Office of International Services

International Connection

January/February 2008, Volume XXIV, No. 2

Iraq and the Middle East by Michelle Lee, Publications Editor

answered them with ‘home- townbaghdad.com’ because that’s the tool to tell the story from my angle – from my class. Also, it was a way to break away from the stereo- typical images about the Iraqis in the media.” In one episode titled “Mentally F’ed Up”, one young Iraqi interviews his younger brother and cousin after they had witnessed a man with “blood and pieces of his Fady Hadid from Iraq and Hossein Ataei from Iran brain all over the place.” The hat are the everyday Viterbi School of Engineering, helplessness they expressed – Wlives of the citizens of Aylin Ece Cicek fromTurkey, as fear prevented anybody on Iraq like? How do they feel an undergraduate student in the street from helping – was about the US in Iraq at the International Relations, and not unusual or surprising to In this Issue present time? How are the Muhammad Haroun from the them. Will they be going to Iraq & the Middle East, 1 countries surrounding Iraq af- United Arab Emirates, also a school tomorrow, and will they Laurie Cox, 2 fected by the current situation? graduate student in Viterbi. go off and play now? “Yes” Top Five Pitfalls When How many people have fled Fady Hadid was in they answered to both ques- Applying for OPT, 3 Iraq and where did they go? Iraq during the time of the tions as they continued on with The Historic 110 Fwy, 4 These are just some invasion of Baghdad. He was their everyday lives. Alternative Market of the questions that were on involved in several student “Liberation”, the sec- Choices, 5 the minds of those attending groups who were committed to ond episode presented the three LA Guidebooks, 9 Thanksgiving Match-Up, the “Iraq and the Middle East” preserving the arts during the main Iraqi subjects displaying 12 panel discussion, which took upheaval in his country. From their honest attitudes and feel- place on November 15th as there, he produced a web series ings toward American presence part of the Office of Interna- called Hometown Baghdad, a in Iraq. tional Services’ State of the documentary tracing the real The last episode “Sick World Seminar. Participating life stories of three young of This”, illustrated secular in the panel were Fady Hadid people living in Baghdad, conflicts hiding behind a from Iraq, a graduate student which also is available through religious divide between the in the School of Cinematic YouTube. “I was always asked Shiites and the Sunnis. As one Arts, Hossein Ataei from about the situation in Iraq,” young man recounted... Iran, a graduate student in the reflected Fady, “and I always

-continued on p. 6 International Connection

Laurie Cox Assumes Position at the University of Wisconsin, Madison by Judy Hartwich, Senior Associate Director OIS Staff Executive Director Tony Tambascia, Ph.D. aurie Cox, formerly Associ- Student and Scholar Services ate Director at the Office Senior Associate Director of International Services L Judy Hartwich, M.S. at USC, is now the Director, Associate Director Office of International Student Esther Lee, M.A. Services, at the University of International Student Advisor Wisconsin, Madison. Laurie Becky Peterson, M.A. started at USC in 1995 as an Office Manager International Student Advisor Dolores Montes before assuming her positions Senior Immigration Advisor as Assistant and then Associ- Sumaiya Mamun ate Director. Before coming to SEVIS Liaison USC, Laurie was the Director of Sam Nahidi Residence Life and International Exchange Visitor Program Coordinator Student Advisor at Chaminade Zach Williams University in Honolulu, Hawaii, Immigration Advisors and Residence Area Coordina- Tina Nguyen Laurie Cox tor at Bentley College in Boston, Scott Turner Massachusetts. sands of international students Information Specialists Laurie’s contributions the opportunity to celebrate Trevin Barnes, Nancy Gomez to the international community Thanksgiving with American File Coordinator/Immigration Aide and to the University during families. Gwendolyn Crowe her years here are many. She “Working at USC has Faculty/Staff Visa Services refined the system of passport been a wonderful experience, verification for the more than Director enjoyable at every level,” says Cheryl Gilman 1500 new international stu- Laurie, “All of the interactions dents each year so that stu- Faculty/Staff Visa Specialists I’ve had with students, staff, Iran Carranza, Joan Cerera dents would be able to register and faculty have been immea- Paraprofessional Staff as soon after their arrival in the surably helpful to me in terms US as possible. She initiated of strengthening my knowledge English Language Program Coordinator John Hoffmann the online I-20 production pro- base so that I can assist stu- gram, was liaison to many other dents with the wide variety of Publications Editor Michelle Lee departments for advising and issues that all student affairs career information, was long- professionals encounter at one Web Developer Jessica D’Souza time advisor to the International time or another. My words of Students’ Assembly, and served wisdom to international stu- Student Staff on many Student Affairs com- Jessica Gonzales, Winnie Lai, dents at USC – reach out and Sarah Tallentire mittees. become involved in one or more She began the Dining International Program Assistants student organizations while you Ruby Ng, Joohee Park, like a Diplomat series helping are here and take advantage of Jeffrey Pfingsten, Lindsay Plake, international students with in- the incredible diversity offered Joshua Arman Putra terview skills, the World Café se- in this unique environment.” Office of International Services ries which introduced students Laurie will be missed Student Union 300 to the cuisine and cultures greatly by USC students, fac- University Park Campus of a wide variety of countries, ulty, and staff alike. We wish Los Angeles, CA 90089-0899, MC 0899 and for many years oversaw her the very best in her new life Tel. (213) 740-2666 the Thanksgiving Match-Up in Wisconsin! www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS program which provided thou-

