Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

December 22, 2019

There are quite a few choices as to what you should do with your cell phone while studying abroad. Which option is best depends largely on the length of your studies, so let’s take a look at the following before deciding.

For Short-Term Studies Abroad:

• Option 1: Use your smartphone to connect to the free Wi-Fi at schools, accommodation and within stations.

New York is implementing free public Wi-Fi, so you will be able to use the internet at many different places like libraries, stations, parks and traffic intersections. Also, many cafes and fast food restaurants offer Wi-Fi as part of their service. However, services such as these are not always high speed. One option is to purchase a mobile Wi-Fi router.

** If you don’t switch off your mobile data, international charges will apply**

• Option 2: Use your local telco’s always-connected overseas internet service

If choosing the option to use an overseas internet service provided by your local company, please contact the telco before coming to the United States.

Mobile Wi-Fi routers:

Local carriers provide prepaid services. These are quite affordable, but their expiration dates are usually only a few months. They are suitable for short-term studies but may not be useful for long-term studies.

In America, it is possible to purchase prepaid Wi-Fi routers with indefinite expiration dates. (e.g. Internet on the Go)

It’s best to buy these along with a usage fee voucher. The cost is split into two types: one for fixed-term expiration and the other for indefinite expiration. The price also differs according to capacity (around $10 to $50).

Example: $25 for 3GB with a 30-day expiry, or 1.5GB with no expiry

For Long-Term Studies Abroad:

• What do I do about the cell phone I use in my country?

Regarding your cell phone, you may cancel your current contract, or you may alter your plan, and have it placed on hold. In short, if you pay the minimum costs while you’re studying abroad, you can then return to your original plan after returning home. The companies au, Docomo and Softbank all offer a service to put your contract on hold without paying the hundreds of yen cancellation fee. With this option, there is no breach of contract fee, so it may be better than cancelling while you’re overseas. Please contact your telco for more information.

Option 1: Purchase a cell phone within the United States

Purchase both a cell phone and a SIM card at your destination.

It is important to note that if you set up a new cell phone, you won’t be able to let your family members know your contact details etc. in advance. If you purchase a device locally, all the instructions and information will be in English.

(*There is a service called “h2o by KDDI” to set up a cell phone and issue a phone number prior to leaving the country. Please contact us for more details.)

1. Purchase a pre-paid type cell phone that you can pay before using

You can buy pre-paid phones if you have the payment fee and personal ID.

The best thing about this type of service is that it does not require a contract, so you can cancel it at any time you like. However, there are initial costs to purchase the device. (The full price of the cell phone is paid at the time of purchase, and this can vary from $50 to $800 depending on the device.) You purchase a SIM card at the same time as the cell phone. Since there is important information and numbers on the packaging of your cell phone and SIM card, we recommend that you keep these and do not throw them away.

The major American telco are:

• Verizon
• AT&T
• Sprint
• T mobile
• Metro PCS, Virgin Mobile (specializing in prepaid)

Metro PCS and Virgin Mobile specialize in prepaid services and are cheaper than the other major companies, but they may not receive good signal in the suburban areas.

We recommend pre-paid services since students without a social security number or a bank account can easily use them.

Payments are made from your own online accounts.

2. Purchase a post-paid type cell phone

This is a regular contract type. Cancellations during the contract period will incur penalty fees. Since you will be required to show your social security number and other information, this isn’t convenient for students without a social security number.

Option 2: Unlock the SIM for your cell phone, and only purchase a SIM card in America

Insert and use the purchased SIM card

If you’d like to use this method, please contact your current telco.

To be able to use your phone for this, the following conditions must be met:

1) The cell phone must have been sold after May 2015

2) The period of use must satisfy the minimum requirements for the telco

3) The cell phone must be compatible with US frequencies

SIM unlocking your phone is not always possible, depending on how long you have been using the phone. Please ensure you unlock your phone at the specific company’s store or through the support site. Some stores will charge fees of 1000-3000yen to do this for you. Cheaper smartphones may be able to be SIM unlocked, but they also may not support US frequencies.

Check that your phone is a compatible model, and if there are no issues, purchase the correct SIM type for your phone after arriving in the country.

Please note the following points:

1. The type of SIM card differs depending on the model of Android, iPhone etc.
2. There may be difficulties connecting to US signals

SIM Cards:

A SIM card is a card which holds information like your phone number etc, and once purchased, is inserted into your device. In other words, a cell phone is unusable without a SIM card. Up until recently, telco companies issued their own individual SIM cards and set them to read only specific information (SIM lock). This made it impossible for customers to switch to other companies.

