Your time at the New York English Academy has probably prepared you for all sorts of things. Perhaps it’s your first time away from home, and you’re being forced to learn your own version of independence. By staying in New York City, you’ve probably also learned a completely different lifestyle than you’re used to—after all, there’s no place like the Big Apple, and everyone that moves here has to adjust on their own terms and in their own way. Another transition, and probably the most important, that you’re adjusting to is the new language. That’s why you came to this institution after all, right?

From classroom studies to real world application, my hope with this blog was to help you incorporate your learned skills into the world in which people interact with one another with the English language. You might have found that some experiences were easier than others, and part of that was probably due to your own self-imposed insecurities and intimidations. I wanted to keep reminding you that so many other people living in this great city have come from other countries as well and have learned to adapt as a bilingual citizen. New York City, as I have mentioned multiple times over the months, is a cultural melting pot full of various backgrounds and other languages. So never be afraid to ask for help or guidance.

If you’re thinking about your next move after your time with the New York English Academy is complete, you may be pondering furthering your education at a four-year university. Many students come to New York City with the hopes of pursuing a degree in the humanities. Since there is a huge focus on the arts here, like dance, music, the performing arts, and even fashion, many of the schools here have included these areas of studies in their portfolio. I’ve rounded up some of the best institutions that offer humanities programs so you can start thinking about your next move in New York City.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York, Upper West Side

While this school is a private university, I included this institution at the top of the list because of the tremendous programs it offers. With over 25 humanities programs available from Art History, French Philology, Religion, and foreign languages, you can easily enhance your collegiate study with one of the programs offered at this university. Whether you’re looking for a Certificate program or looking to advance further with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or even a Doctorate, Columbia will guarantee you a quality education in the humanities.

2. Barnard College, division of Columbia University, Upper West Side

This academic center is another great option for you if you’re considering an education in the humanities. You can choose to minor or major in the concentrations of Women’s Studies, Spanish & Latin American Cultures, Music, English, or even Dance. If you speak with an advisor, you can discuss how you can diversify your education by choosing separate minors and majors. (When I went to college, I started with a separate minor and major, but then as I went along, I chose to bump my minor to a major, so I double-majored, which only helped my qualifications when I start the job-hunting process. Your options are quite broad!)

3. Fordham College, Lincoln Center

This is another great option if you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in the humanities. With similar fields of concentration in which you can minor or major in, you can feel the freedom to really explore your options and dive into studies that you never thought possible. Did you know you can minor in Fashion Studies? How about getting a degree in Film and Television? Since this institution’s location is in one of the most fashion-forward and art-centered areas of New York City, it’s no wonder this school develops their programs to reflect this cultural hub. Might as well take advantage of it!

Education is one of the greatest gifts we can give yourselves. With a variety of financial options available depending on your level of need, you can easily entertain the thought of a certificate program, a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or even an advanced Doctorate. All it takes is a phone call to the admissions office to set up an appointment. With this conversation, you can ask about areas of study, the application process, timing, cost of living, etc., so you can be fully prepared if this is your next step.

October is one of my favorite times of the year, especially in New York City. Fall is in full swing, which means I can be more comfortable in my knit sweaters, enjoy seasonal coffee beverages, and embrace the changing colors of my scenery. I just overall feel more calm and relaxed – who knew the weather could do that?? I tend to take more walks in Central Park so I can enjoy the fall foliage and take tons of pictures worthy for Instagram. Of course, one of the most popular events of the month (well, maybe even the whole season) is of course Halloween, and you won’t have any trouble finding any kind of activity in relation to this holiday. Instead, I’ll focus on all the other things you can do this month in New York City so you can embrace the best month on the year.

If you’re willing to put your English skills to use this month, there are tons of ways you can put your learnings to practice in the real world. Interacting with others is the best way to test out what you’ve learned, and never forget that New York City is a huge cultural melting pot. This means don’t feel intimidated or nervous to ask others for help in translating or navigating your way around. While New York City is essentially a blip on the map, it’s still an epicenter of its own, so don’t be afraid!

1. New York Coffee Festival, October 12-14, 2018

If you need a break from the bar scene (like I do), this is a great way to learn more about one of our most prized possessions: coffee! If you’re anything like me, coffee is a necessary fuel that helps any kind of productivity and energy maintenance, and it’s an interest that I’m always willing to explore. I’ve wanted to attend this event since moving to NYC but just haven’t made it yet, but this year I’ll be there! I plan on learning about more blends and coffee-making methods, and I hope to enjoy plenty of local samples. The event will also keep you entertained with tons of street food, learning demos, and live music. Bring your friends and meet new people—practice your English by asking other event-goers about their favorite brew, what they’ve learned, or simply strike up a conversation.

