Southern California English Language School - AOI College

Job Opening

aoicollege — 2010-08-24T11:35:00-0700

Senior Finance Director: In Orange County. Senior Finance Director position available at our Irvine, CA location. Requires ability to supervise and direct the preparation of the annual financials, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, annual budgets; supervise and evaluate performance of subordinates; maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards; coordinate audits of company accounts; prepare financial analysis for contract negotiations and payment plans, and oversee daily financial operations of the company. Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field plus one year of post MBA experience in the field. Foreign equivalent acceptable. Please submit resume to AOI College of Languages, Attn: James Kim, 4255 Campus Dr., Ste. A-200, Irvine, CA 92612

Newsletter for August 2010

aoicollege — 2010-08-10T16:16:00-0700

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Newsletter for July 2010

aoicollege — 2010-07-07T17:07:00-0700

‘The Beat Goes On’

The Orange County Fair first took place in 1890 and after several changes in location it found its permanent home in Costa Mesa when the city was founded in 1953. With such a long history the OC Fair has become an annual 23 day fun-filled festival that takes up the entirety of the fairgrounds.

Every year there is a new and innovative theme for the fair. Last year the name of the fair was “The Super Fair”. This year with a theme of continuity the name of the fair is “The Beat Goes On”. There are so many attractions, food, games, and events that one day is not enough to fully enjoy every single aspect of the fair.

One ride that every attendee should look forward to is the Skylift, which is a lift that spans across the center of the fair allowing a breathtaking view of the fair from above. Though not recommended for those who are extremely afraid of heights, it is a mellow and safe ride for families and romantic couples. One can see all the rides and attractions within the fair and be able to take panoramic pictures of the night lights. There are also less mellow rides for adrenaline junkies and fun rides for young children. Perhaps only after the rides one can head on over to the many food and drink stands for a snack.

The infamous fair treats are offered at the OC Fair as well. Deep-fried anything from ice cream to candy bars can be found along with a variety of BBQ. Any fair traditionally has unusual yet delicious snacks for fair-goers. Classic snacks of cotton candy and shaved ice are very popular too. Anything you could crave for, while winning plush toys and petting animals, is offered in the many food stands. However, eating yummy snacks then riding exhilarating rides is not recommended.

A trip to the Orange County Fair is in order for anyone seeking a fun time with family and friends. Make sure to stop by the Photo Booths to take classic souvenir pictures!

♫

Special Events in July

4th of July

The American Independence Day is a National holiday that is celebrated with novel fireworks and parades. Beach side cities such as Newport Beach, CA hold lighted boat parades for public enjoyment.

Orange County Fair

July 16-August 15

Location: 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA.

Biggest event on the OC Fair grounds. There will be food, drinks, games, rides and more!

Wed-Fri: 12 p.m.- Midnight

Sat-Sun: 10 a.m.- Midnight
(Closed Monday and Tuesday)

Single Day: General $10

CITLS classes at AOI!

AOI is now offering classes for those who are aiming to pass the CITLS exam! The Certified International Trade Logistics Specialist certification demonstrates your knowledge in international trade business.

For more Information contact us at: info@aoicollege.com

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Newsletter for June 2010

aoicollege — 2010-06-03T13:22:00-0700

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Newsletter for May 2010

aoicollege — 2010-05-06T12:10:00-0700

The Flower Fields

The flowers are now in full bloom! From March 1st to May 9th these beautifully cultivated flowers are available for public viewing at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. A fun fieldtrip for the AOI students and teachers took place on Friday April 9th where they enjoyed the view and the fresh air.

Many events take place during the spring season at the flower fields including a Mother’s Day Celebration on May 9 and a Bonsai Show and Sale the same weekend. Generations of hard work resulted in acres of these blooming flowers and exciting activities for the public.

Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove is a huge event with over 44 rides and interesting activities and shows. True to its name, strawberries will be abundant during the festival with events such as the giant strawberry shortcake cutting ceremony where everyone will get a piece. Many celebrities from various television shows and movies will be in the parade as well.

This will be the 52nd Annual Strawberry Festival; the celebrity guest list is high and the entertainment is top notch. Great effort was put forth in order to make it the huge attraction it is today. The event has been benefiting local charities since its beginning. Head over to the festival on Memorial weekend for days of strawberry fun!

Special Events in May

-Gem Faire

May 7 - 9th

Location: 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa CA

Friday: 12pm-7pm

Sat: 10am-7pm

Sun: 10am-5pm

General Admission $5

-Strawberry Festival

May 28 - 31st

Location: Main & Euclid, Garden Grove CA

Admission is free

Wristband for carnival rides is approx. $25 - 40.