January/February 2008 2 www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS

Top Five Pitfalls When Applying for Optional Practical Training by Laurie Cox, Associate Director

The Office of International Services contact OIS immediately and provide plication will be rejected. Several USC (OIS) assists over 1200 international an immigration advisor or counselor students either failed to understand students in applying for Optional Prac- with your name, WAC number from this communication or received it too tical Training (OPT) each year. While your Notice of Action Receipt, and your late and the government accepted the most applications are approved without old and new address. The OIS immigra- funds late but made no effort to process difficulty, we do notice that there are tion advisor or counselor will email the their OPT applications. These students five common difficulties that some USC student’s new address directly to the finally contacted OIS to find out what international students face in applying USCIS. If the card is mailed out to the the delay was and OIS contacted the for OPT. These problems or pitfalls are student’s old address and is lost, then USCIS. OIS learned that the govern- often very time-consuming and expen- they must apply for a new EAD card. ment rejected their applications, and sive. Please read this article to ensure This second application will take at that they would need to apply all over these problems do not happen to you, or least 90 days to process. again with new applications and checks to find out what to do if they do happen if they wish to apply for OPT work to you. Bounced Checks authorization. Lately the USCIS has become very Moving during the process strict and severe with international Lost EAD Students who think that they may move students who submit the $340 fee for USC international students who ask sometime during the processing of OPT but have insufficient funds in their friends to receive their EAD cards in the Employment Authorization Docu- bank accounts. This problem is known the mail, should let their friends know ment Card (EAD Card) must provide a as “bouncing a check”. In the past, the that they will now receive three letters permanent address to the United States government required the students pay from the government: ave thrown out Citizenship and Immigration Service the EAD fee, as well as a $30 incon- the letter(s) thinking they were “junk (USCIS) for the mailing of their EAD venience fee. Lately, the USCIS has mail”. Sometimes students have not card. Since the entire application pro- begun sending out notices to students moved and still have failed to receive cess may take up to 4 months, students advising them that they must submit a their EAD card as it was lost by the should decide BEFORE they complete new check within 14 days or their ap- Post Office.... their OPT applications whether they -continued on p. 7 should provide a friend’s address in California for the mailing of the EAD card. Students should not simply International Connection change their addresses with the U.S. Postal Service as the Post Office will Publications Editor not forward Federal mail to a new ad- Michelle Lee dress. We also do not recommend that students change their addresses online Editorial Advisor at the USCIS web page. It appears that Judy Hartwich doing so is a lengthy process and it may not be submitted to the California Ser- Printer vice Center in time to change students’ Zada Graphics mailing addresses, and their cards can become lost in the process. The University of Southern California International Connection is published four times per year by the Office of International Services. So what should students do if they apply for OPT and later find out they Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send them to: are going to move? The best thing is to Judy Hartwich, OIS, STU 300, MC 0899, email: [email protected].

January/February 2008 3 International Connection The Historic 110 Freeway by Michelle Lee, Publications Editor

ou have probably driven down it to hang out with friends in Old Town Pasadena. You have probably Yseen great views of the Downtown LA skyline while driving down it. And you most likely drive down it to get to your classes at USC. It’s the beloved, historical 110 freeway.

