Spring Session- April 2nd to June 14th
International Perspectives
California State University, Bakersfield
Extended University Division
Intensive English Language Center
In This Issue
Future quarter dates- “Summer Quarter 2013”
June 24th to August 30th
 Future Quarter Dates,
First party and
Shopping – page 1
First Party
 Labor Day – page 2
 Important IELC Summer
2013 Dates – page 2
in the school. The theater was full of parents and I was standing on the stage
with my friend. We were singing. The problem was my friends had forgotten
 Find Out What’s Newpage 2
the song. I felt embarrassed. At the same time, I felt nervous. Then I
 Effects of Fast Foodpage 3
completed the song by myself. After that, the parents had much applause for
me. My teacher was happy with what I did. However, I felt anger at my
 Step by Step to Get a
Great Trip- page 4
friends, because they had forgotten the song. Now, I hope that my friends are
 Independence Daypage 4
 IELTS & TOEFL Info
page 5
My childhood contains a lot of happy events. I remember the first party
okay, because I lost contact with them. -Reem Alqahatani, Saudi Arabia
-
 How to Become a
Successful Studentpage 6
 An Important Event in
My Life- page 7
 My Wedding- page 8
 Overcoming
homesickness- page 9
Shopping
Shopping for food is easy if you follow these steps. First, write what
you need such as oranges, bananas, oil, salt, shampoo and bread. This way you do
not forget anything. Second, go to the supermarket. Then choose the products
 My Favorite Dish- page
10
that are good. Also, check the product prices. Finally, before you buy anything
 Spaghetti- page 10
do not forget anything because your wife will be upset. In the end, if you follow
 Things to Do in
Bakersfield- page 11
 IELC Spring 2013
photos– page 12
 F-1 Visa Timeline –
page 13
 IELC Spring 2013
Demographic- page 13
these steps you will enjoy the shopping experience. –Reem Alqahtani, Saudi Arabia
Page 2 of 13
International Perspectives
Labor Day (Sept. 2, 2013) - Labor Day, the first Monday in
September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the
social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a
yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the
strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day
holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City,
in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. Labor Day is now
reserved on the first Monday of September. - www.dol.gov
Find out what’s “NEW”
InternationalStudentGuidetotheUSA.com
Receive updates on: Schools
testing and Articles related to
your area of study -International
Student Guide
Important
IELC
Summer 2013
Dates
June 24, 2013
New Student Testing
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
New Student
Orientation
1:00 – 3:00 PM
June 25, 2013
New and Returning
Student Orientation
8:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Campus Tour
1:00 – 2:00 PM
June 26, 2013
First Day of Summer
Classes
8:15 AM – 3:25 PM
July 4th, 2013
Independence Day
(No School)
International Perspectives
Page 3 of 13
Effects of Fast Food
How many times a week do you eat fast food? I eat it two times a week;
Therefore, I have gained weight gradually but constantly. I don’t want to be
fat, but I eat fast food because I don’t need to cook and wash dishes. I would like
to explain about the effects of fast food.
Everyone knows that fast food is not healthy. However, do you know
exactly how unhealthy it is? A Big Mac has 550 calories. If you add fries and a
soda, it might exceed 1,000 calories. This number is shocking. Normally, a
person should consume about 2,000 calories a day. If you eat at Mc Donald’s, that’s already half of the
daily calories! This means that you shouldn’t eat fast food three times a day, but only two times. This
result is very sad because if you consume too many calories, you will become overweight. These unhealthy
elements are typical effects of fast food.
The second Effect is about time. Fast food is made fast. People are always in a hurry and have no
time to wait for food to be made. This is why fast food is so fast, but this is a problem. To make food
quickly, restaurants use many chemicals and preservative. This is also unhealthy because it is not fresh and
natural. You might have physical problems as a result of eating too much fast food.
To sum up, we should try to eat healthy food. Fruits, vegetables, rice and fish are some examples of
healthy food. If you must eat fast food, eat only a little and not often. I’m going to try to eat more at
Subway than at Mc Donald’s. Is this healthier? - Yukiyo Ito, Japan
Page 4 of 13
Step by Step to Get a Great Trip
Who wouldn’t like to have a nice
trip? If you do, there are a lot of steps
you should follow. First, collect
information about the places where you
want to go. You can get the information
from reports or internet. Second, you
should make a comparison about the prices
and offers. You can make this comparison
on the internet. If you want good prices
for hotels, you can visit “booking.com” and
“expedia.com” for getting good flight
prices. Next, you can go to tourism
offices to learn about offers in order to
make a comparison with the price you
already have. Next, do a search about the
place which you decided to go to and make
a schedule with the activities you can do.