2. Open House New York Weekend, October 12-14, 2018

This is one of those events that is highly regarded in New York City, as it’s a celebration for historic buildings, architectural legends, and new sites. It’s a chance for New Yorkers that have a passion for architecture to view locations and sites that are normally shut down or off-limits for the general public. Do some research before committing to this event, as some locations require a reservation. You’ll be able to practice your English social skills here, as you’ll be interacting with dozens of other passionate fans of traditional and modern buildings alike, and what’s even better is the organization’s philanthropic effort in putting on this event, so it might be helpful to bring your checkbook.

3. The Accomplice, weekends in October

This event falls in the category of interactive entertainment that seems to be all the rage now. Similar to Escape the Room, this is a theatrical experience that will take you about all parts of New York City, depending on where you’d like to explore. There are tons of options available, as you can go on scavenger hunts with friends and simultaneously see parts of the city that you have never explored before. While this event can be on the pricier side, the whole experience lasts a little over 3 hours, and the reviews prove that it’s worth every penny. You can practice your English comprehension by interacting with the improv actors and meeting other excited event-goers. Before you know it, you’ll be looking up other ticket availabilities for the next show.

There are so many amazing things to do in New York City, and October is one of the best (and last of the year) to enjoy all kinds of activities outdoors. You can watch the leaves change color, feel comfortable with warm days and cool nights, and give your seasonal English skills some practice. Grab some of your friends and start exploring the city before it gets too cold and you start to feel the urge to hibernate!

September is one of my favorite months of the year, no matter where I’m at. The heavy heat of the summer finally breaks, and there’s a comfortable breeze that seems to just relax me. I find that I spend a lot more time outdoors this month instead of couping myself indoors with air conditioning, so get ready for all the activities that New York City has to offer in September. Bring a jacket, since the weather is transitioning this month from lingering summer heat with cool autumn wind.

If you don’t know by now from previous posts, I’m a big proponent of practicing your English skills with those around you. New York City is one of the biggest cultural melting pots in the world, so it’s going to be incredibly easy to find those similar to you all around, and New Yorkers are always willing to help someone out, whether it’s helping with directions, suggesting places to go, or even aiding in reading English. Don’t be shy—you’re in the best place to be to put your English skills to use!

1. 29Rooms, Thursday, September 6 – Sunday, September 9 and Thursday, September 13 – Sunday, September 16, Brooklyn

If you’re into fashion at all, you know that September in New York City is quite an exciting time. The magazines are covered with the best in the best, designers push out their newest collections, and celebrities and models are just a bit easier to spot this time of year. This event is a huge one, and luckily, it’s a chance for tons of artists, brands, and even celebrities to showcase their seasonal favorites. Tickets are pretty reasonable, starting at $39 for general admission. Grab all your fashion-forward friends and head down to this Instagrammable location. You might learn a few new English words that have been put into hashtags—yet another way to practice your English via social media.

2. Vendy Awards, Saturday, September 22, Governer’s Island

I may be a bit biased about this event, as I went last year to help with the event, and even then it was still a blast. This occasion celebrates all the best street food (and drinks) that New York City has to offer with limitless sampling opportunities. From Jamaican and Indonesian food to cocktails and desserts, you’ll be sure to get all your taste buds satisfied. After a quick and scenic ferry ride from lower Manhattan, you can interact with tons of other event-goers. Be sure to ask them where they got that beer or their favorite truck so far so you can put your English skills to use. What’s even better is that since so many of the trucks are multi-cultural, this is your chance to perhaps help others with their English as well!

3. Queens County Fair, Saturday, September 22 – Sunday, September 23, Floral Park

As if I haven’t made it clear enough, fall is hands-down my favorite season of the year, so fall festivals just make the season even better. From hayrides to pie eating contests to live music, this annual fair has it all to fulfill your all your autumn-kickoff interests. The location is a bit out of the city, but it’s totally worth the trip to get your nature fix. Practice your English skills by interacting with other fair-goers and embrace your inner nature fan!

4. Free Summer Movies, all September, all NYC boroughs

One of my absolute favorite things to do in New York City is catch free movies in some of the coolest parks in the main boroughs. Doing this not only allows me to revisit some of my favorite movies, but it’s so amazing to be able to do so in some of the most iconic parks. This is a great activity (and free!) to do with friends or even for date night. And if you’re practicing your English, watching American movies is an easy (and quite mindless) way to put your skills to use.