As the first freeway in California, and one of the old- est freeways in the nation, Interstate 110 has accumulated its fair share of legal drama, nicknames, and landmarks. This his- toric freeway, which runs North-South, from Pasadena to San Pedro, has several different aliases. The Southern portion that leads from Gaffey Street in San Pedro to Downtown Los An- geles is known as the “Harbor Freeway.” When the freeway The 110 Freeway by downtown hits the 10 freeway, it is then called the “Pasadena Freeway” until Glenarm Street. Most Southern California drivers believe Route 66, or CA State Route 110. But, for simplicity’s sake, that the Pasadena Freeway ends at Arroyo Parkway, however, we will just refer to it as the 110 Freeway. from Glenarm Street and onward, the freeway is just another part of the City of Pasadena. Here’s where it gets even more With such a vast history, and 33 miles under its wing, confusing: the section running from the I-5 to Glenarm Street there are sure to be an array of neighborhoods, landmarks, and was originally known as the “Historic Arroyo Seco Parkway”. points of interest from exit to exit. Starting from the South This specific part of the freeway was the very first fraction moving up to the North, here are some recommended exits that was built. you can take off the 110.

First opening in the 1940s, the Pasadena Freeway Remember to fasten your seatbelt (it’s the law) and obey the was complete by 1953 with short on and off ramps, no shoul- speed limits! ders, and for safety purposes, no trucks. The Harbor Freeway, was constructed during the 1950s and 60s, first opening in 1952. It’s known for its overhead carpool lanes and four level interchange. Throughout the history of the freeway, it has been defined in different ways, and different segments of the The California State Route freeway have held various names and titles such as Route 47, shield (1971) for the Pasadena Freeway

The Interstate shield (1971) for the Harbor Freeway. Caltrans Arroyo Seco Parkway in 1940

-continued on p. 10

January/February 2008 4 www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS Alternative Market Choices! by Lindsay Plake, International Program Assistant

you find yourself tired of grocery shopping at the same market, walking down the same sterile aisles, buying the Dosame branded products? Or, perhaps you are craving that certain delicacy that you just cannot find at a mainstream grocery store anywhere. Are you asking yourself about Los Angeles, with such cul- tural diversity, “well, where are the diverse markets?” They are around and I am here to help you find the best. They may be hard to find, but alternative markets that specialize in ethnic goods do exist in the Los Angeles area, providing a rich cultural experience. Listed are four great markets that reflect the flourishing diversity of Los Angeles.

The Bangkok Market on Melrose

Bangkok Market another locale that looks and smells the shelves, Kitanda Brazilian Market like Italy. From the vintage Italian offers shoppers a little piece of South 4757 Melrose Ave. wines to the staples, meats, olive America. Hollywood, CA 90029 oils, and other delectables imported (323) 662-9705 straight from Italy, Mario’s Italian Store Hours: Deli and Market has everything that Mon-Sat: 10 am - 6 pm This small yet inspiring market a shopper can ask for plus more. In Sun: 11 am - 5 pm focuses on Thai products, but also business for more than 40 years, this includes goods from the Philippines, deli has been voted “Glendale’s Best” Tehran Market Japan, and Indonesia. Stocking for five years and “LA’s Best” for two everything from fresh vegetables to years. Oh, and don’t forget to order a 1417 Wilshire Blvd. canned sweets, Bangkok Market has a sandwich on your way out. Santa Monica, CA 90403 comprehensive array of asian-imports. (310) 393-6719 There is also a butcher counter with Store Hours: meats including pork and fish. With an Mon-Fri: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm For an authentic store that special- urban ambiance, this market feels like Sat: 8:30 am - 6 pm izes in Iranian, Persian, and Afghani the real deal as international families goods, fresh produce, and cookware, bustle down the store aisles to find Kitanda Brazilian Market Tehran Market is the place to go. delicacies and necessities absent from Many of their products are difficult most American stores. Most notable 13715 Ventura Blvd. to find in mainstream supermarkets, is Bangkok Market’s incredible selec- Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 especially their assortment of herbs. tion of Thai spices. (818) 995-7422 Many discover this market and con- sider it a hidden treasure. One sure Store Hours: Though it is a bit far from the USC thing is that their pastries are deli- Daily: 9am - 9 pm area, I highly recommend a trip to cious. this fine market. The employees at Mario’s Italian Deli and Market Kitanda (which is an African word Store Hours: for “market”) are extremely kind Mon-Sat: 9 am - 8:30 pm 740 East Broadway Blvd. and the atmosphere is warm. Aside Sun: 9 am - 7 pm Glendale, CA 91205 from edibles, Kitanda also offers a (818) 242-4114 display of clothes, music, souvenirs, *Please call beforehand to confirm and decorative art. From the samba store hours. When walking into this quaint market music playing in the background to and deli combination, one walks into the rare tropical delicacies located on

