No matter how long you’ve been in the city while learning and practicing your English, you know that the Big Apple is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Because of how many people live and work here as well as its production value and epicenter for business, it’s constantly watched and monitored. From crime and education to technology and media, New York City is a hub for attraction and observation. When this location became the epicenter of the middle of the pandemic, all eyes were on us to see how we handle it and react. Our response would, in a way, set the tone for other cities to follow. Practically overnight, we had to be the example for the rest of the world.
While other cities and geographic regions
loosened their guidelines, we kept them in place. While other locations started
to reopen, we stalled. It felt painful and frustrating to watch other parts of
the country try to resume to some state of normalcy, but there was also a sense
of pride when it came to knowing that our city was taking the pandemic
seriously and would do everything in our power to flatten the curve and keep us
safe.
These practices proved to be successful, as
we’re now seeing that New York City has some of the lowest numbers in the
country, especially when taken into account how quickly we went from the
“worst” to one of the “safest.” We still have plenty of work to do when it
comes to operating at a “normal’ state, but in moments like these, I’m proud to
be a New Yorker.
How to take the next steps
Just as much the rest of the country was
watching us in the middle of the pandemic to learn how we would respond, now
we’re watching the rest of the country to inform us what NOT to do. We’re
learning that opening up in full swing is not safe, and we’re learning that
ongoing physical distancing practices must be maintained in order to keep
everyone safe.
What’s really rewarding for me to see is
watching us all hold each other accountable. We’re not afraid to tell our
community if we need to be wearing more masks, and we’re willing to provide
strangers with hand sanitizer at any moment. While in line at grocery stores,
we’re now in the habit of leveraging generous space between one another. Public
transportation and ride shares now have physical barriers between the drivers
to keep all passengers safe. When we meet up with friends, we skip the hugs and
just resort to elbow bumps.
We saw the effect that the pandemic had on
our world when it first became a reality, and New Yorkers are responding to
ongoing safety procedures with respect, which is why we’re now one of the
safest places to be in the world, which says a lot considering we used to be
one of the worst.
What you can do
Whether you’re a New York City veteran or a
newbie, you can continue this string of progress in your everyday activities.
Even though the city is opening back up inch by inch, we still must respect the
process and do what we can to keep our safety as our biggest concern.
Phone, wallet, keys, mask
Hey, I hate
wearing the mask, too. But now it’s a part of me, just like the rest of my
essentials. And I remind myself that everyone else hates wearing them too, and
we all feel a little silly, but if it helps, I’ll wear it. It’s my part to keep
myself safe as well as those around me.
Keep your distance
You’ve surely
seen all the visuals that tell us just how far the virus can travel and the
good that our masks will do in the prevention of the spread. In addition to the
mask, I’m still conscientious of how close I am to people while waiting in
line, taking out my trash, or just running an errand. Just as much as the
people around me don’t know my status, I also don’t know who around me may have
come into contact with the virus. In today’s time, better safe than sorry is a
practice that we should all inherit.
Sanitize
I know this
seems like an obvious one, but it’s so important. Before the pandemic, I wasn’t
really aware of how many things I touched in the span of leaving my apartment
in the morning and coming back home at the end of the day. Between handrails,
subway poles, doorknobs, buttons, etc….I was touching a lot! Granted, I’m not
going into the office these days, but anytime I leave my home, I’m much more
aware of what I’m touching.
The realities of living in the middle of a pandemic have proven to be a learning experience for everyone around the world. As the threat of health safety continues to be an ongoing presence, you’ve likely encountered a few ways in which your life has shifted to adapt to these changes. In New York City, since our communities are so densely populated, we have experienced arguably the largest sting of changes, as physical distancing and the shelter-in-place regulations have forced us to change the way we operate on a daily basis.
For the New York English Academy, we have
adapted to these changes to best serve our students, teachers, and communities
without sacrificing quality education or the safety of our communities. Since
we live in a time when our technology and devices have allowed us to connect in
ways that weren’t necessarily possible 10 years ago, we’re able to utilize
those features into our day-to-day operations. While our lesson plans have
surely shifted to cater to a digital classroom experience, our core values and
mission have remained the same.
