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:
Complete the application form for the next program
Prepare the certificate of bank balance
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:
Arrival of the plane
Immigration
Baggage collection
Customs
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]
Choose your language
Scan your passport on the screen
Answer the U.S. Customs questions
Answer ‘yes or no’ for ESTA registration
Fingerprint scan
Photo taken
Confirm travel companions
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.
List of Useful Things for Studying Abroad (Long-term studies, short-term studies, things useful for the year)
Ear cleaners/nail clippers
Laundry bag and detergent
Toothbrush
Disposable slippers or
indoor flip flops
Paper toilet seat sheets
Travel-sized umbrella
Overseas power conversion
plug adapter
Watch/alarm clock
Electronic dictionary
Medicine (your own)
Electronics (PC, laptop, tablet)
Cell phone
Sanitary products, cosmetics, sunscreen, hand mirror, shaver
Pocket tissues/wet wipes
Disposable masks
Powders such as Pocari Sweat (dissolvable)
Canned and sealed foods
Bath towel and face towel
Backpack
Photos of your family, of Japan etc: useful for introducing yourself
and Japan
Hats/sunglasses
Chopsticks
Travel guidebook
Writing utensils and stationary (3-color pens etc)
Athletic shoes and clothing
Clothes for formal situations (e.g. suits) (especially for long-term
studies)
Easily worn clothing (e.g. cardigans and parkers)
Portable sewing supplies
Rubber bands (New York rubber bands are poor quality and will break
easily)
Glasses/contact lenses and cleaners
Things you can purchase while studying
abroad (or you can bring with you)
Hair dryer
Shoes
Shampoo/conditioner etc
Things to bring depending on the season
(can be purchased in New York)
Winter (October to April)
Pocket warmers
Hats
Gloves
Scarves
Heat-tech clothing
Coat
Blankets
Thick socks
Lip balm
Windbreaker
Spring (May to June) and Autumn
(September to October)
Hayfever medication
Clothing that can be easily
layered
Summer (June to September)
Swimwear
Beach sandals
Sunscreen
Folded fan
List of Carry-On Baggage on the Plane
Passport
I-20 form (for students traveling on a student visa)
Cash (both Japanese yen and local money): It may be convenient to put these in separate wallets
Credit card: VISA or Mastercard are recommended. JCB, American Express and Diner’s Club Cards are not always accepted
Study abroad insurance: for more details, click here
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
Ballpoint pen and small notebook
Plane ticket
Cell phone: for more details, click here
Computers and tablets: it is recommended that these are not placed in checked-in baggage
Tissues, handkerchief
A copy of your address details
Other things to note:
On long flights, the cabin is very dry. It might be good to bring some lotion or moisturizer.
Depending on the airline, plane cabins can get very chilly. It might be good to bring some light outerwear, like a cardigan.
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.
Make copies of all important documents and credit card information. If these are lost, you will be able to sort everything out without panicking.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t carry too much cash on you. Credit cards are widely used for local purchases. (Preparation of money while studying abroad)
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!
2nd Annual New York Pizza Festival, Saturday, October 5th – Sunday, October 6th, 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!
New York City Wine and Food Festival, Thursday, October 10th – Sunday, October 13th, 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!
Harvest Fest and Pumpkin Patch, Sunday, October 13th, 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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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 4th 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!
Waterfront Day, July 13th
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!
Ozy Fest, July 20th and 21st, 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!
Restaurant Week, July 22nd – August 16th
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!
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.
Pillow Fight, Washington Square Park, April 6th
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!
Earth Day, April 22nd
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!
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!
Living in New York City means you have access to some of the best food in the world – from global bites at your fingertips to late night guilt-trips to the food trucks, it’s pretty difficult to find food that doesn’t satisfy your tastes. With all these delightful cuisines everywhere you turn, you might be surprised at quickly your body responds to all these new foods. I know when I first got to the Big Apple, I was eating out all the time, desperate to try as many restaurants and cuisines as possible. Not only did this hurt my wallet, but I found that my body wasn’t used to all these different ingredients. Additionally, even though I was walking everywhere and climbing many flights of stairs per day, I also started to notice a change in my body shape (and not for the better).
If you’re practicing your English in New York City right now and you’re experiencing similar circumstances, I’ve come up with a few ways that you can stay in shape even while you’re still testing out all the great food this amazing city has to offer. It’s easier than you think, and all of these options are easy on your wallet. You don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars on a gym membership – all of these strategies will get you moving with little cost. So pull out your sneakers, because if you’re ready to ditch those extra cuisine pounds, you’ll be putting them to good use.