January/February 2008 5 International Connection

With the desire to document the radical about the profits to be made behind the Iraq Seminar changes occurring in Baghdad and with scenes. The investors, the governments, -continued from p. 1 an intention to educate those outside and the companies involved with the Iraq, Fady found the perfect way to put conflict may also be the sources turning his skills to use along with his dis- a minor religious difference into a war. ... the 2-3 bodies he sees daily being covered passion for film and art. After Also recognizing the problems taken to the morgue, he reflects, “We battling unending obstacles in getting at hand, Aylin Ece Cicek exemplified will suffer until each side loses.” his films screened on mainstream media, her understanding of the conflict and The panel discussion followed Fady turned to the internet, which made how it impacted her native Turkey. “Our the screening, giving the audience an distribution a much simpler process. main concern in Turkey is the turmoil opportunity to understand the perspec- Hossein Ataei stepped in to ex- that is going on at our borders,” Aylin tives of the four panelists. press his own opinion on how the media lamented. This turmoil is felt among Surprised by the American peo- depicts the war, and more specifically, Turkey’s borders as it remains neutral, ple’s lack of awareness of everyday life to comment on the conflict in relation yet caught in the middle. She further in Baghdad, Fady compared the living to his home country Iran. He talked demonstrated her sentiments by relat- conditions in Baghdad both before and about the initial happiness Iranians felt ing the confidence and pride felt by after the war. Expressing the indefinable with the removal of Saddam Hussein. Turkey in the face of conflict due to transition for Iraq, Fady pointed out that He recalled, “When I saw back home its democratic stability and secular “Iraq went from one bad situation to on CNN, they were bringing down the status. While, for the most part, Aylin another bad situation.” He reflected that Saddam statue, it was a great moment expressed that the impact on Turkish there had always been different ethnic for me as an Iranian who suffered from citizens as a whole is small, there are and religious groups living harmonious- the war with Iraq.” Still, he emphasized still pressures, dilemmas, and increas- ly together in Baghdad before the inva- the growing influence and power of reli- ing violence on the Turkey-Iraq border. sion. It was not until the early 2000s that gious leaders – especially in comparison There has been a rise in casualties at the the division between conflicting parties to political leaders. Unfortunately, with border and the PKK terrorist group has became more pronounced. But, after the growing authority of religious lead- become more prevalent. With a concern 2003, Fady believes that Iraqis were ers, came the underlying “complicated for the national integrity and condition hopeful – they did not feel as much hos- layers.” He brought attention to the of Turkey’s borders, Aylin reiterated the tility toward the US, but simply wanted instigators and forces behind the ethnic firm stance Turkey maintains in the face to go their separate ways and part from and religious conflict between the Sun- of turmoil. the US. Then with rising tension, unease nis and the Shiites. Hossein stressed that And last to speak, Muhammad was fueled by radicals with agendas and the religious argument is not so much Haroun left the listeners with several religious leaders with strong influence. about fundamental differences as it is points in mind. He brought attention to the anti-American sentiment preva- lent amongst the youth in many Arab countries, the crackdown and heightened security on petty crimes particularly in Syria, and the declining rate of tourism. Muhammad pointed out, “The rich are getting richer. The people who are los- ing are the middle class and the lower class.” Elaborating on this, he ventured to explain the requirements in terms of talent and education in order for refu- gees to have a chance at being permitted into the UAE. According to Muhammad, the discrepancies and problems engen- dered by the wave of Iraqi refugees...

Aylin Ece Cicek from Turkey and Muhammad Haroun from United Arab Emirates -continued on p. 8

January/February 2008 6 www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS LA Today Plans Trip to Big Bear in February!

ave you ever tried skiing or snowboarding? Are you a seasoned pro with years of experience on the slopes? HWhether you are a beginner or an advanced skier/ snowboarder, you cannot miss out on this great event!