Our students are our priority, and ensuring
that everyone stays safe and protected from the dangers of COVID-19 is
paramount for us. We quickly shifted to digital platforms that allow our
instructors to continue interactions with their students, and monitoring
participation and engagement have allowed us to better understand what works
and what needs additional attention.
As an educational institution, we
understand that part of the experience of learning with other people is the
interaction with one another. This interaction could certainly be
education-related, but it could also be forming bonds with one another based
off shared experiences. Learning and living in New York City is such a special
and unique experience, and bonding with others that are familiar with that
journey can be extremely beneficial to personal growth and long-term
friendships.
Sheltering-in-placing and experiencing
academic journeys at home can be challenging and also a bit isolating. It’s
normal right now to feel an increased sense of longing for company from others
and an increased desire to connect with other people. Communication platforms
like Zoom have shown increased activity during the time of COVID-19, as people
have shifted from in-person social gatherings to digital group hangs on these
platforms to “see” their loved ones and share updates with one another. What
started as a business tool for companies to hold virtual meetings with one
another across multiple office locations has turned into a widely used consumer
product for people to stay in touch with friends and family.
At New York English Academy, that sense of
isolation and increased desire to see one another started to become very
apparent for several individuals within our organization. To lift spirits and
bring people “together” at a time when interaction was decreasing, engaging
Zoom interactions started to sprout up. From study sessions with students and
teachers to social “happy hours” and “game nights,” the New York English
Academy community started to leverage Zoom’s capabilities outside of the
classroom.
Zoom has helped students interact with one
another to form study group sessions or just recap a lesson if additional help
or guidance is needed. What we’ve noticed is that people are starting to get
even more creative around how they use Zoom to stay connected with one another
and entertained in this new and unusual environment. Here are a few ways to
stay entertained during this odd time while staying connected with your New
York English Academy community.
Zoom Celebrations
In New York City, most of us are now over 3
months into living in quarantine. This means that a lot of us have missed
monumental moments in our lives, from weddings and vacations to birthdays and
even meeting new family members after birth. This is how Zoom has helped bring
people together. I’ve attended quite a few Zoom birthday “parties” now, and a
friend of mine even got legally married over Zoom. Our circumstances may have
forced us to change the way in which we celebrate with one another, but we’re
lucky to live in a time when our technology and devices can give us the next
best thing to in-person gatherings. It’s hard to think about it now, but
certainly, one day, we’ll all look back at this odd time in our lives with
appreciation and gratitude that we had the tools that we do now to keep us
connected.
Zoom game nights and creativity
When COVID-19 became a regular force in our
day-to-day lives, my friends and I would “get together” once a week over Zoom
to talk about our weeks, reminisce about a time before COVID-19, and to just
“see” each others’ faces. When these sessions first started, it felt odd to me
that this was our new reality, but we all quickly adapted, and soon enough, I
was looking forward to those weekly catch-ups to see my friends. In an odd way,
those weekly calls brought us together even closer, as we were all experiencing
the same struggles in real time – together.
After a few weeks of these social sessions,
however, it almost seemed as though we were running dry. We were sick of
talking about COVID-19 – one of my friends lost her job, and another group of
friends were on the brink of losing theirs. As much as we knew that we all had
each others’ backs no matter the circumstances, we were also craving for some
distraction from the realities that COVID-19 placed on us. So we started to
play games!
There are a ton of games available that are
not only entertaining but will help you get to know your friends and fellow
students even better! Browse the app store to see what kind of games are
available where all participants can log in at once and play together. Another
way to keep the entertainment going is to nominate someone each week to host a
trivia session. These are easy to create, as there are tons of resources
available online that will help you concoct these sessions and make them
entertaining. There are ton of themes available, and you could even make them
English-related if you wanted to make the trivia sessions informative as well.
New York English
Academy recently hosted their own version of a trivia night, complete with a
Hollywood theme. Not only did this allow the students to flex their English
muscles, but because it was pop culture themed, everyone had a blast without
feeling like they were in a formal educational setting. This allowed students
and instructors alike to relax a bit and just engage with one another on a person-to-person
level.
Key Takeaways
COVID-19 has forced
all of us to think about how we live our lives in different ways. By now, after
a few months of adapting to this new way of life, we’re all learning about
ourselves and also how we operate as students, instructors, administrators, and
even just people. It certainly hasn’t been easy, especially considering that
peoples’ lives are on the line and our future as a society is so uncertain.
