Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is typically celebrated with your romantic partner, your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. The standard "date night" includes a card, flowers, chocolates, and dinner at a nice restaurant. There may be some other gifts exchanged as well. Some couples even fight because someone forgot or didn't plan some grand romantic gesture. These days, many people are going against these traditions and are creating their own ways to celebrate Valentine's Day because they may not be in a romantic relationship, or it's simply more fun to include family and friends! Anti-Valentine's Day parties have become popular, too. Lots of young people are finding it difficult to find a suitable romantic partner and are rejecting the idea of Valentine's Day altogether. 

At Language Systems South Bay, we celebrated Valentine's Day with a couple of traditional practices, and some non-traditional ones. 

Chocolates are a MUST! Students were able to buy a small box of chocolates and have it delivered to their friend, sweetheart, classmate, or teacher in another class with a sweet note or Valentine message. 

Many students (and teachers!) were so surprised to receive a box a chocolates from a secret, or not-so-secret admirer. 

Others were a little embarrassed, but for sure, everyone was happy to have chocolates. 

Another MUST for Valentine's Day is Valentine's cards. We had a craft table set up for students to design and create their own custom Valentine's Day cards. 

Our students can be true artists when it comes to expressing their love! 

Students created cards for their teachers, classmates,and friends using construction paper, glitter paint, foam shapes, pipe cleaners, and crayons. 

Lastly, Language Systems South Bay celebrated with SWEETS! Cupcakes to be exact. Each class had cupcakes delivered by Sylvia, the PC. 

The students and teachers enjoyed a sweet treat (and a break from studying!) We had chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavored cupcakes with sweet, sweet icing and sprinkles on top. 

Maybe February 15th can be "national make a dentist appointment day" because there were just so many sugary snacks!

So remember, Valentine's Day celebrations can be different depending on where you are and who will celebrate with you. 

There is no right or wrong way to do it, but any Valentine's Day celebration will include the colors red and pink, hearts, and sweets. Hopefully LOTS of sweets!

 By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SB 

http://languagesystems.edu/ 

A Taste of Orange County - Indian Fast Food

One of the great things about living in Southern California is the food! We have authentic food from all over the world. At our Language Systems - Orange County campus, there is a monthly activity called "A Taste of Orange County." 

The purpose of this activity is to give our ESL students a chance to try many different kinds of food while they are here in California. 

On Thursday, January 5, we visited a place called Curry Hut in Fullerton, CA. This place is run by a family from India, and they serve Indian fast food that is fresh, delicious, and inexpensive. 

The most popular way to order is to do the 1, 2 or 3 item combo. It comes with rice and freshly baked Naan (Indian bread). 

They give you so much food that two people can share a 2-item combo, which only costs $7.99. The food was so delicious! Of course, it was a little spicy, but after all, it is authentic Indian food.  

We will definitely go back again. For all of our students it was their very first time eating Indian food. Welcome to Orange County! 

 By Ty Mussack, Program Coordinator at OC

http://languagesystems.edu/

Welcome Letter!

On behalf of everyone at Language Systems, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our students joining us in 2017. Many of us at Language Systems have lived and studied abroad, so we understand the challenges that international students face as well as the opportunities presented in a positive and culturally rich learning environment. We are committed to helping our students fulfill their goals in English and to experience everything that beautiful California offers its visitors. 

Language Systems has developed a variety of programs to fit each student’s needs. Our Program Coordinators are here to help you decide which program and study plan is best for you. In addition, Language Systems staff members offer support and assistance regarding student visas and other related issues.

Throughout the year, Language Systems has several four-school events that students should not miss! During the Winter Term of 2017, Language Systems will hold its annual Basketball Tournament near our South Bay school. Whether you are playing on the team or just there to cheer your team on, everyone has a blast and experiences first-hand how Americans love their sporting events! In the Spring Term of 2017, we move on to our annual Soccer Tournament, which is always popular with students from all over the world. In the Summer Term of 2017, Language Systems holds its annual Beach Party, which includes a Beach Volleyball tournament and water games! In the Fall Term of 2017, students again gear up for another tournament, this time for Futsal.

As you can see, Language Systems provides opportunities for students to come together culturally to practice English and explore American culture in Southern California. You have taken your first step in an amazing journey and we are pleased that you have decided to study at one of our campuses. Welcome to sunny, Southern California!

 By Michelle Buell, Academic Director at Language Systems International

http://languagesystems.edu/