As requested by a large number of students, L.A. Today and the Office of International Services are planning a trip to Big Bear. On Sunday, February 10th, we’ll take a bus load of 50 people up to Big Bear for a full day of skiing and snowboard- ing. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity because, honestly, how many chances do you get to go skiing or snowboarding in California? So come take a break from the warm LA weather, and join us in hitting the cool and snowy slopes!

The fee will be about $85, which includes breakfast, trans- portation to Big Bear, lift tickets, a 2-hour lesson, and rentals. If you are interested in joining us for this fun trip, come You can choose to either ski or snowboard. For advanced ski- to the Office of International Services at STU 300. Sign up ers/snowboarders, you are free to skip the lessons and enjoy NOW as space is very limited. If you have any questions, your day on the mountain. For beginners, you can participate please feel free to contact Ruby or Jeff at (213) 740-9742 in the 2-hour lesson before getting started. It’s entirely up to or [email protected]. you.

and their applications may be delayed. application to the student directly and Top Five OPT Such delays have taken three months or request a new signature causing delays more. The USCIS staff may not approve in processing the application. Pitfalls student applications until they get the -continued from p. 3 go-ahead from the FBI. Therefore, if a Final note student’s application is not approved by USC international students should Other times students receive their EAD the 90th day after the USCIS received always consult with an OIS immigration cards, but their wallets or purses that his or her application, then the student advisor or counselor for answers to their held their cards were lost or stolen. should contact an OIS immigration questions regarding OPT applications. Should students learn or suspect that advisor or counselor with their names, When students meet with OIS staff they their EAD cards have been lost or SEVIS numbers and WAC numbers should always bring copies of any gov- stolen, they should contact an OIS from the Notice of Action, and they will ernment communications they may have immigration advisor or counselor im- check with the USCIS on the students’ received. The good news is that most mediately and they will advise students behalf. problems can be avoided by following regarding the best course of action. the directions that OIS provides students Mistakes with Signature at the OPT workshops, by consulting Security Checks Some students have made mistakes in with OIS immigration advisors or coun- During the period that international providing their signatures on the bottom selors if students move or suspect their students’ OPT applications are being of the I-765 form which they submit to EAD cards are lost, or have questions processed by USCIS, these applica- OIS with other parts of the OPT applica- about any aspects of the OPT process. tions will undergo one or more secu- tion. Common mistakes include writing rity checks. These security checks are their signatures too large, writing their completed by the Federal Bureau of signatures over the lines on the ap- Investigation (FBI). If students have a plication, etc. If a signature is deemed common name in their home countries, unusable by USCIS they will return the then this process may take a longer time

January/February 2008 7 International Connection

Each from a different country, Middle East but each with a common ground, the For more information on the perspective that each panelist shared State of the World Program, Panel was that violence is becoming a more please visit the OIS website at and more “regularized” occurence in www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS. Discussion Iraq - not having to do with the common From there, click on “Activities Iraqi citizen, but caused by different and Events” and then “OIS Pro- -continued from p. 6 groups of radicals who ignite fear and grams.” Then follow the “State of fuel conflicts disguised as dilemmas ...fleeing to different parts of the Middle the World Seminar” link to read focused on religious differences. And as East have also raised issues concerning more about the program! If you religious leaders become more influen- the rise of real estate prices, the increase have suggestions for future panel tial than political leaders, the disguise in crime, and the tensions felt due to the discussions, please feel free to gains strength while the moneymakers current unwelcoming sentiments now email and power mongers continue to thrive. expressed by a traditionally Arab-refu- [email protected]. gee-welcoming country. Calling all Global Nomads!

We invite you to join our dynamic group. You know you’re a Global Nomad / Third Culture Kid when…….

1) You have the urge to move to a new place every couple of years. 2) You flew before you could walk. 3) You have a passport, but no driver’s license. 4) You think in grams, meters, and liters. 5) You worry about fitting in and wear a native wrap around the dorm. 6) You read the international section before the comics. 7) You don’t know where home is. 8) You sort your friends by continent. 9) You are grateful for the speed and efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service. 10) Someone brings up the name of a team and you get the sport wrong. 11) You believe vehemently that football is played with a round, spotted ball. 12) You refer to gravel roads as highways. 13) Your parents’ siblings are strangers to you, but you have 50-60 aunts and uncles who are of no blood relation to you at all. 14) You have 400 facebook friends, but have no one you feel comfortable spending Christmas with. 15) You get upset when people don’t finish their food and feel worse when they scrape it into the trash. 16) You don’t do well in job interviews because you were taught to be modest. 17) You have a hard time living with a roommate who isn’t a foreigner. 18) You think VISA is a document stamped in your passport, and not a plastic card you carry in your wallet. 19) The best word you can find to describe the U.S. is “fake.” 20) You automatically take off your shoes as soon as you get home. 21) You don’t know whether to write the date as month/day/year, day/month/year, or some variation thereof. 22) The best word for something is the word you learned first, regardless of the language. 23) Your legal drinking age depends miraculously on which country you’re at. 24) Your blood is not good enough for donation.