Living in New York
City, a hotspot in so many ways, has probably also affected the way you all are
living your daily lives. Losing the value of human in-person interaction has
likely forced you to explore other options of connection and collaboration.
It’s not always easy to be forced to think outside the box, but if anything,
this pandemic has helped prepare us for the future. We now know that life can
continue – it just has to be shifted a bit. For me, as a lover of this great
city, it’s hurt my heart that I can’t explore it like I used to. I hate to see
stores shut down and public transportation empty. What once was a lively city
seemed to turn into a remote and desolate place to be.
If I can leave you
with any hope, however, is that we will rebuild and recover. New Yorkers are
tough, and we are resilient. We will come out of this stronger than ever, and
your relationships with friends, your fellow students, and your New York
English Academy community will be stronger than ever because you all endured
this unique moment in history together.
Be thankful for your
health, and be thankful that we live in a time when our technology can allow us
to keep going. Cherish your human connections, as when this is all over, you’ll
be so grateful to have them. Stay connected with your New York English Academy
community, because one day, you’ll want to reflect on this time together with
gratitude and hubris. Take advantage of the tools you have – you’ll appreciate
the human connection, and be sure to lean on those relationships as we continue
to navigate this new way of life – whenever and for how long we continue with
it.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve talked
to you all about how wonderful it is living in the greatest city in the world.
I’ve gone on and on about how lucky we are that we get to actually live
here. Being in a tourist hotspot and in such a densely populated area, however,
also comes with its disadvantages. Crime will always be slightly higher than
other areas, the threat of international attacks can be ever-present, and as
we’ve seen now, pandemics like the one we’re in can hurt our area more than
others. As scary as all of this is, at the end of the day, I’m still proud to
be a New Yorker, and I’ll never leave.
I have a lot of thoughts and worries and
concerns that run through my brain amidst this pandemic. I try my best to not
let them overcome me or control my way of life, and when I get particularly
down or when my anxiety rises, I try this method of reminding myself of the
silver linings – no matter how small they may be. Some of these may be
individual, but some are on the macro level, but either way, try to find your
own silver linings out of this!
I’m saving money
Before quarantine was ordered, I’d probably go out to eat at least once a week with friends. It might have been brunch or a happy hour or a dinner, but I’d drop precious money for this experience to bond with my friends or celebrate a milestone. One at time, those expenses didn’t make a great dent, but adding it up certainly made me alarmed. Since we’re not going out to these establishments, I’m saving precious money! And now that we all “get together” on Zoom, I still get to see them and laugh with them – without spending a dime!
My student loans are in a better place
I don’t know
about you, but my student loans have been a huge burden to me over the years.
Between drastic monthly payments, steep interest rates, and the thought about
how long it’ll take me to pay them off, they have always been a source of agony
for me. Now that student loan payment are deferred and interest is waived, all
on my payments are going straight to the principle amount, meaning that I’m
going to be able to pay them off faster. For me personally, this is a HUGE
silver lining.
I’ve grown closer to my family
In an odd way,
this pandemic has brought me closer with my family. We’re all spread out across
the country, so seeing everyone in a normal world was hard enough – between
coordinating busy schedules and managing different time zones, it was always an
obstacle staying in touch. Now that life has forced everyone to slow down, I’ve
found that we’re all talking to each other more, scheduling more FaceTime
conversations and Zoom calls, and making promises to be better about visits
when this is all over. In an odd way, this pandemic has reminded us all of how
precious our connections are.
I’m more productive
On one hand,
I’ve certainly been spending more time with Netflix, puzzles, and comfort food
(hello, pasta and frozen pizzas), but on the other hand, I’ve found myself to
be more productive. Before quarantine, I always heard myself saying, “If I just
had more time, I’d be able to do that.” Well – we certainly have the time now,
don’t we? I’ve organized my apartment, moved furniture around to make it more
functional, and I’ve finally gotten around to putting things on my walls. I’ve
catered to hobbies that have taken a backseat (reading, long-term planning,
reconnecting with friends), and I’ve appreciated how I’m sleeping better, too.
Your own personal situation will determine
what your own silver linings are, but I’ve found this practice to be super
humbling and helpful whenever I get overwhelmed about our current environment.