In 2015, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications instructed all telco companies to enable SIM unlocking, so now it has become possible to do so.

New York Wi-Fi

New York is one of the advanced internet environments in the world.

In Manhattan, LinkNYC (a New York project to replace the unused public payphones with public Wi-Fi) is everywhere. The speeds are a decent 200Mbps.

To use LinkNYC, select “LinkNYC” from the list of available Wi-Fi on your phone, then register your email address. The certificate will be installed, and you will be able to use the internet service.

In the subways, a free Wi-Fi service called “TransitWirelessFree” is provided. Most buses do not provide Wi-Fi, but some buses that run in the Bronx and in Queens do. Charging is usually possible.

There is free Wi-Fi on the NYC Ferry. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available all over the place, such as in cafes, hotels, restaurants, museums etc.

Although the internet services in New York are progressing, if you’d rather have easy access to the internet without hassle, we recommend renting Wi-Fi or acquiring a cell phone in the United States.

American Cell Phone Information:

In some countries, a fee is charged for making a call, but not receiving calls. In the United States, fees are charges both for making and receiving calls.

In the US, the contract would be “charges for 0 minutes’ talk and 0GB of data”.

Please remember that if the person who calls you talks for a long time, you will also be charges as the receiver of the call.

Each situation is different depending on whether your study abroad plans are long-term or short-term so consider all your options before deciding what to do. Furthermore, ensure you contact your current telco company.

December 20, 2019

January can be a tough month in New York City. January can be a tough month no matter where you are, really. The winter can start to really kick in, and the cold temperatures can make us feel defeated and tired. The shorter days can definitely take a toll on our attitudes and energy levels, so it’s important to keep yourself busy so you don’t give in to the laziness of the winter. Of course, it’s nice to hibernate sometimes, but it can also be easy to fall into the routine of staying in ALL the time. (I’m guilty of this myself, so I can speak from experience here!) If you can get past the dreary weather, January in the Big Apple can be really fun!

Of course, while you’re here, you’ll want to put your English skills to real-world practice, and there’s truly no better location to do that. As I always say, New York City is the ideal cultural and lingual melting pot, so you’ll easily be able to put your classroom skills to use while you’re out and about in all kinds of ways. It might be difficult to engage with others due to these hibernation habits, but trust me, you won’t be bored!

1.Big Apple Circus, Various dates in January, Lincoln Center

Luckily, the circus is a universal language and experience. With all sorts of talents and spectacles, you can be entertained while staying warm indoors at the same time. Bring your friends so you can practice your English reactions, and if you’re posting on social media, practicing your social hashtags will also help you engage with other social media users on your experience. The best part is of course the food, so this is another way you can practice your English skills with vendors and other attendees. Find out what food and drink they’re serving, share your favorites, and be sure to post!

2.Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival, January 18, Brooklyn Expo Center

Now this is an event that I’m interested in myself. I’m a huge beer fan, and I tend to lean towards bourbon before vodka or tequila, so this is interesting! Plus, in the dead of winter, there’s nothing better than some satisfying and comforting barbecue to warm your belly. At this event, you’ll be able to sample all sorts of brews and taste all sorts of barbecue mixed with plenty of onsite entertainment, like music and dancing. This is the perfect getaway for your friends to spend your day while staying warm – and the bonus is you’ll get to try all different kinds of tastes from all over the country. Not only will you learn a lot about the food and drink, but you’ll have the opportunity to socialize with other event-goers and put your English speaking skills to use. This event costs to get in, so be sure to bring your wallet!

3.Winter Festival, FrostFest, starting January 25, Bryant Park

If you’ve been in New York City for a while, it’s likely that you’ve heard about this event for some time. Even though the festive holidays are over in January, there is still plenty to see and do in the outdoor parks. Bryant Park especially goes all out when it comes to winter celebrations, as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, karaoke, live music, and now bumper cars on ice. This location draws in people from all over the city to participate in the festivities, so I recommend planning ahead if you’re interested in this. (I recommend avoiding the weekends if you have the ability, as families will arrive with their full party in tow – if you can, check it out in the middle of the week). There are tons of happenings over the week that it’s open for this celebration, so be sure to plan ahead and pick out what you want to participate in the most! And of course, attending is a great way to put your English skills to use as you interact with others in attendance.

No matter what, being in New York City in January can sometimes be tough. The holidays are over, people are back to work, and the kids are back in school. But you’re still in the greatest city in the world, so do what you can to make the best of it, even in one of the most brutally cold months of the year!