September is the unofficial kick-off to fall, so pack up your swimsuits and unpack your light jackets – the lighter weather is such a treat in New York City after so many months of heavy heat. If you’re new to the English language, all these activities will put your skills to use by allowing you to interact with others while still having a blast in the best city in the world. Next month, get ready for even more adventures!

When I moved to New York City, I thought one of the luxuries I’d be sacrificing was a cool place to swim on the hot days. I had access to parents’ inground pool, and the gym that I belonged to had a pool that I could use to practice my laps or just to chill down after a long workout. Because the Big Apple doesn’t have a lot of free space to devote to for inground pools, you’d think it’d be difficult to find a public place to cool off at, but with this quick list below, you can find relief from the August heat without having to drop serious cash or travel for miles just to get to a pool.

For those of you that are practicing your English skills, this is a great way to put your conversation habits to use. Depending on the size and options of the pool that you go to, you can ask people how else they’re keeping cool, if they can recommend some other local pools, or what else they do to stay busy in the summer in New York City. Since everyone else in the city limits are doing everything they can to stay cool, you’ll be in great company!

1. Astoria Pool, Astoria

When it comes to size and availability, this is the best option for you. This pool is seriously HUGE, and while there are bound to be tons of people there, you’ll still be able to cool off and enjoy the perks of a pool in the city. Another cool detail about this pool is its location within the larger Astoria Park, which includes multiple playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, and walking trails. This way, you can make a whole day at the park with your friends, which of course, lends even more opportunities for you to practice your English.

2. Hamilton Fish Pool, Lower East Side

If you prefer to stay in Manhattan, this public pool is your best option. Located conveniently off the FDR Drive, you and your friends can enjoy this Olympic-sized pool. Pack your sunscreen and towel and create some fun English-practice games while in the water to make your learning fun. Plus, when you’re having fun, it won’t feel like you’re practicing!

3. McCarren Park Pool, Greenpoint

If you live in Brooklyn and want to stay somewhat close to home, check out this huge pool in Greenpoint. This pool is a popular destination for families and adults alike, so you can rest assured that you’re surrounded by people that are looking to have fun and still feel cool. Another advantage to this location is the surplus of chairs and space to spread out your towels for some sunbathing. An insider tip: This is a popular destination, so either come early or pick your days strategically!

4. John Jay Pool, Upper East Side

I’m biased with my pick on this one simply because it’s in my neighborhood and tends to attract the locals in Yorkville and the Upper East Side. A bit smaller than the rest of the pools listed here, this location is a bit more intimate as families come to bring their kids for a quick dip. If you’re looking for more of a quite experience, check out this spot. My favorite aspect of this pool is that it’s lined with trees so it makes it feel even more like a private experience!

5. Hotel rooftops, call around

If you want to avoid the free public pools and don’t mind paying a small fee (it varies depending on the hotel), contact a few hotels in the neighborhood you’re interested in to see how they allow non-guests to use their facilities. There tends to be a few rules and regulations with these destinations since they’re a popular destination, but in my experience, it can be seriously worth it to be on a rooftop in New York City and see all the views while you’re cooling off in a pool. And of course, conversing with the hotel manager is a great way to practice your formal English skills!

It’s no doubt that August is tough in New York City. Our winters are brutal, and so are our summers! Don’t fret though—the Big Apple has plenty of options when it comes to ways of keeping cool. From public pools to private rooftop pools, you can’t go wrong! Stay cool out there!

For me, I enjoy being in New York City in the summer. Even though some days are hot and humid and maybe even slightly miserable, it seems that people are genuinely lighter in spirit simply because it’s summer. Plus, with everyone taking time off work to travel and go on vacations, there seems to be less people around, making it feel like the city is just for me! August tends to be the hottest month of the summer, but don’t let the dog days of the season get you down or confine you to your precious air conditioner. There’s still plenty to do (both indoors and outdoors) in the Big Apple!

Luckily, as I’ve mentioned a few times in previous posts, the city is a melting pot of all kinds of cultures and languages, so if you’re practicing your English this summer, these activities will give you several chances and ways to put your skills to use. And the best way to put them to the test is to immerse yourself in activities that involve other people so you can chat with them and see how good you are on your feet! Before attending the events, do some general research on the area, Google some common phrases relevant to the gathering, and grab your friends for a fun-filled day of New York City and your English skills!