I’ve also seen people talk about how this is all so helpful for the earth –
less people out and about polluting, less car traffic, and definitely less
noise pollution. That’s one that I often think about, too – it’s the rest that
Mother Earth has needed for so long!
When people are succumbing to this disease,
it can be hard to find the positivity out of all of this, and it might even
feel uncomfortable to look for the silver linings when others are suffering. If
you need help getting through the day-to-day, it can be powerful to think about
those silver linings – just a pleasant reminder of the reality that we’re still
alive.
We are in a very sensitive time right now.
All over the globe, people are being quarantined, laid off, and tested for the
coronavirus. It can be incredibly easy to let the fear take over you as you
operate your day-to-day schedules. The unknown is a terrifying thought, and
taking the proper and necessary measures to stay informed, safe, and calm will
help alleviate that uneasy feeling.
If you’re like me and spending each day in
isolation in New York City, you might feel a sense of stir crazy as well as frustration.
Luckily, my job allows me to fulfill my responsibilities remotely, so I’m one
of the lucky ones that hasn’t had to worry about income. I recognize how
fortunate I am in this scenario, and if your job has been affected by this
crisis, I hope you’re doing everything you can to stay calm.
I live by myself in a studio. I’ve come to
love my personal space that I call “home.” Over the past two weeks, however,
I’ve felt suffocated. I only leave my apartment to get groceries or make
necessary errands. Often I’ll leave to take a walk just to get some fresh air
and a change of scenery. Sometimes I’ll jog just to get my blood flowing. Not
commuting every day has certainly made me realize just how much walking I was
doing each day.
As I complete my second week in isolation,
I wanted to share some tips that I’ve uncovered to help me stay safe but to
also make sure that I’m mentally balanced amidst this uncertain time.
Take advantage of our technology
I have been
FaceTiming with my family members all over the country to check in with them,
connect with them, and make sure that they’re staying safe. Since my friends
and I can no longer go to dinner to bond, we’ll have virtual happy hours
together to talk about our days, how we’re coping, and how much we miss one
another.
I also see a
therapist once a week. Traditionally, these sessions are in person, but as of
last week, we’re now holding our sessions virtually. Again, I recognize that
I’m lucky enough to have the technology that can support this capability, and
if you’re in need of a mental health session, there have been all kinds of
alternative methods of therapy popping up amidst this crisis. She’s helped me
work through my building anxiety over the unknown, and ultimately, it’s nice to
see her face and hear her voice for the familiarity factor.
Of course,
isolation means this is the perfect time to catch up on your binge-watching or
finally getting around to watching that movie you keep hearing about. I know
I’ve often fantasized about a staycation, so I’ve always been looking at this
situation in that lens myself. Might as well take advantage!
Appreciate the solitude
As an introvert,
I’ve always felt very comfortable with my own presence. I find I keep the best
company! Even if you aren’t an introvert like me, there are many ways you can
take advantage of this forced alone time. I’ve found this is a great time to
get caught up on some reading I’ve let fall behind. I’ve picked up on my
meditation – I’m still awful at it, but this is the perfect time to keep
trying. Dust off your old hobbies, like crafts, working on a puzzle, or even
painting.
When isolation
first kicked off, I did a lot of laying around and being unproductive. This
quickly set off some internal guilt – I felt like I should be doing more
productive things and taking advantage of this time alone. So I told myself to
commit to one project a day – since I’m working from home during the week, my
Monday through Friday projects are a bit smaller, but no matter what, I’ve
found this to be tremendously helpful. I’ll organize a drawer, go through
storage and purge, or even clean.
Be safe
Your health is
the utmost priority right now, which is why no matter what, you have to be as
careful as you can. Take walks, but be mindful of the people you may pass. Go
for a run, but if the park is crowded, come back a few hours later. WASH YOUR
HANDS. Clean your commonly touched pieces often – light switches, handles,
doorknobs, and even your phone. In a time like this, there’s no such thing as
being too safe.
We’re in the middle of a very uncertain
time in our world, and it can be overwhelming to try and stay safe, calm, and
sane when we’re being told to stay home. For those of us that are by ourselves
or far away from loved ones, that isolation can be very loud. For me, I’ve been
exploring all kinds of options for staying in touch and connected as well as
staying in touch with myself.