December 11, 2019

As long as your student visa remains valid (even if your I-20 has expired) your stay in America may be mistakenly considered a legal stay.

The I-20 form is attached to the F1 visa. Your I-20 must be valid for the duration of your study. The validity period is stated on the first page of the I-20 form.

The validity period of your visa is stamped on the visa page.

These two periods of validity are not necessarily limited to one another.

Let’s consider an example where the student has enrolled in a six-month program. The I-20 document states a validity period of 6 months; however, the F1 visa has been approved for a period of 5 years.

*There may be some cases where schools allow a validity period of one year or more even for a six-month enrolment. Each school’s policy differs on this*

The most important thing for students holding an F1 visa is to ensure that they also have a valid I-20. If the validity period expires on their I-20, they must do one of the following:

• Transfer into a different school within 60 days from your current program ending date
• Leave the United States within 60 days from your current program ending date
• Have the I-20 renewed at the current school (this may or may not be possible)

The abovementioned 60 days are referred to as a “grace period”. If a student completes a program at their enrolled school, they will receive a legal-stay period of 60 days.

In cases students are terminated by the school with some reasons, then they do not receive this 60-day period and they may be unable to transfer to another school.

If, during the 60-day grace period, a student does not go through the procedure to transfer schools and remains within the US, their stay will become an illegal one.

In cases where a student’s program has finished but they wish to continue their studies in the US, we ask that they extend their program and acquire an extension of their I-20 from their school. Students should always ensure that they personally retain their currently valid I-20.

The extension procedure at the New York English Academy is as follows:

1. Complete the application form for the next program
2. Prepare the certificate of bank balance
3. Pay the fees for the next program

Even if your visa expires while you are residing in the United States, as long as you hold a valid I-20 your stay will be a legal one. It will not become an illegal stay.

However, if you temporarily leave the country and re-enter, you will require a valid visa and will need to go through the visa extension procedures.

It is not possible for students to extend their visa within America, so they will be required to do so from outside the country or from their home country. Please contact your individual schools for the documents necessary for a visa extension application. The New York English Academy will assist you with any documents required to avoid any issues with your visa extension, including your transcripts and a support letter from the school.

 

Entry into other countries basically requires both a visa and a passport.

The first thing that is essential for passage into a foreign country is a passport. Without a passport, you will be unable to leave Japan. However, even though you’re able to leave Japan with just a passport, you may not be able to enter other countries. A “visa” is a document which allows entry to specific foreign countries, like an entry permit. Once a visa is issued, it is attached to your passport.

Visas are split into many different types. We will be explaining the different kinds of American visas. The two main categories are “Non-immigrant Visas” and “Immigrant Visas”.

A Non-immigrant Visa is a visa that allows you to stay in the United States for a specified period of time to accomplish a specified purpose. This is applicable for those who are tourists, students, businesspeople or special workers etc.

An Immigrant Visa is a permit to allow you to reside in the United States on a Green Card or after applying to be an American citizen.

Usually, those studying abroad will be under the “Non-Immigrant Visa” category. Non-Immigrant Visas are divided into various types according to the purpose of the traveller.

Commercial/Tourist Visa (B1/B2 Visa): Short-term entry visas for business, travel or medical treatment purposes.

Employment Visa (H1, L, O, P, Q Visa etc): Visas that permit legal employment. These are visas for working within the United States. Depending on the type of work, these visas are split into different types; e.g. special skilled laborers, internal transfers, artists, entertainers, athletes etc.

Student Visa (F1/M1 Visa): Visas for studying abroad.

Exchange Visitor Visa (J Visa): A visa for those participating in exchange programs such as training programs and internships etc.

Transit/Cruise Visa (C/D Visa): Visas for the staff and crew of planes and ships entering and landing in America.

Religious Activist Visa (R Visa): A visa for those undergoing religious activities.

Employee Visa (B, A, G Visa etc): Visas for those travelling with an employer; these are divided according to the visa status of the employer. This applies to people such as butlers, drivers, housekeepers, assistants, gardeners, diplomats and government officials etc.

Press Visa (I Visa): A visa for news media (who are based in foreign countries) to temporarily stay in the United States.

Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (E Visa): A visa for residents of countries that have treaties and investments with America.

Spouse Visa (K Visa): A visa for those who are engaged to a U.S. citizen and wish to gain permanent residency in America.

You will need a visa that matches the purpose of your stay in the United States.

