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 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/

Newsletter July 2016

Editorial - Food in America  By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

            Sometimes international students will say something like this, “There is nothing really special about American food.  It’s just hamburgers, French fries, fast food and junk food.”  Well, if you think McDonald’s and KFC are the symbols of American food, then this may be true.  However, the U.S. actually has a rich food culture that international students rarely take the chance to experience.  A lot of this food culture is connected to geography and the people who have populated these areas.  For example, the northeastern states like Maine, New Hampshire, Boston and Connecticut have a rich seafood culture, while the southern states like Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee have delicious BBQ and southern soul food.  Texas and California both have their versions of Mexican food, while the east coast has a rich sandwich culture that includes pastrami, cheesesteaks, and New York style deli sandwiches.  American BBQ itself can be divided into Texas BBQ, Kansas City BBQ, Carolina BBQ, Memphis style, and several others withy unique sauces and preferences of wood types that are used for smoking.  It’s true that sometimes America borrows a food concept from another country, like pizza from Italy, and then we make it our own.  American pizza has many varieties that cannot be found anywhere in Italy, including Chicago deepdish, New York style, and California style wood-fired pizza.  So basically, if you’re an international student studying English here in America, you need to put down the fast food and go out and taste some truly American food.  Enjoy!

Language Systems Lifestyle - Food Trucks in America  By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

            A lot of students at Language Systems come from countries that have a vibrant street food culture.  Because of certain strict laws and regulations in California, there is not a lot of street food out there.  However, we do have a thing called food trucks in California, and you should check some of them out.  A lot of cities have food truck gatherings, when many different types of food trucks all meet at one location to give people a really cool dining experience.  Recently, a group of Language Systems students from the OC campus went to a food truck gathering in Fullerton, CA.  The most popular truck that night was a fusion truck that combined Korean food with Mexican and American food.  The most popular item that the students ordered was the pork belly sliders.  Another favorite was a truck selling Cajun food, which comes from New Orleans, Louisiana.  Sometimes ordering from the food trucks may seem a little expensive, but you are supporting a small “family business.”  Check it out!

Discover in LA (OC) - Free Concerts in the park 

            One of the cool things about the summer in California is all the free concerts in the park.  Many cities offer free concerts during the summer, and it is a great way to enjoy California culture and weather.  Every city does holds their free concerts on a certain day of the week, so you have to check the city government website to find out which day of the week it is for any given city.  In Huntington Beach the concerts are on Sunday nights, and in Fullerton they are on Wednesday nights.  Every summer our students from Language Systems – Orange County attend a concert and have a picnic together.  A lot of American families attend these events.  They usually bring chairs, food, drinks, blankets, and sometimes even the family dogs.  Some concerts will have food trucks, and others will have special games and activities for kids.  If you are in California for the summer, you should go to one of these FREE concerts in the park.  Here is a link for the concerts available in Orange County.

http://www.orangecounty.net/html/events_concerts.html

Free in LA (OC) - Welcome OC Fair 

You're invited to join the OC Fair as we celebrate the spirit, tradition and heritage of being OC's Fair since 1890. A county fair wouldn't be complete without the competition pies, quilts, paintings and giant pumpkins. Every year at the OC Fair, the community's gardeners, bakers and artisans of all ages and types come together to share their talents with more than one million Fair-goers. Enter into a competition to win a coveted blue ribbon or visit one of the OC Fair's competitive galleries and witness the spirit of competition that is alive and thriving in Orange County.

Come and Get it! Friday July 15th is the Opening Day of the Orange County Fair!

From 12 pm - 1pm / Parking and Admission is free.

Check out the following website: www.ocfair.com

Language Systems Faces - Interview with Shizuka By Almugarry, Rakan - ESL Morning Level 5

1) So how long have you been working for LS-OC and what is your main role/job? 

I’ve been working at LS-OC now for about 7 months. I work at the front desk and my main job is to help prospective students apply for their I-20. I also help with enrollment when they arrive here. Lately, I have also been using Instagram to promote LS in Japan. I want to try to attract more short-term students from Japan.

2) What do you like most about your job at LS-OC?

I used to be an ESL student, so I know how our students feel. I know they have a dream about studying abroad. Applying for a student visa can be really stressful. I enjoy helping them.

3) What is the most difficult thing about your job?

It’s sad when students want to come here, but they can’t get a visa. It also difficult communicating with students because of the language and cultural barriers.

4) Where are you from originally, and what do you miss about your country?

I am originally from Sendai, Japan. Most people know about Sendai from the earthquake and tsunami we had in 2011. I miss the sushi in Japan. I haven’t found any good sushi in California. I worry about my family and friends sometimes too because we have so many earthquakes in Japan.

5) I hear you have your own jewelry business. Can you tell us a little about that?

Sure. I make my own jewelry using unique stones and gold filling. I sell it online and through two stores in Southern California. I mainly use the website Etsy.com, and my account is under the name brilliantmoonCA if you want to check out my work. I’ve been doing this for the last 2 years.

Student Article 1

Vietnamese Taste in America By Bao (Level 6)

         There are two things that remind foreigners about Vietnam: The Vietnam War and Pho. While the war was over 35 years ago, Pho remains a well-known Vietnamese food not only in America but also around the world. Pho is a kind of noodle soup, sometimes with beef and chicken. Since the first Pho restaurant was opened in Hanoi in the 1920s, Pho has become popular around the world. 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 tendon, tripe, meatballs, chicken leg, chicken breast 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. Check out a review from a loyal customer of Pho 79 at www.orangecounty.citysearch.com: “I haven't gone to this Pho 79 for a long time, about 10 years. When I tried it again, it was still so good, no wonder it's still around after all these years. They have various types of pho and other dishes too. I recommend this place for pho. And it's cheap!”  You and your friend can have a meal with each other in Pho 79 restaurant 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 food, but also part of their memories of Vietnam. Therefore, when a Vietnamese 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 in your community, you are not only tasting Vietnamese food, you are also tasting Vietnamese culture.  

Student Article 1

My First Burger in California By Mariana (Level 5)

         Everyday people go to a lot of different places, and some of these places might be strange for them because there is a different culture.  This was my experience when I first came to the U.S.  I will never forget my first day in California.  I flew from Brazil to Los Angeles, and I was so excited to see a new place.  When I got here everything looked so different and so brilliant.  I was starving, so a friend took me to In-n-Out Burger.  When I got out of the car I saw a long line of other cars waiting to order at the drive-thru window.  There were so many people it looked like a long line of ants looking for food.  I thought the food must be good.  The cashier who took my order was very polite, and their system was so fast and efficient that my food was ready in 5 minutes. The hamburger looked so attractive and succulent that my mouth was watering. I took the first bite and thought I had gone to heaven!  It was divine!  The combination of tender meat, crisp lettuce, and a soft fresh bun was so delicious that when I went to bed that night I dreamed about In-n-Out Burger.  I liked it so much that I decided to go there to eat every week.

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