When the quarantine first started, I saw it
as a mini-vacation – I slept in frequently, parked myself in front of my TV for
hours, and mentally checked out. After a few days of doing that, I started to
feel unproductive and guilty about how I was spending my time. Before this
virus came to New York City, I was always incredibly busy, wearing multiple
hats of obligation and responsibility. I would often wish for a day off just to
tend to personal matters. I realized that even though this virus is a scary and
uncertain event, I had to be more mindful around how I was spending this time.
Even though I’m able to fulfill my job’s
responsibilities remotely, I still found that my mental gymnastics were greatly
reduced. I recognize that a lot of that is because I’m distracted by the
anxiety of the uncertainty around this virus, but I also wasn’t doing the same
things I normally was. I wasn’t interacting with people as much – obviously –
and many of my activities were being cancelled. Now that we know this is going
to be the norm for some time, I’ve actively decided to make sure that I’m doing
something at least once a day that triggers my brain’s activities. It’s very
easy to just burn a hole on your couch to make the time go by, but I’ve found
these few changes have made a difference. Play word games
Play word games
We are very fortunate to live in a time that allows us to connect with one another virtually. Through games on our phones to board games that you can “play with others” over FaceTime, you can keep your brain active and challenged. I downloaded Scrabble Go and play with friends or strangers to keep my thinking cap on. There are tons of other “brainfood” games out there, especially now, to keep your mind juices flowing.
Read, read, read
I get that this
is kind of a lost art these days given our extreme digital connectivity, but
there’s no better time to dust off those books you’ve been meaning to crack
open for some time. Not only will the stories take you to another world and
distract you from current reality, but the activity itself will keep your brain
much more active and checked in. If you’re looking for help or suggestions,
GoodReads is a great place to get started.
Exercise
I get that this
is a physical activity, but getting your heart rate up is proven to also
stimulate your brain. If you’re feeling frustrated, nervous, or defeated,
simply going for a quick job can help you clear some of that clutter and feel a
bit more at ease. You’ll also be able to rest easier during the day knowing
that you’ve taken care of your body.
Connect with friends and family
This one is
probably the most paramount, and I’ve found this to be crucial when it comes to
managing my health during this time. Since I live alone, the solitude is much
louder than those that live with others. I’ve been calling my family members
more and connecting with my friends more often to not only bridge the gap of
isolation a bit, but it helps me to understand this scenario from others’
perspectives.
My sister has
young children, so she worries about their health. My mom’s parents are in a
nursing home on the other side of the country, so she’s worried about them. I
have younger siblings in college that are now having to experience their
academics away from campus. All of these unique and individualized experiences
have put my own situation into perspective.
This is an uncertain time for people all
around the world, and while I’m fortunate enough to be able to do my job
remotely, I also recognize the impact that this is having on others, the
economy, and our future as a whole. Personally, I hope you’re staying safe and
calm, and remember to reach out to your loved ones.
If you’ve spent some time at New York
English Academy, you’re likely used to the classroom dynamic and working with
your classmates to enhance your learning skills. The instructor and the
resources available have likely aided in your English skills, but you probably
also have learned just as much by working with and practicing with your
classmates. Since all of you are there for the same reasons, there’s likely a
level of connection that others not in the program would not understand.
This sense of community has helped our
society shape other programs in the academic field. Even for those that may not
be incredibly social-minded, working with your classmates proves to be
beneficial for all involved. This kind of work provides a perspective that
simply cannot come from your textbooks or your instructor. Additionally, you
can help one another out with difficult subjects without judgement, and this
kind of collaboration utilizes a more active part of your brain than
traditional classroom learning or lectures.
If you’re looking to continue your advanced
studies after your time at New York English Academy, it’s highly recommended to
check out the programs available at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. Not only
do these two institutions have a partnership that allows easier entrance into
the college, but there is a built-in community from which you can greatly
benefit. If you choose to continue your higher education career at St. Francis
College, here are just a few ways you can get involved in the community to enhance
your English skills as well as your social skills.
St. Francis College Student Life
The college design is meant to shape young
adults not only in their academic studies but in their social lives. The
student life programs at St. Francis will help students develop their
participation in the community and understand how they can make a difference in
their world. With this kind of real-world exposure and experience, you can
complete your time at St. Francis with more than just a degree.