Generally, to study abroad, apply for a Student Visa (F1 or M1 Visa).

All visas have specific accompanied documents.

For example, the J Visa has the DS-2019 document, and the H Visa has the I-129 document. In the case of the student visas, this document is called the I-20 form.

Both the F1 and the M1 are Student Visas.

For general university and language school studies, you’ll need the F1 Visa. For specific professional studies or training, computing, IT classes etc, you’ll need the M1 Visa. Students who attend the New York English Academy will have an F1 Visa.

When entering the United States, you must go through Immigration. (Specific to the JFK airport)

The procedure for entering the United States is as follows:

1. Arrival of the plane
2. Immigration
3. Baggage collection
4. Customs
5. Airport arrival lobby

Go through Immigration once your plane has landed. This will be split up into two lanes, one for American residents and one for foreign residents. Line up in the lane for Non-US Citizens.

Immigration at the JFK Airport in New York City has kiosks. (Some other airports may not have kiosks)

The John F. Kennedy Airport is a large airport which serves as the gateway to the East Coast of the United States, with many international visitors. The “APC KIOSK”, or Automatic Passport Control Kiosk, has been implemented to cut down on immigration.

<Immigrants who can use the kiosks> Those who can use the kiosks do not need a customs declaration form.

• People who have an ESTA and have entered the U.S. after 2008
• U.S. citizens
• Permanent residents of the U.S.
• Canadian citizens

<Immigrants who cannot use the kiosks>

• People entering for the first time with an ESTA
• People who have entered with an ESTA after 2008 but have renewed their passport
• People on a student or work visa
• People who have been directed by personnel to use the immigration desk

[Using the Kiosks]

1. Choose your language
2. Scan your passport on the screen
3. Answer the U.S. Customs questions
4. Answer ‘yes or no’ for ESTA registration
5. Fingerprint scan
6. Photo taken
7. Confirm travel companions
8. Confirm arrival flight information

Once everything has been completed, a receipt will be printed, and you will need to line up for Immigration. This is a simple lane just for showing your documents, and it means there are no issues with your entry. However, if there is a cross on the printed receipt, you will need to proceed to the same in-person immigration examination as other visa holders.

Sometimes this cross is displayed if your photo or fingerprints are not taken correctly.

Immigration Procedures

For immigration, you will need a passport containing the correct visa, and the accompanying documents for that specific visa. (In the case of a Student Visa, the I-20 form). Submit these to the immigration officer.

Having a visa does not necessarily mean you can enter the country. The immigration officer will allow your entry by checking your visa type, your purpose for visiting, and whether or not your documents have expired. At this time, the immigration officer may ask you some questions.

• Purpose of visit
• How much money you have
• How long you plan to stay
• Where you will be staying

If nothing is checked, the immigration procedure is over. If there are any issues or some of your documents are missing, more checks will be necessary, and you will be led into a separate room. This procedure will take a considerable amount of time, so please ensure your documents are completed prior to immigration.

Please refer to the following video for an explanation.

Please note that circumstances and procedures will differ with each airport.

Once you have gone through Immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to your destination. The New York English Academy offers “First-Day Immigration Support” as an option. There is also a pick-up service to take you to your accommodation.

*First-Day Immigration Support: We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation. Once you have dropped off your belongings, we will show you around the facilities and areas you will be using during your time here. This is the recommended option for those coming to New York for the first time.

December 10, 2019

List of Useful Things for Studying Abroad
(Long-term studies, short-term studies, things useful for the year)

1. Ear cleaners/nail clippers
2. Laundry bag and detergent
3. Toothbrush
4. Disposable slippers or indoor flip flops
5. Paper toilet seat sheets
6. Travel-sized umbrella
7. Overseas power conversion plug adapter
8. Watch/alarm clock
9. Electronic dictionary
10. Medicine (your own)
11. Electronics (PC, laptop, tablet)
12. Cell phone
13. Sanitary products, cosmetics, sunscreen, hand mirror, shaver
14. Pocket tissues/wet wipes
15. Disposable masks
16. Powders such as Pocari Sweat (dissolvable)
17. Canned and sealed foods
18. Bath towel and face towel
19. Backpack
20. Photos of your family, of Japan etc: useful for introducing yourself and Japan
21. Hats/sunglasses
22. Chopsticks
23. Travel guidebook
24. Writing utensils and stationary (3-color pens etc)
25. Athletic shoes and clothing
26. Clothes for formal situations (e.g. suits) (especially for long-term studies)
27. Easily worn clothing (e.g. cardigans and parkers)
28. Portable sewing supplies
29. Rubber bands (New York rubber bands are poor quality and will break easily)
30. Glasses/contact lenses and cleaners