In addition, you have to plan your vacation
in advance so that you can get many
options about times and prices. With
these steps, you can be sure you will “have
a nice vacation”. – Fahad Alrobba, Saudi Arabia
International Perspectives
Independence Day
Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day,
July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since
1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes
back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (177583). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then
fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that
would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July
2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence,
and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of
Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas
Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been
celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical
festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to
more casual family gatherings and barbecues. –History.com
International Perspectives
IELTS
IELTS is the world’s most popular high-stakes
English language proficiency test. In 2009, over 1.4
million IELTS tests were given across the globe.
IELTS results are recognized by over 6,000
universities and colleges worldwide - 2,500 of which
are in the USA, including all Ivy League colleges.
The IELTS test is easily accessible, with availability
in over 130 countries. IELTS is the original
integrated test, assessing your speaking, listening,
reading and writing skills. As preferred by many
candidates, the IELTS test is paper-based. It is
also the only test that offers you a one-on-one
interview, so that you can demonstrate your
speaking kills in a real life situation. The IELTS test
takes 2 hours 44 minutes to complete and your
result is valid for two years. www.ielts.org
--- International Student Guide to the USA 2010
Edition
Page 5 of 13
TOEFL
The TOEFL® test measures your ability to use and
understand the English language as it is read,
written, heard and spoken in the university
classroom. The test, often referred to as the
TOEFL iBT™ test, is administered 30-40 times a
year at more than 4,500 secure testing sites around
the world. It is accepted by more than 7,500
universities, agencies and other institutions in 130
countries, including the top universities in the U.K,
Canada, and the U.S. In order for the TOEFL iBT™
to measure how well you read, listen, speak and
write in English, and how well you use these skills
together, you’ll be asked to integrate these skills
for the test. For example, you may read a passage
or listen to a lecture, and then write or speak about
what you learned. Test fees range from US$150 to
US$225, depending on the test location.
Registration is available 3-4 months before the test
date, so be sure to register early to reserve your
seat. Your scores will be posted online within 2
weeks after the test date. They are also mailed to
the universities or institutions you selected. ETS
offers several test preparation resources to help
students prepare for test day. These include the
bestselling test-prep book The Official Guide to the
Don’t Forget To Bring
Your Passport When Taking
The TOEFL – It Is Required!!!
TOEFL® Test, and TOEFL® Practice Online a
complete practice test that simulates the real
TOEFL iBT™ test. To learn more about the TOEFL®
test and to register, visit www.toeflgoanywhere.org
--- International Student Guide to the USA 2010
Edition
International Perspectives
Page 6 of 13
1. Develop an attitude and
passion for learning by
remaining curious and
interested. Use your curiosity
to help you become a
professional researcher.
Remember to have an open
mind and to remain as
objective as possible while
conducting studying.
How to Become a
Successful Student
There are certain actions that
a person can take in order to
become a good student.
However, to do so, he must
represent certain
characteristics. These
characteristics are innate for
many, but those who do not
currently have them can
develop them. Just as someone
can take actions to become a
good student, he can also take
actions to develop the
characteristics of a successful
student. –ehow.com
4. Be humble and realize that
you can always learn more
regardless of what you may
already know and understand.
Listen to and learn from your
instructor. Learn from your
mistakes and the mistakes of
others. Be engaged while in
class and work well with your
classmates.
take
toward
Every step you
your
goals
is
important from the smallest to
the biggest.
2. Become the type of student
that studies academics
instead of one who simply
attends classes. Take the
initiative to study on a daily
and regular basis without
requiring instruction to do so.
Make learning a priority. Have
confidence and believe in your
academic abilities. Be
determined and persevere.
Never give in to an attitude of
mediocrity.
3. Develop self-discipline by
using time wisely. Do what
needs to be done, when it
needs to be done, regardless
5. Analyze, critically evaluate
of what you may not feel like
and be able to understand
doing. Refrain from being a
what you are learning. Apply
procrastinator. Be continually
your understanding of what
and consistently prepared
you have learned to your daily
procrastination leads to bigger
work and assignments. Be
problems down the road.
logical in the use of your
Punctuality is important be on
information.
time to class.