Clubs and organizations
There are many
options for you to get involved here. From academic clubs to cultural and
special interest clubs to even Greek life, there’s likely a concentration that
would suit your specific interests. If you find there’s a club that doesn’t
exist that you think others would be interested in, here’s your chance to take
action! It’s an easy task to contact representatives at the school to make your
case, and before you know it, you might have your very own club!
Student government
No matter what
your area of study is in, many students choose to get involved in this area of
student life. Not only does it provide insight into action and advocacy, but it
gives students a sense of operational process if change is desired. By looking
at steps and elements that are required to achieve change, you may feel
inspired to take greater action in your community and elevate your voice.
Religious options
If you belong to
any kind of religious community, you will likely be able to find a group that
represents your belief system. Not only will this provide you with the
resources you need to worship as you see fit, but you’ll also have a built-in
community of others that share your values. Be sure to check out your options
here.
Athletics
If you’re an
athlete yourself or just enjoy competitive sports, be sure to check out the
schedules for these areas. With sports year-round, you can easily find the
entertainment from basketball and soccer to track and field and swimming and
diving. This is a great way to show support for the school as well as provide
you the opportunity to meet new people and interact with fellow students.
The college experience is designed to
provide you skills beyond the academic focus. By giving you the opportunity to interact
with your classmates both in the classroom and beyond, you’ll develop enhanced
social skills, community responsibility, and an organized mindset on how you
want your life to look post-graduation. St. Francis College understands the
value of interaction with one another, which is why the Student Life
organization is robust and diverse. You’ll be able to have fun while
simultaneously learning and designing the next years of your life.
If you’re ready to take the next step after
your time at New York English Academy, check out St. Francis College today!
They say March comes in like a lion and
ends like a lamb – I’ve always remembered this since I was little, and I have
to admit that I tend to cling to this idea to this day. It’s likely because by
the time we get to this time of the year, I am so ready for some breaks in the
cold, winter days and finally get some sunnier and warmer days. By the time
March rolls around, it can sometimes feel like winter will never end, so this is
the unofficial month of change in weather!
For me, I’m ready to break my hibernation
habits and start socializing more and meeting up with friends. I also find that
my mood is just generally better overall!
Luckily, when you’re out and about more
often, you’re also probably going to be seeing your friends more often. This
gives you the chance to put your English skills to use in real-life beyond your
classroom. Not only will you get to see your friends more, but you’ll be able
to use one another to give your English skills some practice. No matter how you
choose to spend your month of March, you’ll have plenty to do and plenty of
opportunities to get some real-world English practice. Here are just a few
things to look forward to this month.
March 9th; National
Meatball Day in Little Italy
First of all, I
didn’t even know this existed myself, so if you find your way down to Little
Italy this day, you might just run into me! What better neighborhood to try out
some of the best tastes in town! There’s an entire list of restaurants that are
participating in this day in some way, so this is a great way to plan your
whole day so you can be sure to sample some of the best there is. Bonus: even
though this event is designed to get you out of your house and spend some time
practicing your English, this is actually a great excuse to try out your skills
at Italian!
March 15th; The
Vessel; Hudson Yards
If you can
believe it, it’s now been one whole year since this iconic attraction was
unveiled. It’s already made an incredible impression upon the city, and what
better way to celebrate its presence than honor its one-year anniversary! If
you haven’t made it to the Vessel yet, now’s the time! With incredible
architecture and stunning views, you can easily spend an entire day here! So
grab a group of friends and put on your most supportive pair of sneakers, and
get ready for a great day of site-seeing. Plus, you’ll easily be able to
connect with other site-seers, since this destination is wildly popular with
people on social media – you’ll get your written English practice here!
March 17th; NYC St. Patrick’s
Day Parade
This holiday is
celebrated practically everywhere, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you to
find out that New York City goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day. On this day,
New York City hosts one of the oldest parades celebrated in the city, and you
can catch it if you’re anywhere near Midtown East or the Upper East Side. Be
sure to wear your green, and practice some of your English phrases to communicated
with other parade-goers. You’d be surprised how many people get into the Irish
spirit – just make sure to dress warm enough just in case spring isn’t ready to
show itself yet!