1. New York Renaissance Faire, August 5, Tuxedo Park, NY

If you can swing it, this all-day event will require a bit of time, as it’s about an hour drive outside the city, but you’ll find that the extra effort is totally worth it. With its 40^th anniversary this year, this highly popular event attracts visitors from all over the state to go back in time and experience life in the Elizabethan era. Witness cool jousting matches, interact with all sorts of reenactments, and of course, come hungry! The best part of any Renaissance Faire is all the delicious grub, like funnel cake, tons of meat, and bottomless beer. Bring your English social skills and ask other event-goers where they got their face painted or if they had a chance to check out the jousting match. Not only will this help you catch everything in the day, but you’ll help others in the process.

2. Madonnathon, August 12, Brooklyn Bowl

Madonna is one of our most beloved musical icons to this day. As a music and fashion symbol for decades, Madonna has inspired and paved the way for other female entertainers, so of course, why not dedicate a whole day to our favorite Material Girl! Come dressed in your favorite Madonna style era for a chance to win cool prizes and interact with other fans. This is also the perfect chance to brush up on your American/English pop music—make a Pandora Madonna station or check out her discography on Spotify and pick out your favorite tunes. Then when you hit the event, you can ask others for their favorite Madonna songs, and you can sing along to all the tunes while you’re there!

3. New York Mets vs. New York Yankees, August 14-17, Citi Field and Yankee Stadium

Honestly, for me, nothing really says summer quite like a live baseball game. You might have remembered from previous posts that New Yorkers are quite serious about their local teams, so it makes total sense for both New York-based professional baseball teams to face off with one another for a few days in August. Even if you aren’t a fan of either team, this is a great activity to enjoy the summer weather, interact with other baseball fans, and participate in one of the America’s most beloved pastimes. Grab a hot dog, a cold beer, and don’t forget to come with your best English baseball phrases so you can root for the teams with all the other baseball fans. Before you know it, you’ll be singing along to the “Seventh Inning Stretch” with everyone else!

This August, don’t let the summer heat deter you from enjoying all the different things that New York City has to offer. Whether you want to stay in the comfort of indoor air conditioning or don’t mind the heat, you’re bound to find something to do that will also allow you to practice your English reading, listening, and speaking skills! The city is a melting pot afterall, so chances are, you’re also bound to run into someone that’s practicing their English, too!

Now that we’re in the middle of summer in New York City, you might be looking for some cool and unique things to do so you can enjoy the warm weather and everything this great city has to offer. Since some of the days are incredibly hot and slightly uncomfortable to be out in, there are tons of options that include things to do inside to enjoy the air conditioning, too. One of my favorite details of the city in the summer is that the population seems to lighten up a bit. With so many people taking their family vacations during this time of the year, I’ve found that general errands are easier to run because there are simply less people around. While I of courses love the city and all the amazing people in it, it’s still amazing to get a break from the congestion from time to time.

If you’re practicing your English here in New York City, luckily these activities will not only let you exercise what you already know, but it will put you to the test to put those learned skills to use. Whether it’s reading and writing or even speaking with new people, you might be surprised how easily it comes to you when you’re outside the classroom – mainly because you’re having fun in the Big Apple! So if you’re ready to put your English skills to use this July, here are a few ways you can do so right here in New York City.

1. Full Moon Festival, Governors Island, July 8

For something that obviously doesn’t come around all the time, this will be a great activity to grab a bunch of your friends and experience a night out to feel a little superstitious. While this activity costs a bit of cash (tickets start at $50), it’ll be worth it with the amazing live musical acts, breathtaking art shows, and of course, incredible food. Since there are so many legends and myths that revolve around the full moon, bring your favorite story and ask other festival-goers about their favorite full moon tale. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking English fluently with total strangers in no time!

2. NYC Restaurant Week, various locations, July 24-August 18

Don’t be fooled by the title of this event—it’s become so popular in New York City that Restaurant Week actually spans three weeks. Be sure to check out the restaurants that are participating, because this is the best time to try out eateries that may otherwise be a bit outside of your budget. This three-week event means that participating restaurants offer multi-course meals for discounted prices to achieve higher business rates and hopefully attract new diners. Check out the menus online so you can practice your English reading, and by the time you make it to the restaurant, you can feel confident in what you order and you’ll be prepared to ask any questions you may have.