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Newsletter for April 2010

aoicollege — 2010-05-06T12:09:00-0700

Easter Sunday

Easter is a traditional Christian Holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has become quite a fun holiday for Christians and non-Christians alike. Events such as Easter egg hunts and egg decorating parties, make Easter a fun holiday for children as well as parents. The Easter Bunny was in the tradition from the very beginning as Christianity spread through pagan populations in Europe. Originally a pagan celebration of the coming of Spring, Easter has completely changed into the celebration of the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. Easter has become a holiday for all to celebrate.

Farmers Market and Art Fair

The Huntington Beach Farmer's Market and Art Fair is one of the most beautiful weekly outdoor crafts and California Farmers Markets along the California Coast. They sell foods and fresh cut flowers as well as ripe fruits and vegetables straight from the farms. The market opens at noon until 5 in the afternoon. It takes place at Pier Plaza which is north of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Special Events in April

-Easter

Christian Holiday

Sunday, April 4th

-Farmer’s Market and Art Fair

Location: Pacific Coast Highway & Main Street

Huntington Beach, CA

Every Friday

12pm to 5pm

Admission is free

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Newsletter for Mar. 2010

aoicollege — 2010-04-21T14:36:00-0700

The Getty Center

The Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles hosts a large collection of western art surrounded by beautiful architecture and verdant gardens. It is one of the major museums among the ones that dot the L.A. area and is always full of people and families from all over. The unique learning experience of The Getty makes it an ideal place to visit for students wishing to broaden their knowledge of western culture. There are daily garden and architecture tours as well as different art exhibition tours. Throughout the year many lectures and performances are held in the education center of the museum.

So many experiences and opportunities await the visitors of this grand and versatile center of art.
Just last month AOI College held a field trip to the Getty in Los Angeles. Many students attended and had a wonderful experience together. The fun-filled opportunities of the museum gave many students a chance to learn and bond together as peers. The Getty field trip is one of many fun and educational field trips offered here at AOI College of Languages.

Special Events in March

· Festival of Whales
      March 6-7, 13-14, 2010
      Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point

· Swallows Day Parade & Mercado
      March 20, 2010
      Parade begins at 11:00 am
      Mercado runs 8 am - 5 pm Downtown San Juan Capistrano

· St. Patrick’s Day Festival
      Mar 14, 2010
     10 am - 4 pm         Orange County Market Place

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Newsletter for Feb. 2010

aoicollege — 2010-04-21T11:34:00-0700

Valentine’s Day: In Hollywood Style

Valentine’s Day is considered to be the single most important couple’s holiday in the United States. Every year, millions of American men kill themselves trying to think of the perfect Valentine’s evening for their girlfriends, wives, or even boyfriends. Well, worry not guys! This month’s newsletter will provide you with a fool-proof plan for making your significant-other fall in love with you once again!

The First Stop: Griffith Observatory

After nearly four years and $93 Million dollars of remodeling and renovation, The Griffith Observatory has become a must see for couples traveling to Los Angeles. With its breath-taking view of the Los Angeles skyline, the Griffith has once again become the premiere site for couples and tourists to see the City of Angels in all its glory. Men, plan your V-day by treating your girls to a Planetarium show at 5pm (right before sunset). When the show finishes, the theater exit will lead you straight outside where you’ll immediately be able to catch a view of the sun setting over Santa Monica Beach.

Valentine Eats: Yamashiro Restaurant

Follow up your Valentine’s plans by taking your lady to one of the most star-studded Hollywood restaurants in Los Angeles: Yamashiro. Also known as “The Mountain Palace,” Yamashiro is located on a hilltop, 250 feet above Hollywood Blvd. This chic restaurant specializes in Cal-Asian (California-Asian) cuisine and it provides its guests with an outstanding view of Hollywood. If your partner is afraid of heights, the restaurant also has a beautiful Japanese garden at the center of its huge main dining room.

Student Spotlight
Tomomi Kitagawa

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I was born in Kyoto, Japan, and lived in Osaka. I worked in the General Osaka Irio Center Hospital as an RN, Registered Nurse.”

How long have you lived in Los Angeles? Do you enjoy it here?

“Since April 2006… so it’s going to be for almost 4 years. I have enjoyed living here very much. I feel much more free and energetic than in Japan.”

What do you hope to do in the next few years?

“I hope to start working as an RN (Nurse) and go back to school to brush up my nursing knowledge. Some day in the future, I’d like to work in developing countries such as South Africa as a volunteer nurse.”

Why did you come to AOI?