New York City is a city that has endless
things to do. If the weather is still a bit too bitter for you in the beginning
of the month, check out one of the many museums so you can still be active but
in the comfort of warmth. If springs starts to show early, take a stroll
through one of the parks you haven’t visited yet. No matter what the weather
is, March will still give you plenty to do. And since the Big Apple is such a
huge cultural and lingual melting pot, you’ll be surrounded by all kind of
people that will help you out if you need some help either with communicating or
even just navigating through the city. At the end of the day, we’re all here to
enjoy the best of what New York City has to offer, so you might as well make
the best of it!
Winter in New York City can feel pretty
brutal at times, and February can often be the worst month of them all. The
days are short, and the weather characteristics are unpredictable and sometimes
unbearable. You’ll be bundling up to take the trash out, and mustering the
energy to leave your apartment can sometimes be a serious struggle when the
temperatures don’t even hit double digits. I say this every winter, as I’m
guilty of this myself, but it’s important to get outside, even in the brutal
elements, because the fresh air will do you wonders, and after all – you’re in
New York City! This means you’ll never run out of things to do.
If you’re trying to put your English
learning to use in a practical way, these activities will help you do so.
Learning beyond the classroom is one of the best ways to naturally integrate
your learnings so before you know it, you can call yourself a fluent English
speaker! So for the month of February, bundle up, get some hot cocoa to warm
your bones, and get out there!
1.Restaurant Week, February 1 – 9
If you haven’t
noticed, New York City runs several of these events throughout the year just
because they’re a huge success and offers incredible visibility for business.
This is a great time of year to think about expanding your horizons when it
comes to different types of cuisine. If you’re unsure about trying a new
restaurant or a new kind of food, this is a great time to check out the list of
restaurants that participate. You can get discounted meals while having the
opportunity of the restaurant selecting the menu for you. Grab your friends,
and start practicing how to communicate with your server, how to special
request a beverage, and of course, your verbal table manners in English. With
the blustery weather, dining out this week is a great way to get out without
having to endure the brutal temperatures too directly.
2.National Pizza Day, Sunday, February 9th
While this
special day may not be specific to New York City alone, it’s still a day that I
wanted to note because, well, pizza. Given you’re in a city that idolizes this
Italian staple and that there are pizza shops on basically every corner, today
is definitely worth noting and jotting down in your calendar. Many pizza shops
will offer special deals on this day, so be sure to gather your friends and
schedule a pizza tour so you can hit all the best spots and maybe even try a
new kind of pie while you’re out. This is also a great way to brush up on your
English terms for pizza toppings, so feel free to experiment!
3.Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14th
This is another
“event” that isn’t necessarily dedicated to New York City, but it’s also worth
including just because it’s a huge day for couples, and this year it falls on a
Friday. If you’re in a romantic relationship, you should start brainstorming
ideas on what to do now, as restaurants and other activities fill up fast with
like-minded couples planning for the holiday. If you’re unattached and looking
for something to celebrate your independence with your other single friends,
you’ll also want to think ahead, as this is also another common effort in New
York City. There are all sorts of deals around this city revolving around this
holiday, so you definitely won’t be at a loss of ideas. They say that love is a
universal language, but this holiday is also a great time to put your English
learnings to use. Brush up on your love affirmations, and if you’re attached,
start thinking of ways you can communicate your love to your other half.
You might feel a bit defeated this month
when it comes to finding things to do and staying entertained. I know for me,
it can take all of my energy just to leave my apartment if I don’t have to. But
there are so many things you can do inside to stay warm and comfortable, and
even if you venture for activities outside, you can just add layer after layer
to your outfit so you can stay nice and toasty. New York City is known as a
huge cultural melting pot, so you’ll always be able to utilize your English
speaking skills with others, so get out there and stay warm!
Today’s blog is a serious topic. It’s about
something that I-20 holders want to know. This information has been personally
exchanged with the person responsible for the SEVIS.
Since last year, the SEVIS Field Associate
(responsible for our school) has regularly come to visit the campus several
times. They come to share the latest rules and visa information regarding the
SEVIS, and to check that our school isn’t unusual at the same time.
Aside from that, the one question that we
are often asked by students is:
“Will I be able to get the 60 days Grace Period?”
