animal heads. Americans dress up in all sorts of creative costumes, and they aren't always scary. Often, people compete in costume contests to see whose is the funniest, scariest, or most beautiful. Children dress up in costumes to go Trick-or-treating. This is a tradition where kids walk around their neighborhood ringing doorbells and saying, "Trick-or-treat!" Families pass out candy to the kids, giving extra to those with the best costumes. Every Halloween, Americans spend more than $2 billion on candy!

Halloween is also a celebration of fall. Many traditions are centered around the food of the season, like making jack-o'-lanterns. Every fall, Americans visit a pumpkin patch (or sometimes even their grocery store) to pick out pumpkins. Then, they carve scary faces into the pumpkin, put a candle inside, and set it by their front door for Trick-or-treaters to see.
On October 31st, join the celebration by making a cool costume, carving a jack-o'-lantern,  watching a scary movie with your friends and eating lots of candy! Happy Halloween!

Language Systems Life Style - Futsal Tournament By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

This year’s Futsal tournament was quite competitive and filled with drama from beginning to end.  There were some dominant teams that showed they were there to display their abilities and add points to their lead.  Students from every campus were enthusiastic and supportive of their teams and made every effort to keep their spirit alive.  And although not everyone can win, we all won a good time and the opportunity to meet our fellow students from other campuses and use the English abilities students came to learn.  Torrance and OC battled it out in the end with Torrance coming out victorious.  After the tournament, everyone was ready to take down a couple of slices of pizza and refreshments, while taking advantage of the photo booth opportunities.  We’re sure students had a great time and made some great memories with their friends.  We look forward to next year’s Futsal tournament and hope it will be just as fun as this year.

Discover LA - Knott’s Scary Farm By Paul, Assistant Program Coordinator at DTLA

Southern California is known for its abundance of amusement parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags, and so on. But one of the most under-appreciated one is called Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. It has a nice blend of scary roller coasters and more relaxing rides for those who are scared of such things. In addition, it’s a theme park with characters from “Peanuts”, a famous American cartoon. You might not know who the Peanuts are, but there’s a good chance you know Snoopy! He’s one of them. It’s a fun place.

And… if you’re very brave… as soon as the sun goes down in October (the month of Halloween), Knott’s BERRY Farm turns into… Knott’s SCARY Farm!
Knott’s Scary Farm is the same location, except it has a horror theme. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. In fact, people under the age of thirteen are encouraged NOT to go. It can be terrifying. All around the park are haunted houses and mazes, but even walking between the attractions can be chilling. Hundreds of extra workers are hired to dress up in nightmarish costumes and their sole purpose is to try to scare the park visitors at any given moment. It is relatively easy for the “monsters” to accomplish this because after dark, the majority of the park is filled with fog and visibility is low. Someone could jump out at you at any moment, even when you’re not expecting it. Something might be waiting for you around any corner. They might even have a chainsaw. No place is safe. And then, when you reach your destination, such as one of the haunted houses, you might be scared not just because of the monsters in there, but also because it might have a theme that preys on your fears and phobias. Are you scared of clowns? Axe-murderers? Creepy dolls? Vampires? If not, you might permanently be that way after exiting the haunted house.
If this sounds interesting to you, check out www.knotts.com for more information. Tickets start at $40. Personally, I think this place is far more thrilling than the Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” equivalent, because it involves less waiting in line and it’s much scarier in general. But if you don’t like scary things, Knott’s Scary Farm is not for you. In any case, have a happy Halloween!

Free in LA (DTLA) - West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval By Josh - Assistant Program Coordinator 

If you're in LA in October, you can't miss the biggest Halloween party in the US! The night of October 31st, head to Santa Monica Blvd for the Halloween Carnaval, a gigantic celebration of costumes, food trucks, and fun!

The City of West Hollywood, which usually has a population of 35,000 people, becomes California’s seventh-largest city during the Carnaval, when approximately 500,000 people participate in the festival on Halloween night. The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is the Los Angeles area’s second largest annual event, second to the Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day Parade. To give you an idea of how big the event is, the Los Angeles Coliseum Holds 120,000 people, only about a quarter of the people that attend the Carnaval each year.

People celebrate in the streets of Santa Monica Blvd. to enjoy the wild costumes and rowdy crowds. The Carnaval has live bands and DJs performing on six stages, a costume contest and the crowning of the honorary “Queen of the Carnaval” (past winners include Queen Latifah and Lisa Vanderpump). The bars along Santa Monica Blvd. host patio parties with amazing drink specials.