If you are interested in the topic of intercultural experiences, and how they impact the way you see the world and think about life, please join us.

We meet every Tuesday from 12 pm to 1 pm in the Upstairs Conference Room of the YWCA Building. Bring your own lunch. Students, faculty, and staff welcome.

January/February 2008 8 www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS A Guide to Los Angeles Guidebooks by Michelle Lee, Publications Editor

lthough I have lived in Los “Gay Los Angeles” for a sometimes as well as a clean look. The square- Angeles my whole life, I still overlooked perspective of LA. Friendly shaped book was smaller than the rest Aget reminded everyday that and casual writing made it an easy read. of the lot, but also focused on hand- there are a handful of places I have yet picked points of interest and businesses. to visit. Reflecting on that, I am certain Moon Metro Los Angeles 2nd edition One thing that stood out to me was that Los Angeles newcomers can feel lost, $16.95 the book seemed very author-centric not knowing where to start with this – many of the suggestions were based fast-moving city. Many LA transplants A guide entirely map- on the author’s own personal anecdotes will visit their local bookstore and based would be com- of time spent in LA. There is a section purchase a city guidebook. This book plicated, right? No. for hotels, a top twenty list, and maps; can become a lifesaver for someone in a This guidebook was however, the book is mainly dedicated new city. The problem is that there are a extremely sleek and to eating and shopping (what else is number of these books to choose from, advice-driven. There there to do, right?). As the guide says, creating another dilemma for the LA were many laminated it cover approximately 90 “carefully visitor. So, on a trip to a nearby book- maps that could fold out picked businesses” from all ends of the store, I sat down with four books that in this book. Color- price spectrum. I found this book to be stood out the most to me. coding and numbering more of a novelty gift book and less of with an introduction on a useful guide. It was not as helpful, but Here is a brief review of these books how to use the book properly made it was very easy on the eyes. Also, I was that can take you through the streets of very user-friendly. It covered sights, res- pleased to see that my favorite restau- LA: taurants, nightlife, shops, arts & leisure, rant, the Alcove Café was included. hotels, essentials, and a street index. It’s And, one cute aspect was the empty Access Los Angeles no wonder that the book was put out by lined-pages provided for the traveler’s By Richard Saul Wurman the Metro establishment itself. A recom- notes. $21.95 mended “Day in LA” was given, but I found it a bit unrealistic (there is no way National Geographic Traveler: The quoted review a trip to the Getty Center and Venice Los Angeles on the back of the Beach could be done leisurely in one $22.95 book said, “You can day, when you take traffic into account). slip it into your coat A Star-Studded section was also given, This book reminded pocket.” Well, frankly, which served as an LA-appropriate ad- me a lot of the actual I’m not sure what dition. Similarly, a segment on Freeway National Geographic coat has pockets that Art was also a one-of-a-kind feature. magazines. I found big. It definitely was Though overall, this guide was not the reading this guide not pocket-sized. Not most comprehensive, it has its merits strangely similar to at all. The rest of the including an important section on health reading a handful of positive reviews were & emergencies. National Geographic valid, however. Though a bit pricey, the articles on Los Ange- book was very easy to use. Each chapter eat.shop. los angeles 2nd edition les. Which is basically covered a different neighborhood in Los Cabazon books by Agnes Baddoo what the book added up to be. It covered Angeles. The Color-coding and number- $14.95 the Los Angeles history, culture, down- ing made it easy to reference locations town area, amongst other highlights. and other details. Included were hotels, This is the type of book While there were excellent photos and restaurants, attractions, shopping sights, I would place on my captions offered, I did not find this parks, and outdoor spaces. Large easy- coffee table for guests particular book very practical. It would to-use maps were a plus. In addition, the to look at. It was attrac- serve as a nice addition to someone’s guide ventures a little into Los Angeles tive, simple, and had book collection, but not so much as a neighbor, Orange County. One unique an interesting design. guide for a new Los Angeles resident. aspect was that there was a chapter on There were a lot of photos and graphics