The Grace Period is a sixty-day legal stay
within the country following the completion of your program. During this time,
a student must either transfer to another school, or leave the United States.
The one thing that students on an F1 visa tend to get incorrect is that they will automatically be entitled to the 60 days Grace Period if they hold a valid I-20. This is wrong.
Not everyone is entitled to the sixty-day
legal stay. To receive the Grace Period, a student must meet the requirements
outlined below.
Properly complete their program → this means they complete their program without failing, and while meeting the appropriate attendance rates.
For example, a student has enrolled in a twelve-week program. Imagine they have now transferred to another school in the middle of the program. This transfer is possible, but it means they haven’t completed their program in this case (since they have transferred) and are not entitled to the 60 days Grace Period.
In this particular case, the student has a
15-day legal stay within the country. During this time, they must either leave
the United States, or complete the transfer process to the new school and begin
their next program from the earliest possible start date.
If a student’s attendance is insufficient, and their I-20 is terminated by the school, they must leave the United States immediately.
As for transfers, the SEVIS advises that it doesn’t mean “It would be good to complete the transfer process within the 60 days, and start the program at your next school”, but rather, “If you want to transfer during the Grace Period, you should finish the application process promptly and start your new program from the earliest possible start date.”
It is vital for students staying in the
country on an F1 visa to take personal responsibility for maintaining their
status. (Especially regarding attendance)
Students who come to America on an ETSA are
able to stay for 90 days. Staying any longer than this will be an illegal stay
and this will remain on their record.
It is highly likely that applications for
visas from people with a record of illegal stays will be rejected. Please take
plenty of care.
Transfers between language schools are popular within America. As mentioned previously in this blog, it is possible for the transfer process to be completed by the student themselves.
■Transfer Process
Before the conclusion of your program, decide whether to extend the program at your current school or transfer to another
If you decide to transfer, choose the school you will transfer to
Proceed with the enrollment process of the school you will transfer to (fill in application forms, make payments etc; please follow the school’s procedure)
Submit required documents to your current school
Your current school moves your SEVIS record to your next school
This isn’t a difficult process, but some troubles have occurred from time to time.
■Astudent has forgotten to submit the documents, and their status changed to ‘Complete’.
The documents required to move your SEVIS record to the next school are the ‘Transfer Form’ and the ‘Acceptance Letter’ for the school you are transferring to.
The issues that occurred in a certain case are related to this.
A student who had completed their program submitted a ‘transfer form’. The staff filled out all the necessary information and handed the form back to the student. Despite being urged to submit the acceptance letter prior to the final day, it was not submitted. More than sixty days passed following the end of the student’s program, and their status changed to ‘Complete’.
As previously mentioned in this blog, in the sixty days following the end of your program date (in the case of our school, the last day of your I-20 validity is the end date of your program) you will enter a Grace Period. Students must either transfer schools during this period or leave the United States.
The SEVIS status will automatically switch from ‘Active’ to ‘Complete’ on the 61st day. Once a status has become ‘Complete’, the school can do nothing more. You need to leave the US immediately.
■Why is the transfer process incomplete without an ‘Acceptance Letter’?
Most schools mention the following warning on their ‘transfer forms’:
“Please do not release the student’s SEVIS record to us until our school DSO has confirmed acceptance of the student via a written Letter of Acceptance. This transfer Verification form is not a confirmation of acceptance.”
According to this warning, your current school cannot send your record to them unless both your ‘acceptance letter’ and ‘transfer form’ are complete.
Even if you complete your enrollment form and payment of fees, and the transfer process has been completed at the school you’re transferring into, whether or not your record is transferred depends on whether or not your documentation has been submitted properly.
At each school’s discretion, if a student’s SEVIS record has not been transferred despite completing the transfer process, the school may be able to contact the previous school and check the issue. However, not all schools will go that far.
NYEA takes a lot of admissions from other schools. After completing the enrollment process with us, we issue an ‘acceptance letter’ and we always ensure to send the ‘transfer form’ and ‘acceptance letter’ to the school the student is transferring from. We will contact the previous school in cases where the record has not been sent to us.
The transfer process is not difficult, but it’s a good idea to confirm the steps with the staff at your current or future school.