Sign up for a local race
One of the benefits of living in this great city is that are always tons of races to participate in. If you’re a runner (or even if you’re not), this is a great opportunity to get a few miles under your belt. I always find that when I’m running a 5k, it never really feels like 3.2 miles because I’m running alongside so many other people and taking in all the sights around me. Most of these are reasonably priced (depending on how big it is or if you choose to donate to a fund), so do some research, grab some friends, and get some fresh air. Plus, so many of these races are socially-backed, so you’re bound to meet tons of new people and practice your English social skills.
Rethink your commute
Believe me, I know I’ve checked out every possible route for walking the least for my daily commute, especially when the weather is unbearable, like the deep cold or the extreme heat. On those days, I want to spend as much time in the heat or AC as possible. But if you’re looking for some free (and frankly, SUPER easy) exercise to burn off those street tacos that are too hard to resist, I highly recommend walking a few extra blocks to take a different subway line to get those extra steps in. Another easy trick I do on a daily basis is skip the escalator coming in and out of my subway stop. Instead, I’ll climb the stairs myself. While this may not make a huge difference overall, I know I’m making a better long-term choice for myself. Plus, if you devote to taking a different route, you might come across new shops or find your favorite new health store – this is a great way to keep your English reading and comprehensive skills intact.
Your apartment = your new gym
You might notice that these days, technology has made life way easier in many aspects. For me, I’ve learned that if you do some research on health and wellness apps, you can find your new favorite exercise regimen. If your living space has the room, set up a nice workout spot so you can start with the basics, like practicing your plank or learning some new yoga moves. For me, this was a great way to build my motivation and confidence before I worked my way up to a gym membership. Once I felt more comfortable in my healthy body, I was able to step into the gym and use their professional machines. If you’re dedicated towards your English learning, many of these apps are instructed, so this is a great way to improve your English language listening and comprehension.
Of course, I love living in this great city and trying out all the amazing foods, but I also quickly learned the effect that this lifestyle had on my body. So be sure to try these great tactics out so you can still indulge and feel healthy – all while practicing your En
February 14th of every year is Valentine’s Day, which is a holiday in which people in love will take the day to celebrate their union and loving relationship. Single people will use this day to express their love and appreciation to their friends and family members. No matter your relationship status, Valentine’s Day is a time for everyone to reflect on the value that those in their loves bring to their hearts. You might see that during this time of the year, New York City turns red and pink and covered in hearts and chocolates—it’s hard NOT to feel the love around this holiday!
As a resident of New York City, you have probably noticed that not everyone here is lucky enough to have loved ones or the things that show the appreciation and love of others. From those without homes to others feeling a bit lonely, Valentine’s Day can be a tough time of year for these people. It’s common for donations and giving back behaviors to take place during Thanksgiving, but it’s also important to remember that those in need are in need all year long. So if you’re looking to spread the love this year beyond your immediate circle of friends and family and your significant other, here are a few ways you can do so this Valentine’s Day in New York City. And if you’re looking to practice your English here, I’ve included ways you can do so while giving back.
New York Cares
This is an organization that gathers all the ongoing events and initiatives throughout the city in which you can give back. It will help you find specific opportunities that interest you depending on your availability and location. During the month of February, staying warm is one of the primary concerns of those in need, so you can look into donating cold weather necessities, like coats, hats, boots, and gloves. Staying fed and nourished is another ongoing requirement, so you can also look into donating food to kitchens and volunteer centers. So many of these people often feel overlooked or forgotten about, especially during the times of the year when the rest of the world is caught up in their own little bubbles. So this is your chance to open your heart to those in greater need.
Second Chance Rescue NYC Dogs
Does your living situation allow for a furry friend? If so and if you’ve got the time and dedication to take in a dog, this is another great way to share the love this Valentine’s Day. So many of these poor animals have been abused or abandoned and need a loving home. This is where you or your friends come in! You can easily spread the word via your social channels or tell others in your school about this initiative, and you’re bound to find someone that can help this cause. The greatest thing about taking in one of these animals is the love you receive back from these four-legged pups, so it’s reciprocal! Brush up on your English training terms and before you know it, you’ll have a fully trained dog on your hands. And if you’re living situation doesn’t allow dogs, you can just as easily spread the word – awareness is half the battle!
The Samaritans NYC
I saved this one for last because I think this arena of attention is one in which we all need to be more educated. This prevention center focuses on mental health and battling crisis. Now more than ever, we as a society need to be better trained on mental health awareness and simply listening to those struggling and in need. This group provides emotional support for those that are suffering and need additional help, and you can become involved with this by being a volunteer. You’ll have to undergo intensive training, but once it’s complete, you’ll be more articulate about how to communicate, which of course will help your English skills as well. So many of these people that need help don’t feel that they have enough love in their heart, so this is your chance to help them fill that void. You never know just how much you’re capable of, and the same can be said of those that turn to The Samaritans; volunteering can provide mutual wholeness.
Valentine’s Day in New York City doesn’t have to be just about the loved ones in YOUR life. You can spread the love in so many other ways!
