Norton Simon Museum Visit

The beginning conversation students had the opportunity to visit the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena on Saturday, February 21st, 2015. 

      

The students were excited to see many works of arts from painters they have studied and read about. 

   

The students also enjoyed the hundreds of sculptures from around the world. The visit provided students an opportunity to use their English skills to describe works of art they liked and even some they didn't understand. 

Although they are more accustomed to art from their country, they understood talented artists are the same all over the world.

Tommy Munoz - CMAR 1 #NELAcampus

www.languagesystems.edu

Clippers Game

     

It was a beautiful Martin Luther King Jr. holiday when I accompanied a group of Language Systems students to see the L.A. Clippers play the Boston Celtics. For many students it was their first experience riding the L.A. Metro trains, so after buying some TAP cards we were off. During the game, many of us had pretzels and popcorn among other snacks that were on offer at the Staples Center. Some of us even bought some Clippers gear. A great time was had by all. @NELAcampus

By: Jacob Slingland (Teacher) 

 

I had a good experience going to the Staples Center with classmates. We bought a TAP card and took the train to the Staples Center. We made it just in time. I was sitting with classmates and ate burgers and pop corn while watching the game : )

By: Feng, Yong Yan - Vivian (Student)

www.languagesystems.edu

Hike in Rancho Palos Verdes

On Sunday, January 18, Language Systems - South Bay Los Angeles enjoyed a rugged outdoor hike in Rancho Palos Verdes. It was a two and a half hour hike with an incline of 1,300 feet and covered five miles of trails. 

Students had the opportunity to meet local residents of the South Bay and practice their English, and saw a breathtaking sunset on the way back.  It was a great way to keep our New Year's resolutions to get more exercise! 

www.languagesystems.edu

Ugly Sweater Contest

Colorful Christmas sweaters have been part of the holiday tradition in the United States for almost a century, but they weren't always considered "ugly." Sweaters that were brightly colored in mostly reds and greens and decorated with winter scenes, snowmen, Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas trees, and everything related to the holiday were a common sight at holiday parties. It was often "grandmas" and  "aunties" who would give these sweaters as gifts that were often unappreciated. One might say that the sweaters have always been ugly, but only until recently have the ugliest sweaters become most popular. Younger generations are enjoying overly decorated holiday sweaters as more of a novelty than in the past by hosting "Ugly SweaterParties," where guests wear the ugliest holiday sweater they can find. 

At the end of last term, Language Systems hosted Ugly Sweater Contests at each of its campuses. Students, staff, and teachers were encouraged to wear ugly holiday sweaters for a chance to win a prize. There were lots of shiny bows, snowmen, snowflakes, and even some 3-D elements! It was very difficult to choose the best, but the winners definitely deserved it!

                             

www.languagesystems.edu

Ice Skating at Pershing Square - Downtown L.A.

Last Saturday, December 13, evening teacher Martin took 10 students to go ice skating Downtown at Pershing Square.

   

Every November the City of Los Angeles erects an ice rink at Pershing Square where people can ice skate for just $12.

Students from Brazil, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan and Venezuela enjoyed the activity immensely.  

Martin Mazloom - Teacher at the DTLA campus 

www.languagesystems.edu

Hike at the Donald Trump Golf Course

            

On Sunday, December 14th the South Bay LA Campus went on a hike at the Donald Trump Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes. This hike has sweeping ocean views and a picnic area.  

             

Students joined TOEFL teacher Katie and ESL teacher Kurt on this outdoor, rugged adventure. At the end, we had coffee at the indoor cafe and watched the sun go down. It was a great day for outdoor exercise on the coast of California.

#SBLAcampus

www.languagesystems.edu

The Hotel Café in Hollywood, CA

Last Saturday night, students from Language Systems - LA Campus ventured to one of Hollywood’s premier music venues – The Hotel Café. Despite the name, it is neither a hotel nor a café, but instead a restaurant and bar which features some of LA’s top talent playing in a comfortable, ambient lounge setting. 

On this particular evening, the students came to the Hotel Café to hear the musical stylings of Smithfield Bargain, an LA-based jazz-folk band, as well as the music of an amazing group of three girls called The Honey Whiskey Trio.  

Situated in one of Hollywood’s best walkable areas near Cahuenga and Hollywood Blvd, it’s easy to find something to suit your fancy. Bonus: it's close to a metro stop, so no need to worry about traffic or parking!

Daniel- Downtown LA teacher

www.languagesystems.edu