International Perspectives
Page 7 of 13
An Important Event in My Life
Many people have been through events that affect them either in a positive or negative way
that led them to change. The most important event in my life was when I came to the U.S. I was
worried about my future, so I decided to come to the U.S. to study English and then complete my
university studies. I hoped to study English and then complete my university studies. I hoped to
study the English language for several reasons. One of them is that the English language is one of
the most important languages in the world. I also felt I needed to improve myself.
I started the process to come to the U.S. after I had finished high school. Before I came
to the United States my family did not want me to go because they couldn’t take care of me. They
also thought I was still too young. However, after I decided to come to the U.S. my family
encouraged me. When I was back home, I always counted on my family for preparing my food, and
washing my clothes. But when I came to the U.S. without my family, I started to change and
learned to depend on myself. Since I wasn’t used to being independent, I found it hard to depend
on myself.
I experienced Culture Shock. It was really hard for me, since it was my first time here.
Even so, I learned a lot from it and it has changed me to be part of the American Culture. I
learned the language that I had dreamed of learning. English is a global language that links people
around the world. This is why I wanted to learn English. It will help me to communicate with people
worldwide.
Finally, I have changed a lot. I am learning a new language. I am experiencing a new culture
and have become independent. I’m glad that I have changed. I wish to complete my university
studies, get a job, and be happy in my life. – Ali Almehedab, Saudi Arabia
International Perspectives
Page 8 of 13
My Wedding
I will always remember my wedding day. It was beautiful. I woke and looked outside. The
sun was shining and the wedding time was coming soon. It was time to get up and prepare for this
important day.
I went to my hotel and then remembered that my “thobes” was still at the clothing store.
So I got my “thobes” and went to the barber shop for a shave. After that I took a shower and
waited for my friends. My brothers were calling me to ask how everything was going. I told them I
was not bad. My cousin called about the car which arrived to take me to the wedding party. My
friends came and we went together. Then I received many people, welcoming them and they wished
me a happy wedding. After all the people had arrived, it was time for dinner for the guests.
I waited until the people were eating and I moved to meet my wife in the women’s section. I
met my wife in a special room just for us, her mother, her sisters, and my sisters. There was a lady
photographer who took beautiful pictures of my wife and me together.
After the wedding party, we went to my hotel and spent two days there. Then we visited
several cities. We went to Makkah AIMokaramah for two days, Jeddah City for four days, and
finally the last city was Almdinah AIMonawrah, for five days. Finally we went back to Riyadh City.
This was the day I will not forget in my lifetime. It was a beautiful day and one of the
happiest in my life. – Ibrahim Alkahtani, Saudi Arabia
International Perspectives
Page 9 of 13
Overcoming Homesickness
International students leave the comforts of their home in their homelands to be able to
study and earn college and post grad degrees elsewhere. There are many compelling
reasons why such students need to go out of the country and study in other places.
If you are among these students who aim to study abroad, there is one distinct and
common problem. It may be your first time going abroad for a long period or leaving your
parents' home to study in a different location. Thus, expect that for some time, you would
normally feel depression as you miss your home, your family and your friends.
Here are some common and simple guidelines that can help you overcome the feeling of
sorely missing your home and all the people you have left behind for your study purposes.
1. Bring photos of your family and friends. Whenever you feel lonely, look at the photos
and draw inspiration and motivation from them. If you can bring photo albums, do so.
2. Learn to cook meals that are normally prepared in your home. This way, you will not be
culture shocked in terms of food. Some students find it hard to adapt to the kind of food
served in another country. For example, Americans may not find rice meals in Asia very
appetizing, and vice versa, especially burgers.
3. Have a mobile phone. If you can subscribe to the roaming services of the carrier you
have back home, do so. It would make connectivity with friends and families back home
easier and more convenient. If you need to call them, or they need to call you,
communication can be easily established.
4. Establish a circle of new friends. Doing so will give you a feeling as if you are still at
home. It is also fun to talk in your local language and converse of things you all find
culturally amusing. You can also relate to people of the same nationality as yours. -Article
Source: -EzineArticles.com
International Perspectives
Page 10 of 13
My Favorite Dish
I have a lot of favorite foods, but I have
one that is special to me, which is pasta chicken
Alfredo. This is the best dish in the world for me.
I had this dish with my sister in a restaurant. And
after that day I started to like pasta Chicken
Alfredo.
My Favorite Dish
I like to eat spaghetti wrapped in lettuce.