The 2015 West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring the star of the film—legendary actor Tim Curry—as the Honorary Mayor of West Hollywood! The show has a long history in West Hollywood: its stage predecessor had its American premiere at the Roxy Theatre, and the film has become a beloved article of camp culture.
Boy George, the lead singer of Culture Club and a worldwide LGBT icon, performed on the main stage of the Carnaval.

The 2017 performers will be announced soon, and you can find updates online at VisitWestHollywood.com

City officials encourage participants to carpool, use Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation. The city also operates a free, bright-yellow shuttle called the PickUp.
The street party is from 6-11PM, but the party will continue late into the night at the bars around West Hollywood.
Remember, NO BACKPACKS OR LARGE BAGS are allowed at the festival. If you need to bring some items, put them in a clear plastic bag.

Language Systems Faces Interview with Vivian Interview conducted by Ligia, Program Coordinator at DTLA

Vivian is a really popular teacher at the LA campus. Let's learn a little more about her!

1. What are your favorite things about Los Angeles?
The beaches. I love swimming and boogie boarding. I grew up in Venice Beach, so that was where I went as a child. Now, I usually go to Santa Monica Beach. I also love the diversity of people and food. I can eat so many different types of food from Korean to Mexican to Thai.

2. What are your goals for the future?
To become confident and proficient in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese and maybe learn other languages like Portuguese and Korean! To continue to find opportunities to travel domestically and internationally. And to eat as many delicious foods as possible!

3. What part of your job do you like the most?
I love learning about my students and their cultures and countries. I love seeing them improve and become more confident in their English ability. I also like it when the whole class breaks into laughter or when the class goes so fast because everyone is so immersed in the lesson or having fun.

4. How do you think students can get the most out of their experience at LSI?
Participate in class as much as possible! Answer and ask questions. Don't waste this amazing opportunity to improve your English by being on your cell phone or computer or chatting with friends in your native language. In your free time try and speak English as much as possible because with time you will get better! Also explore Los Angeles, ask your teachers for recommendations.

Student Article “A SCARY STORY” 

By Kristina Yeleshenko

This scary story happened ten years ago in Kazakhstan…

One woman bought a house. She was single and was going to live by herself. The first night after she went to bed, she heard a crying baby downstairs. Even though the woman was scared, she decided to go downstairs to check what was happening, but nothing was there. Then, she went to bed again.

The next night, it happened again, but this time she heard not only a crying baby but also the sound of a slamming door.

It kept happening for ten days in a row. On the eleventh day, the woman called her friend and asked him to come because she was frightened. On the same day he came, he noticed that the door was open. When he came in the woman was lying on the floor. She was dead. On the wall was written in blood, “No one dares bother me.”

Since that time, ten years have passed and no one knows the details of the woman’s death.

The End

By J. Sujinda

I was sleeping in my bedroom while my sister was taking a shower. I heard someone knock on the door of the bathroom, so I shouted and asked my sister what happened, but she didn’t answer me.

Then I went to the living room where my friends were and asked them if somebody knocked on my door. They asked me if I argued with my sister. I was shocked because there was nobody knocking on my door.

However, after my sister finished taking a shower, she asked me if I had knocked on the door of the bathroom, and then I was shocked again!

At that time, we didn’t know who knocked on the door because the sound of the knock was very loud. It happened outside our room. After realizing there was nobody in our room and nobody that knocked on the door, my sister shouted, “Diving 4! I don’t allow you to live in our room for free!”

The End

By Chinnawat Indrawasu

First of all, I have to say that I actually don’t believe in supernatural things such as ghosts or spirits since my father always tells me that there is no stuff like that in the world. However, something very weird happened to me five years ago and I still cannot figure out what it was until today.

This strange situation happened when I was working at my former company. It was the last Friday before a long vacation. Songkran’s festival would start the week after. At that time, it was my first week working for that company and everything was so hectic because I still couldn’t handle all the tasks.

I kept working until everyone in the building left. I looked at the clock and it was 8:00pm. It was cold and dark since every light in the office was turned off. Suddenly, while I was focusing on the computer screen, something happened with the automatic door handles. It sounded like someone was trying to get into the room.

The door was locked inside, so the person from the outside couldn’t get in the room without the key. I immediately ran to the door because someone might have forgotten their stuff, but I found nobody outside the door. I opened the door to find out if there was somebody. I didn’t see anything. It was very weird since it took only two seconds from my desk to the door and it was very difficult if someone tried to tease me because the hallway was very dark. As a result, I went back to my desk to turn off my PC and left the office as fast as I could.

After a long vacation, I told the story to one of my colleagues. The anxiety was shown on his face. He told me the story about the death of one lady who worked in the marketing section a few years before. He said that she had been a teaser who had liked to tease everyone all the time.

The End

languagesystems.edu

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/

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/