Things you can purchase while studying abroad (or you can bring with you)

1. Hair dryer
2. Shoes
3. Shampoo/conditioner etc

Things to bring depending on the season (can be purchased in New York)

Winter (October to April)

1. Pocket warmers
2. Hats
3. Gloves
4. Scarves
5. Heat-tech clothing
6. Coat
7. Blankets
8. Thick socks
9. Lip balm
10. Windbreaker

Spring (May to June) and Autumn (September to October)

1. Hayfever medication
2. Clothing that can be easily layered

Summer (June to September)

1. Swimwear
2. Beach sandals
3. Sunscreen
4. Folded fan

List of Carry-On Baggage on the Plane

1. Passport
2. I-20 form (for students traveling on a student visa)
3. Cash (both Japanese yen and local money): It may be convenient to put these in separate wallets
4. Credit card: VISA or Mastercard are recommended. JCB, American Express and Diner’s Club Cards are not always accepted
5. Study abroad insurance: for more details, click here
6. Bank cards that allow overseas withdrawals: your own cash can be withdrawn from a Japanese bank account. The exchange rate will be applied at the time of withdrawal. For more details, click here
7. Ballpoint pen and small notebook
8. Plane ticket
9. Cell phone: for more details, click here
10. Computers and tablets: it is recommended that these are not placed in checked-in baggage
11. Tissues, handkerchief
12. A copy of your address details

Other things to note:

1. On long flights, the cabin is very dry. It might be good to bring some lotion or moisturizer.
2. Depending on the airline, plane cabins can get very chilly. It might be good to bring some light outerwear, like a cardigan.
3. Make a note of your passport number in a notebook or on your cell phone. This number is required when filling out entry forms like the customs declaration form. Losing your passport causes a lot of issues, so it’s a good idea to just take it out at Immigration.
4. Make copies of all important documents and credit card information. If these are lost, you will be able to sort everything out without panicking.
5. Please ensure you check baggage restrictions with your airline. Usually, one bag is around 23kg. Liquids need to be 100ml or less and kept in a transparent sealed bag.
6. Check the local weather before your arrival. If the weather is going to be bad, it may be useful to put a portable umbrella in your carry-on luggage.
7. If you have arranged for transport, keep a note of the contact details. If you have any issues or cannot contact the driver, you can contact us without any problems.
8. Don’t carry too much cash on you. Credit cards are widely used for local purchases. (Preparation of money while studying abroad)

September 27, 2019

No matter how long you’ve been in New York City, you probably know that New York City celebrates practically everything, and we practice everything in a BIG way. That’s why when October rolls around, everything turns spooky with Halloween, and people get excited about the cooler temperatures and all the outdoor activities that come with the month of October. From pumpkin and apple picking to hayrides and haunted houses, even the most adult-like people here in the Big Apple turn into the biggest excited kids.

The great part is that everything that’s available in New York City offers you the chance to put your English language skills to practical use while you’re taking advantage of all these great activities. Be sure to gather all your friends to figure out what’s the most appealing to everyone, and get out there! Interact with other event-goers over the weekend, and find out what they’re checking out. It’s a great way to learn new social phrases, you can learn new hashtags to find out what’s trending in your area, and best of all, you’ll learn more about the city and the English language than you even imagined! While October has plenty to do thanks to the cooler temperatures and the excitement in the air, here are just a few things to check out this month – and you’ll probably see me there, too!

1. 2^nd Annual New York Pizza Festival, Saturday, October 5^th – Sunday, October 6^th, Crescent Avenue, Bronx

If you’ve got this weekend open, be sure to make your way to this amazing, pizza-filled event. With over 25 pizza makers in attendance (five are from Italy!), you’ll be sure to get as much pizza in your belly as possible. With tons of options available as well as drinks and entertainment, you won’t want to miss this amazing event. This is also a great time for you to test out your English skills with other event-goers, but if you have your translation app out, you also may want to add Italian to your rotation this weekend—surely you’ll be hearing a lot of Italian phrases, so this is a great way to test your skills in another language, too!