January/February 2008 9 International Connection

-continued from p. 4

Vincent Thomas Bridge Carol M. Highsmith Terminal Island (SR 47) – This Watts Towers 110 Freeway exit will take you on to the Vincent Thomas Bridge (3rd longest sus- described as a part of the “envi- Gaffey Street – As an endpoint for pension bridge in California). You ronmental art” genre, the Watts the freeway, this street can lead will then find yourself on Terminal Towers were created by Simon you to scenic views of the coast, Island, a manmade island used Rodia and are listed as a National ocean cliffs, and the Gaffey Street by the Port of Los Angeles and the Historic Landmark. Diner. One of Southern Califor- Port of Long Beach. If you con- nia’s best “roadfood” restaurants tinue onward, you will be taken Martin Luther King, Jr. – Over with “The Best Homecooking in on to the Gerald Desmond Bridge, 600 American cities have named the Harbor” located at 247 North landing you at your final destina- a street after Martin Luther King, Gaffey Street. Take Gaffey all the tion: Long Beach, CA. Jr. Los Angeles changed the name way to 37th Street where you will of its “Santa Barbara Boulevard” find 3700 S Gaffey Street, the lo- Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) – to “Martin Luther King, Jr. Boule- cation of the Korean Bell of Friend- The famous Pacific Coast Highway vard” in 1983. ship. Given to the United States (aka State Route 1) will guide you in 1976 by the Republic of Korea along the Pacific coast. Known Exposition Blvd/Adams - These to honor American Veterans in as an “All-American Road”, this are the most commonly taken exits the Korean War, it is Los Angeles highway is one of the most scenic to get to the University of South- Historic-Cultural Monument Num- routes to take you up through ern California. Go Trojans! ber 187. It was also featured in the California. movie The Usual Suspects! Torrance Boulevard – Going west along this boulevard will take you through Torrance, right down to the Redondo Beach Pier.

Century Boulevard – To visit the Watts Towers, go east on Century, turn right on Compton Ave, left on 103rd Street, right on Graham Street, and a final left on 107th Street to end at 1765 E 107th. Nine major sculptures that are Korean Bell of Friendship -continued on p. 11

January/February 2008 10 www.usc.edu/student-affairs/OIS

-continued from p. 10

Downtown LA exits (Pico, Olym- pic, 9th, 8th, 6th, 4th, 3rd) – These exits can lead you to the various attractions of Downtown Los Angeles:

Walt Disney Concert Hall (111 S. Grand Ave.)

Ahmanson Theater (135 N. Grand Ave.)

Staples Center (1111 S. Figueroa St.) Jake N. Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium Grand Central Market (317 S. Broadway) Figueroa Street – The Los Ange- where the museum is located at les River Center and Gardens is a 3800 Homer St. Museum of Contemporary Art great place to gather with friends, (250 S. Grand Ave.) have a picnic, or take a walk. Get Fair Oaks Avenue – Take this exit there by taking the Figueroa Street to experience the “Center of Town” Japanese American National exit, make a slight right, and then where the avenue hits Colorado Museum (369 E. 1st St.) a left on W. Avenue 26, ending at Boulevard. 570 W. Avenue 26. Stadium Way - This exit will take Glenarm Street – The final exit of you straight to the reknowned Avenue 43 – Heritage Square the freeway, Glenarm Street marks Dodger Stadium. Museum exhibits the history of the Pasadena endpoint for the Southern California development diverse 110. Figueroa Street Tunnels – The between the Civil War and the set of four historic tunnels are early 20th Century. Take this exit Arroyo Seco Parkway towards located around the Figueroa Street and make a right on Homer St. Colorado Blvd. – Although this exit. is not technically an exit of the freeway, if you continue straight after Glenarm Street on the 110, you will eventually hit Colorado Blvd. Make a left and you will find yourself in the middle of the shops and restaurants of Old Town Pasa- dena. Steve Devorkin of Caltrans Figueroa Street Tunnels Walt Disney Concert Hall

January/February 2008 11 International Connection

International students celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with Rabbi Susan Laemmle and her family as part of the OIS Thanksgiving Match-Up Program, November 2007

International Connection Office of International Services University of Southern California Student Union 300 University Park Los Angeles, CA 90089-0899

January/February 2008 12