3. Panorama Festival, Randall’s Island Park, July 28-30

If you’re a music buff like me, this festival is definitely up your alley. Since this event takes place over the whole weekend, you have the opportunity to figure out your itinerary so you can be sure you see your favorites, plan out your culinary stops, and figure out the best way to get the most out of your tickets. With growing popularity, this festival is quickly becoming one of the hottest festivals for established and up-and-coming artists. Brush up on you English by learning new music from artists you haven’t heard of before, and then wham! You know new music AND English! Hope your singing voice is okay!

Even though so many people take their annual family vacations during the summer, the city will still be bouncing with high energy and excitement over the longer days and warmer weather. Even on those hot and unbearable days, you can count on New York City to offer you limitless activities. And don’t fret about your English skills if you’re still trying to perfect them—as I continue to say in each post: New York City is a huge melting pot with thousands of people speaking all different languages. We New Yorkers are patient and welcoming, so feel free to ask for help if you need it. But if you feel confident, give your English skills a shot and see what happens. Nothing bad can happen, and ultimately, you’re still in the greatest city in the world!

In New York City, the 4^th of July is a huge deal. Not only does it celebrate our nation’s birth and independence, but because we are home to the Statue of Liberty and since New York City is such a melting pot of so many other cultures, New Yorkers keep this national holiday close to heart. All over the country, people will come together with their loved ones to celebrate this great day to eat great food, enjoy the outdoors, and close the evening with a fireworks display. Since NYC is so visually stunning at nighttime, especially along the water, this place we all call home goes to great lengths to bring us incredible fireworks. Whether you’re looking for a great rooftop or the perfect seat in a park or along the water, you’ll easily find something for your taste—all you need to do is plan a little ahead, and you’re set to celebrate.

This is also another great day to put your English skills to use, as everyone you run into will be in a celebratory mood and quite jovial. In addition to this mood, many will be reflective of the time they came to America. So many of our citizens come from other countries, so this will be a great time to share your story if you also come from a different area in the world. Use your English conversational skills to communicate your first reactions, how you feel while you’re in New York City, and what you feel you can bring back to your home country when your education is complete – that is, if you don’t end up staying yourself!

1. Fourth of July Evening Cruise

If you have enough people in your group and if you have enough time to plan this lavish excursion, try out one of the many river cruises offered. While this event may be a bit pricey, it’s also one of those things that you’ll probably only ever do once, so why not?! Since the main fireworks (the Macy’s Fireworks Show) shoots from barges in the East River, what better place to catch them all from the actual water? Many of the cruises also include food and drink and of course, plenty of entertainment, so you could easily argue that this event is an investment on your New York City experience. Practicing your English? Ask other cruisers about their favorite 4^th of July memory or why they chose to participate in a cruise this year.

2. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

If you’re looking for something to do during the day, try your hand at another cherished American pastime: competitive hot dog eating! Each year on the 4^th of July, Coney Island hosts this oddly fascinating contest that attracts thousands of people. It seems a bit absurd, I know. But this contest is televised all over the world, as contestants travel incredible distances to participate. It’s become a national tradition, and while I’ve still yet to see it myself, I still consider myself intrigued by it each year simply due to its bizarreness. Since this is another cultural melting pot event, this is a great chance for you to practice your English conversational skills and find out why other people have come to the event – their answers might surprise you!

3. Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks

Of course, I saved this for last because no 4^th of July would be complete without fantastic fireworks, right? The show will begin at approximately 9:30 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, and the barges are located between 24^th and 41^st Streets in the East River. The fireworks display will last about a half hour, so you’ll be entertained for quite some time as the sky lights up to celebrate another birthday for the United States.

The 4^th of July is a great time of celebration, not only for New York City but for the country as a whole. You’ll be surprised just how amazing the fireworks can resemble incredible patriotism and pride, so take this moment to think about your time in the United States, and put your English skills to use as you communicate memories that stand out, what you’ve learned, and what may inspire you for the future. So this 4^th of July, pull out your best red, white, and blue outfits, grab some friends, and enjoy New York City on the most patriotic day of the year.

Many people aren’t too familiar with Randall’s Island Park, as it’s tucked between the Harlem River and the East River. As it’s completely isolated from the city itself, it offers a nice little getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle. With a few entrances via foot and car, you can take advantage of this pocketed park and enjoy miles of secluded greenery, dozens of fields, tons of activities, and endless means of exercise. This is easily one of my favorite parts of New York City, as I often travel to this island for a breather from the city as well as a source of fresh air.

Check out their calendar of events to see what’s happening this summer at Randall’s Island, as the city also takes advantage of this space to bring people over and provide tons of entertainment. Brush up on your English social skills, and kick off summer the right way!