2. New York City Wine and Food Festival, Thursday, October 10^th – Sunday, October 13^th, various areas in Manhattan

If you’re a foodie and looking to mingle with the best of the best in the culinary world, this is your event. This is the largest food and wine festival in New York City, with over 80 spots around the city taking part in this huge event. This event is wildly popular and attracts people from all over the world, so if you’re interested, be sure to save up and plan ahead if you want to get your money’s worth. Come prepared with some of your most common English phrases, but since there will be plates from all over the world being features, it also might just be helpful to have your translation app set to multiple languages just in case!

3. Harvest Fest and Pumpkin Patch, Sunday, October 13^th, Queens Botanical Garden

It wouldn’t be October without something to do that’s related to pumpkins! Halloween tends to take over the city for the entire month of October, but in this location, you can catch a break from the scaries and just enjoy the fresh air with the pumpkins. Take part in live music, join nature walks, and even enjoy some beer or cider in the field. It’ll give you a break from the day-to-day bustle in the city, and you’ll truly feel like it’s autumn here. Bring your friends for a day of fall, and be sure to practice your favorite English phrases about lovely weather, autumn happenings, and even questions about features the garden has to offer.

By now, you guys should know that the fall is my favorite time of the year, and there’s something so wonderful about it while in New York City. My mood is lifted, and I’m much more apt to get outdoors and experience the fresh, autumn air. Central Park is beautiful this time of year, and it’s a great opportunity for a picnic in the field or a long walk along the paths. You’ll love watching the leaves change color, and as always, the scenery is wonderfully Instagram-worthy – and what better way to practice your English than seeing what kind of clever hashtags you can include! Happy Fall, readers!

August 12, 2019

When learning a new skill or subject, it’s pretty customary to start in the classroom. Finding out the history of a discipline is a typical introduction to your area of study so that you can get a grand idea of the evolution of your focus. From there, however, as you advance in your studies, it’s also customary to branch out into the real world to better understand real-world implementation and integration.

This is easily applicable for learning a new or foreign language. When you’re in the beginning stages of learning the basics, classroom application is the best avenue for logistics and application. As you advance in your studies, you’ll want to practice your real-world application for a better idea of where your strengths lie and how you can improve in other areas. This means it’s a great idea to immerse yourself in the real world to put your skills to use and interact with other people.

If you’re considering a career in TESOL to not only enhance and perfect your English-speaking skills but also elevate your teaching abilities, there’s truly no better place than New York City to get your training. The New York English Academy is located in the heart of the Big Apple, meaning you can be exposed to expert native English speakers but be immersed in one of the largest cultural hubs in the world.

Value of the TESOL Program

If you plan on pursuing the academic track of gaining your TESOL certification, the New York English Academy organizes the program so that courses are instructed by English-speaking teachers, guaranteeing that you’ll get an organic learning experience. Plus, the program is set up so that there are different learning methods incorporated so that you can practice your skills in a variety of sets, from group work to role playing to even scavenger hunts. Everyone learns differently, so the TESOL program is designed to cater to all of those varying learning methods.

New York City is a culturally diverse place to be, with individuals from all over the world coming to experience the greatest city in the world. This means that there are hundreds of languages being poured into the neighborhood on a regular basis. When you’re out and about in the city, no matter how strong your English language skills are, it’s the perfect opportunity to put your learnings to use. You’ll likely run into others that speak a language other than English, which will also help you understand how you can communicate with your body language – which is helpful no matter where you are or what language you speak!

New York City: The World’s Melting Pot

Even if you’re still trying to perfect and polish your English skills as a member of the TESOL program, you’ll have the opportunity for PLENTY of real-world experience and application right here in New York City. Because the city itself is a huge cultural melting pot, you’ll be exposed to so many different people with endless backgrounds. Given your ability to speak at least two languages, you might be able to help others that have no English experience at all, putting your own personal English skills to use. In the process, you’ll learn about other cultures, which will help you bring those learned experiences back to your classroom both as a student and as a future educator yourself.

New York City is always different and is constantly changing. You’ll experience things that you love and things that aren’t necessarily your favorite. This aligns with the TESOL program at the New York English Academy. Because everyone learns differently and absorbs information in various ways, the program is designed to cater to all these different teaching and learning methods so that not one student is in the dark. Aligning with these experiences in New York City means that you will easily approach your eventual teaching abilities with the same flexibility and patience, allowing your students to find their own best personal method.

Why New York English Academy

American English is now the standard English dialect, moving away from UK English. With that said, learning this dialect in the heart of not only American culture but international culture means that you can take your learned skills and apply them to the biggest cultural melting pot in the world: New York City. Not only will you love your experience in the Big Apple, but your learned skills will be best put to use and you’ll thrive!