“I needed to obtain a good IELTS score so that I could become a nurse in the United States but there are very few IELTS classes in LA. One of my friends told me that AOI had a really good teacher for TOEFL iBT, which is similar to the IELTS test. Thus, I decided to come here.”

What do you like the most about AOI?

“All of the staff at AOI is very caring and thoughtful. Whenever the students have questions, they are willing to help them.”

How did AOI’s TOEFL iBT class help you on your goal of becoming a Nurse?

“I just started attending the TOEFL iBT class on September 2009. Before coming to AOI, I had a very difficult time at passing the IELTS test. In just a couple of months, my writing and reading abilities really improved. As a result, I got the scores which I needed for my Visa Screening in December 2009!”

Do you like your AOI Teacher? What do you like the most about him?

“I believe that Hugo, my TOEFL teacher, is the best English Teacher for International students I have ever met in the U.S! One of his greatest traits is his keen enthusiasm to teach, not only English, but also the ways of living in the U.S. I always learned something new about the U.S. from Hugo.”

Would you recommend AOI Classes to any of your family or friends?

“Definitely! I’d especially recommend every International student who needs to be accustomed to the U.S. and English to take classes at AOI.”

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Newsletter for Jan. 2010

aoicollege — 2010-04-21T11:20:00-0700

New Year’s Rose Parade Festival 2010

Every year, Americans from all over the country gather together to welcome the New Years in Pasadena, California. Also known as “America’s New Year’s Celebration,” the Tournament of Roses Parade or more commonly known as the Rose Parade is the most famous New Year’s annual event in California. People from all over the country get together to see a multitude of decorated floats, marching bands, and celebrities on this day!

The Rose Parade route is five and a half miles long and the parade itself lasts about 2 1/2 hours, with an early 8:10 AM start. Over a million people line the streets of Pasadena each year to watch the parade in person. Plus, it's televised live (on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the local L.A. stations) to a worldwide audience of over 300 million in 90 countries. Here in the U.S. alone, an estimated 125 million TV viewers tune in to the parade.

The 50 or more giant floral floats not only look spectacular, but they many smell great as well, like a passing flower garden. In addition, the parade features more than 20 marching bands and over two dozen equestrian units.

An Inside Look into AOI’s Internship Program

Student Name : Soo Jung Kim

Ø What is your name, nationality, occupation and how long have you been living in America?

My name is Soo Jung Kim. I came from Korea and I am a university student in Korea. I’ve been living in California for four months.

Ø What kind of program are you taking at AOI?

I’m participating in the 1+3 Internship Exchange Programs offered in my university in partnership with AOI. This program is supported by the Korean government and it emphasizes language study training and internship experience in America.

In addition, I am also enrolled in AOI’s TESOL class.

Ø Have you ever had any real work experience?

Before coming here, I had worked at various part-time jobs.

Ø What is your impression of working as an intern in your company?

I’m experiencing office work for the first time in the trading company that I’m interning. It is a very new experience for me and I feel that my professional skills are improving. In particular, I’m glad that I’m gaining experience in office duties, professional office relations, and working in a professional group setting in this company. It can be a little stressful at times, but...

Ø What kind of work do you do as an intern?

It’s mainly documentation duties. Because the company where I’m interning is related to international trade and logistics, I mostly focus on billing and taking care of import/export-related documents.

Ø What valuable experience have you gained from being an intern and what has been your biggest challenge in the internship program?

I’m grateful for having the unique opportunity of working in a foreign country (America). I’ve really learned a lot about international relations in the workplace. My biggest challenge, at first, was my inexperience. I felt like I was making a lot of mistakes. Sometimes, I would feel a little guilty about troubling my coworkers.

Ø After your internship, what do you hope to do in the future?

First, I want to return to Korea and finish my university degree. After that, I would like to come back to the United States and start a career in the International Trading and Logistics field.

Thank you very much for participating in the interview.

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Halloween Party!

aoicollege — 2009-11-25T15:49:00-0800

The last Friday in October we held our annual Halloween Party at AOI. Each student brought his/her favorite food to share with classmate from different countries. After enjoying the buffet of delicious food, students began carving their pumpkins. The students went to the Pumpkin Patch a week before Halloween, and picked up many different shaped pumpkins. After pumpkin carving the students played the Halloween trivia. While everyone in costume looked fantastically funny and scary, Yoshi from Japan was voted Best Costume at costume contest.

All the school staff was dressed up like pirates. This is a great opportunity to experience the real American Halloween atmosphere.

After our Halloween party, some of the students went out to Hollywood to see the big Halloween costume parade, and some others went to “Trick or Treat” with their host family in the evening.

See you at our Halloween Party next year!