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Newsletter July 2017

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Language Systems Newsletter

Editorial – Food in America By Michelle Buell, Academic Director at Language Systems International


What is “American” food? It seems like an easy question, but it’s actually a little harder to answer. The United States is made up of people from all over the world, and they have brought special dishes and food from their own countries. As people have settled all over the United States, these special dishes have become a part of American culture, so now everyone can enjoy a delicious variety of dishes wherever they are.

There are also different types of dishes and food for each of the four seasons. The 4th of July, or Independence Day, best demonstrates popular food for the summer season. Barbecues and easy side dishes seem to be popular with everyone during the summer months. At a typical barbecue, you will find hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken. Side dishes include potato salad (cold), potato chips (all flavors and types), and corn on the cob.  Taco trucks have become a mainstay for special events in and around Los Angeles. For example, outdoor movies and other festive events will be accompanied by food trucks, especially taco trucks, which seem to have started the current food truck craze. In fact, during the summer months, there are food-truck events held weekly in each city, with food from all over the world, including sushi and crêpes, as well as shawarma and falafel sandwiches.

So the next time you would like to try “American” food, don’t just go to a fast food restaurant. There are many options to explore in Southern California, especially in the summertime. Try out a food truck night or a family restaurant in your neighborhood. Accept the invitation to your friend’s barbecue. Attend potluck parties where you bring food from your country and share it with others with special dishes from their countries. Food and fun bring people together for unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships.

Language Systems Life Style (OC) – Curry Hut Restaurant By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC


Just minutes from Language Systems Orange County, we have an authentic Indian restaurant called Curry Hut.  It is located in Fullerton, and is in walking distance of both Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton.  This means the restaurant caters to students, so the food is cheap.  The food is also really delicious and fresh.  Recently, one of our teachers in OC, who is Indian-American, took some students to the Curry Hut to introduce them to Indian food.  All the students loved the food.  It is run by an Indian family, and they have tried to make the restaurant like a fast-food restaurant while keeping the food authentic, fresh, and affordable.  You can get a 2-item combo for about $6-7, which comes with two curries, rice, and freshly-made naan (Indian bread).  But the portions are so generous, it could feed 2 people.  If you are ever near Fullerton, you should check it out.

Discover LA (OC) – Independence Day in America By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC


If you or someone you know is planning to visit Orange County, California for the 4th of July, then you really should visit Huntington Beach on America’s Independence Day.  I will warn you first about 3 things:  the crowd, parking, and the weather.  There will be hundreds of thousands of people.  Finding a parking spot will be crazy!  And most likely, the weather will be hot and sunny.  If you can put up with these three things, you will be able to see one of the biggest and best 4th of July parades in America.  It takes place on Main Street in Huntington Beach every July 4th.  It is very special!  Then at night time you will be able to see an amazing fireworks show right on the beach.  They light off the fireworks from the pier, which by the way is also the longest cement pier in the USA.   The parade is in the morning, and the fireworks are at night.  During the day, you can enjoy the beach or the amazing shopping and food trucks at the pier plaza and along Main Street.  If you don’t end up melting in the sun, you will have an amazing experience.

Free in LA (OC) – The 41st annual Ocean Festival By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

  • July 16 – 17: San Clemente – The 41st annual Ocean Festival, billed as “the greatest show on surf,” features scores of activities, including a sand sculpting contest, live music, kids’ fishing derby and kids’ body surfing lessons. www.oceanfestival.org
  • July 14: Irvine – Bring the family to see the acclaimed 2016 Disney animated hit “Moana.”  Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Dr. Irvine. Ocparks.com
  • July 14: Mission Viejo – The Big Band with Shep Shepherd swings into Saddleback College’s Upper Campus Quad. 7:30 p.m. Free parking. Reserved seating and food truck cuisine available for purchase. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.  saddleback.edu/arts/summer-theatre
  • July 15. La Palma – Stone Soul brings ’60s and Motown classics to Concerts at Central Park, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7821 Walker St. 6:30-8 p.m. cityoflapalma.org
  • July 15: Mission Viejo – Shakespeare by the Sea performs “Macbeth” at the Upper Campus Quad of Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Free parking. Reserved seating and food truck items available for purchase. saddleback.edu/arts/summer-theatre
  • July 15: Cypress – West Coast Pops Orchestra plays a Concert on the Green at the Civic Center. 6 p.m. with kids’ crafts offered at 5:30 p.m. 5275 Orange Ave. Cypressrec.org
  • July 16: Mission Viejo – Shakespeare by the Sea stages “Taming of the Shrew.” 7:30 p.m. Upper Campus Quad. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. Free parking. Reserved seating and food trucks available for purchase. shakespearebythesea.org

Student Articles 

My Favorite Food By Lin (Level 6)

My favorite food in my country (China) is handmade noodles with eggs and tomatoes.  When I was a kid, my grandmother used to make these noodles for my birthday.  She started by making the noodles by hand.  This took a lot of effort and skill. Then she would fry the fresh eggs and tomatoes together.  When she fried the eggs and tomatoes, she would add a little bit of sugar to bring out the flavors.  She would then boil the noodles just perfectly.  The final step was to add the boiled noodles to the fried eggs and tomatoes.  I will never be able to forget the taste and the smell of those noodles. I love those noodles so much!

Food in California By Shunki (Level 6)

In California you can find food from all over the world! I’m Japanese, so of course I love Japanese food.  It’s a little expensive here, but I can still enjoy good Japanese food right here in California.  I have tried many other kinds of food in California, like Mexican food, Korean BBQ, and of course, American food. Actually, I have to make a confession.  I like junk food.  This is why eating American fast food makes me happy.  But I know that eating a lot of junk food or American fast food is going to make me gain weight, and this is something I worry about.  However, it is so good that I cannot stop eating this kind of food.  What should I do?  Anyways, I’m glad to be studying English in Southern California because I can enjoy food from all over the world.

Language Systems Faces Interview with Staff (OC) Interview conducted by Marketing Department at Language Systems International


Meet Graziele Crizol, our student advisor at the LSI Orange County Campus

Q: How long have you been with the LSI family?
Grazi: I worked at Sweet Home California for 1 year and I’m now working three months at Language Systems, and I’m really enjoying this experience!


Q: What do you like most about Los Angeles?
Grazi: I chose Los Angeles because I love the weather here and the beaches, the parks, the variety of food and things to buy! I love physical activity and this region has many activities and places for sports such as surfing, ice skating, skiing, running, etc. Another thing I love here are the Latin places to dance, and American sports bars; it’s a lot of fun!

Q: What are your goals for the future?
Grazi: At this moment, I want to learn the maximum with this opportunity to work in the marketing of the school. Who knows, in the future I may open my own business, improve my English and learn Spanish.

Q: What do you think is the major advantage in studying at Language Systems International?
Grazi: The greatest advantage of studying at LSI is to learn English well.  I is the opportunity to connect with other cultures, make new friends, exchange experiences, and have the school’s support in difficult moments.  I also think it is very important that the school provides us with constant activities.  From these activities, I can learn naturally by practicing English in a fun and relaxing way! That helps us to have fun, to learn and not to miss the family so much. Here at LSI, we are a family and the school makes me feel very loved and supported.

Q: What part of your job do you like the most?
Grazi: The opportunity to work in the school brought me new knowledge and I found a sector, marketing, where I fell in love! I want to learn a lot and be able to work with the school with many students. This work makes me very happy because I have the opportunity to help people realize the dream of coming to study here in the USA. I also love my current work team as my family. Being part of the LSI team is my biggest challenge and the most wonderful experience I have ever had! I really wore the t-shirt and I’m very proud to be here.

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