I know that it is exotic for many people. When I
was a high school student, I liked spaghetti, but I
didn’t have enough time to cook spaghetti. So I
enjoyed eating instant spaghetti. Instant
spaghetti has lots of fat, so it was not healthy for
me. For that reason, I looked for the healthy way
of eating spaghetti.
In 2012, I saw a restaurant which offered
spaghetti with lettuce on TV. The restaurant was
popular and many people enjoyed the food. Soon, I
had a chance to eat it because my school offered
spaghetti with lettuce for the school meal. At the
first time, it was strange to me. There was just a
dish of tomato spaghetti and fresh lettuce made
harmony. The spaghetti felt fresh because of the
lettuce and the lettuce reduced the greasy taste
of the spaghetti. And, I think that it is healthy
for four our bodies. Spaghetti has lots of fats
and is a high calorie food because it is cooked with
oil; but the lettuce reduces the fats because it
contains lots of fiber. So I have enjoyed eating
spaghetti wrapped in lettuce until now.
The way to eat spaghetti wrapped in
lettuce is strange for many people because they
didn’t try to eat spaghetti in that way. But it is
well known in Korea. And it has been proven
healthier than eating only spaghetti based on
scientific facts. So I enjoy eating spaghetti
wrapped in lettuce. – Seaugju Lee, South Korea
The first time I tried it I was with my
sister in Applebee’s four years ago. Actually, I
didn’t think I would like it the first time because it
was made with onions, and I don’t like onions in my
dish. However, when the waiter brought the dish, it
looked delicious. I started to smell the pasta with
the fresh chicken which smelled good. I was
impressed by the beautiful pleasant sight of the
colorful dish and how the chef arranged the greens
on the dish. I started to eat the food and tasted
the delicious sauce. I chewed the smooth chicken
that was cooked in the famous Alfredo style. I
enjoyed every single moment while I as eating the
pasta. Even though I was full, I couldn’t stop
eating. My sister made a joke about me by telling
my family how I was eating.
Now I always choose pasta Chicken Alfredo
over other meals. This dish is starting to be the
main meal at my family table. In fact, when I grown
up I will open an Italian restraint, so I can have the
pasta any time I want. – Mohammad Alsamiri, Saudi
Arabia
International Perspectives
Page 11 of 13
Things to Do in Bakersfield
Movie Theaters in Bakersfield
-Edwards Bakersfield Stadium 14
Bakersfield Museum of Art
1930 R ST., Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone 661-323-7219
9000 Ming Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93311
-Bakersfield Valley Plaza 16
2000 Wible Road, Bakersfield, CA 93304
-Bakersfield Movies 6
4200 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93309
-Maya Bakersfield 16 Cinemas
1000 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304
-Regency Theatres East Hills Mall
3100 Mall View Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Camelot Park- Miniature Golf
1251 Oak Street, Bakersfield 93304
(661) 859-1812
“Indoor Ice Skating”
1325 "Q" Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661.852.7404
Indoor Go- Cart Raceway
6901 District Blvd, Bakersfield 93313
661-859-1294
Bowling
AMF SOUTHWEST LANES
3610 Wible Rd, Bakersfield
(661) 834-2695
AMF WESTCHESTER LANES
1819 30th St, Bakersfield ·
(661) 324-4966
AMF Bowling Centers
3610 Wible Rd, Bakersfield ·
(661) 834-2695
International Perspectives
Page 12 of 13
IELC Students
Spring 2013
International Perspectives
Contributing
Writers
Karen Hurley,
IELC Director
Lisa Ramirez,
IELC Administrative
Assistant
Student Writers
-Fahad Alrobba
-Ibrahim Alkahtani
-Ali Almehedab
-Yukiyo Ito
Reem Algahtani
-Seugju Lee
-Mohammad Alsamiri
Page 13 of 13
IELC Spring 2013 Demographics
During the Spring Quarter 2013 the IELC had a
total of 29 students from 11 different countries.
China – 1
Columbia – 1
Yemen – 1
Thailand – 1
Japan-1
Venezuela – 3
South Korea - 1
Mali - 1
México - 2
Vietnam- 1
Saudí Arabia-16
Where is something located in relation to
something else? Do you know the word for it?

About Us
Intensive English
Language Center
Web:
http://www.csub.edu/ielc
Email:
[email protected]
Address:
9001 Stockdale Hwy.
MEC 46
Bakersfield, CA
93311-1022
Phone:
661-654-2014
Fax:
661-654-6914

https://www.facebook.com/EnglishIF