July 29, 2019

Listen, I know I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it every year. Summer is NOT my favorite season. I like the emotional feeling of summer – feeling free, having the longer days, taking vacations, and all that good stuff. But weather wise? NOT my favorite time of the year. I’m fair-skinned, and I’ll admit, I do in fact have a low tolerance for extreme heat. So with that, I tend to get sick of the summer season pretty quickly and start looking forward to fall by the middle of July. But even then, August is the epitome of the dog days of summer. The hottest days of the season tend to fall in this month, so my biggest recommendation for you this month is to enjoy the outdoors, but also prepare for activities that will be indoors to take advantage of the air conditioning and relief from the sun.

Because of this heat, many people tend to take their summer vacations during this month and flock to areas with beach access. The city tends to quiet down because of this, which means it’s a great opportunity for you to explore and grab your friends for ways you can practice your English skills. This month, I’m including things to do that are indoors, so if you’re anything like me, you can get through this last round of summer without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

1. The Rolling Stones, August 1, 2019, MetLife Stadium

No matter where you call home or what language is your first, you know that The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic musical acts of our time. Around since the 1960s, this group has evolved throughout the decades to be one of the most legendary faces of rock and roll. As these group members age through time, it might be a great idea to see them now, as we’ll never really know when their next tour will be their last. Catch them while you still can! If you can’t make the show, you can do the next best thing and listen to their full portfolio – it’s a great way to get familiar with their music AND give your English skills a true through song!

2. New York Cocktail Expo, August 18, 2019, Long Island City, NY

As I mentioned above, there’s a spirit about summer that just means taking a load off and enjoying your time away, either from school or work. And truly, what better way to enjoy the summer than attend an event that’s all about mixed drinks?? Gather your friends for the day and arrange a ride home beforehand so you won’t have to worry about after a day of tasting and sampling new spirits and cocktails. As the most attended cocktail event in New York, you can interact with hundreds of other people from all over the city to find out what their favorite drinks are, what they learned, and their advice for making the most of your day. Be sure to hydrate and drink plenty of water this day!

3. Color Factory, SoHo

Originally created and celebrated in San Francisco, this collaborative experience has now migrated to New York City. It’s a huge celebration of color, which will make you feel alive and excited with all of the visions. If you’re serious about your Instagram, this is a great destination for you, as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to show your followers what you’re up to in New York City. A great way to not only meet more people is to include English language hashtags in your posts so you can interact with others that experienced the exhibit and learn how they appreciated the event.

New York City is the city that never sleeps or calms down. It’s also a heat box in August, so I of course recommend always having a plan for staying indoors to escape the heat. Just as there are endless things to do outside, there are also plenty of opportunities to stay cool indoors. From museums and restaurants to expos and pop-up events, you really won’t have to worry about running out of things to do. Worst case scenario, you can also just save your money and stay indoors and catch up on your Netflix queue – what better way to get your English listening skills in! Get your friends together, and come up with a plan for the hottest month in New York City – and be sure to hydrate this month!

June 27, 2019

I’m sure that I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the reasons I love summers in New York City is that everyone seems to be in constant relaxation mode. The subways are lighter since more people are spending more time outside, and the mood always seems happier when the weather is warm and inviting. Don’t get me wrong – July can be an intense month when it comes to the heat and the power of the sun, so I have to stress how important it is to be safe and protect your skin. Hydrate often, and be prepared with sunscreen.

With that sad, there are always a ton of activities available in New York City in the summer, and July is no exception. With the 4^th of July holiday early in the month, you might notice that traffic and general population is quite light this week, as most people disappear to other pockets of the country to celebrate the holiday. (This is another reason why I love this month in the city – it feels like I have the entire place to myself!)

Given the friendly vibe that this weather gives to people, this is a great time to put your English-speaking skills to use with those around you, whether they’re your friends or even strangers. The summer is also a time that attracts tourists from all over the world, so keep an open mind because you never know who you might meet!

1. Waterfront Day, July 13^th

Honestly, what better way to enjoy the sun AND the water than spending some time in Manhattan’s Seaport District? With tons of activities to participate in and plenty of scenic views to remind you that you live in the greatest city in the world, you can easily spend all day in this area. Due to the increase of tropical storms and rising seas, you’ll also be able to learn about how you and your community can help to preserve the area. Pick up brochures to practice your English reading skills, check out social to see what everyone else is saying and help with the written conversation, and engage with other event-goers to find out what other activities they participated in so you can use your English-speaking skills!

2. Ozy Fest, July 20^th and 21^st, Central Park

If you plan enough ahead for this one, this is a can’t-miss event. Dubbed as the most interactive New York City festival, you’ll be able to watch cooking demonstrations from well-known TV personalities, listen to some of the most popular musical acts, and be a part of many live discussions with many other famous personalities. With tons of international food options and the ability to meet tons of people, this is an opportune moment for you to practice your English skills with the hundreds of attendees around you. It’s the best of both worlds, so gather your friends and gear up for an exciting summer weekend in Central Park!

3. Restaurant Week, July 22^nd – August 16^th

I’ve written about this event before, but it’s too good to not repeat. If the summer heat is dragging you down and you need some relief, this is a great opportunity for you to try out some eateries that you haven’t gotten around to trying at discounted prices. The menus will offer you options that you may not have otherwise been able to try due to your budget, so this timing is a great time to try something new. And as always, this is a great opportunity for you to practice your English skills – from reading the menu to communicating with your waiter, you’ll be able to walk away from dinner happy that you tried something new and with a sense of relief from the summer heat.

Whether summer is your favorite season or one that you prefer to spend indoors, New York City has endless options for you to take advantage of everything that the city has to offer. With tons of outdoor activities and plenty of indoor things to do to escape the heat, you’ll never be bored during the month of June. With so many people being out of town this month, you’ll definitely want to explore pockets that you haven’t seen before. Plus, you’re surrounded with plenty of opportunities to give your English skills some practice and real-world use, so keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. Happy Summer!

March 29, 2019

April is one of my favorite months in New York City. I’ve put my winter coats and scarves into storage, I open my windows for fresh spring air, and I tend to take more walks outside to enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days. It just generally heightens my mood. With that said, I also tend to be more socially active once these spring days roll around, meaning I’m exploring the city more and enjoying life outside my apartment more often.

If you’re new to the English language and looking to gain some real-world NYC experience with it, these activities will provide you the opportunities to practice with your friends and other New Yorkers. After all, the Big Apple is a giant cultural melting pot, meaning there are thousands in this city that speak other languages themselves, looking to enhance their own English skills. Here are a few things to do this month in New York City that will keep you entertained while you fine-tune your English.

1. Pillow Fight, Washington Square Park, April 6^th

This is a bit of a different one, and this is the first I’m hearing of this event myself, so I’m interested in finding out more about it, as I think I’ll be attending this year! Whether you choose to participate or simply watch the comedy show in front of you, it’ll surely give you plenty of entertainment for the day. Bring your own pillow or stuffed animal for some innocent fun, and you never know who you may meet while reliving your childhood, so come prepared with your best getting-to-know-you English phrases, and get ready to have some fun. What’s really cool is that this is actually an international event as well, so cities from all over the world will be participating in this on the same day, meaning you can be a part of this on an international level, too! Be sure to follow whatever hashtag they create for social media to follow all the other global events!

2. Earth Day, April 22^nd

Every year on this day, the nation comes together to pay attention to how we’re treating our environment and give back a bit to Mother Earth. Since the weather on this day is typically pleasant and warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, this is a great opportunity for you to spend some time in the many amazing parks that New York City has to offer. If you wanted to take it one step further, you can look into ways that you can volunteer to make the city a greener place by planting blooms or cleaning up your neighborhood. Many people also choose to completely turn off their devices, lowering their carbon footprint for the day. For some English practice, turn off your phone and have a picnic in the park and have some good old-fashioned conversation. You’d be surprised at how cleansing it can feel!

3. Tribeca Film Festival, April 24th – May 5th

Every year, this festival takes place to spotlight and honor local film projects. The neighborhood during this weeklong event completely transforms to cater to those coming to the area to participate in this festival. From screenings of the movies and films to specials in area restaurants and bars, you and your friends can get a taste of current media culture right here in Tribeca. Talking about your favorites can help you practice your speaking skills, and watching the actual films can help you with your listening translation strengths. If April is a bit too rainy for your taste, another way you can honor this event is look at past film participants from prior years and hold a viewing party at your apartment.

No matter how long you’ve been in New York City or how long you’ve been practicing your English, there are endless ways to put your learnings to use. Since April is still kind of a transition month with uncertain weather patterns, it can be a bit tricky when it comes to making plans, but no matter what, you’re still in the greatest city with neverending things to do. And again, you’re surrounded with people from all over the world, so you’ll never be alone when it comes to learning English and adjusting to this great city. That’s what makes New York City one of the best places to learn and live in the world!