1. Governors Ball, Friday, June 1 – Sunday, June 3

One of the best things about this park is all the available space, and this is one of the reasons this music festival draws in so many people. The ability to bring in huge talent and legendary music veterans keeps the festival alive and exciting every single year. In addition to tons of talent coming to this festival, there are endless food options, as so many vendors take advantage of this space to set up sampling and culinary options. In between sets, you can also experience other on-site activities they have set up for attendees, like interactive photo booths, life-size board games, and even mini golf. Gather a group of friends for this weekend of endless activities, and bring your social English skills so you can meet new people and discover new music. The options are quite endless!

2. Yoga in the Park, Thursday, June 7

Whether you’re a beginner yogi or an expert, Randall’s Island dedicates 6:30 – 7:30 pm to finding inner peace to Randall’s Island. Luckily, this is a free event, so you won’t have to worry about shelling out precious money just to get a spot. Bring your mat and positive energy so you can “breathe in” the sunset and beautiful scenery of the island. No matter what, your muscles will thank you, and you’ll walk away feeling calmer and more relaxed. Before you make the trek, do some quick research on common poses beforehand so you can use your English skills during the class. From downward dog to tree pose, you’ll not only learn some new English phrases, but you’ll be an expert yogi. Namaste!

3. Run/Walk/Bike Tours, Ongoing throughout the season

One of my favorite aspects of this precious space is all the available adventure activities you can take part in. If you’ve got a free day and the weather is cooperative, head over to Randall’s Island so you can take advantage of all this green space. With three different routes you can experience, you can choose to run, walk, or even bike to get your blood flowing while simultaneously taking a break from the congested city life—without having to travel all that far! Since these routes are free from cars, trucks, and buses, you have limitless opportunity to enjoy the flat and paved pathways. The best part is your English skills won’t be tested too much on these tours, as the sites are more of the focus, so simply enjoy the fresh air and exercise.

4. Athletic Fields

Randall’s Island has over 60 fields for soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, and rugby. If you’re interested in playing on these fields, there are tons of leagues in the city that permit play on these spots, so do some research and gather your friends for some light-hearted fun and sport. If watching is more your style, bring a picnic and a blanket and you have your choice of what you can spectate. Once you pick your sport of choice, make sure your English terminology is up-to-date and cheer on the teams!

Whether you’re looking for a specific activity or just simply hoping for an escape from the New York City grid, Randall’s Island Park has endless options for you to enjoy outdoor activities without having to travel too far. Grab your friends for a day at the park and don’t forget your easiest opener: “Don’t you just love New York City in the summer and all it has to offer both in and out of the city limits?”

Now that we’re (finally) into the month of June and the promise of cooperative weather, you might feel anticipation for being outside and enjoying all of the great things that New York City has to offer in the summer. June is still pretty mild, so you won’t have to worry about the dog days of summer just yet, so I recommend still checking out the forecast before heading outside for these events in June. Don’t forget that if you can’t get tickets to the below events, there are tons of free parks and fairs that you can attend right here in the Big Apple.

Since you’re also practicing your English, it’s wise to look up some easy English phrases before heading out to your select activity so you can interact with other New Yorkers easily and fluently. Be sure to familiarize yourself with some social phrases, like, “What’s your favorite booth here?” or “How did you find out about this festival?” Before you know it, you’ll be holding a full conversation in English AND making new friends. Enjoy the start to summer!

1. Book Expo America, Friday, June 1, Javits Center

If reading or writing is a passion of yours, this experience is a must-see while you’re in New York City. Aspiring authors, editors, booksellers, publishers, literary agents, and literary professionals all congregate to this location for an exciting gathering filled with passionate readers. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the publishing industry or simply want to mingle with other passionate readers, Book Expo America (BEA) is the perfect opportunity to not only update yourself on what’s going on in the industry, but this conference also provides you the chance to interact with others in attendance. Whether you’re hoping to enhance your English speaking skills or your reading skills, BEA is a great opportunity to practice both.

2. Northside Festival, Wednesday, June 6 – Sunday, June 10, Williamsburg

Nothing says the kick-off to summer like a great outdoor musical event. For the tenth year, Northside Festival comes to Williamsburg with tons of concerts, movie screenings, and many other activities for five whole days. For all the best up-and-coming musical acts, Northside Festival brings all the new music to you. Check out their lineup, see if you recognize any of the acts, and if you don’t, stream their music to get a feel for their style. By learning their lyrics and background, you can hit Northside with confidence as a new fan and interact with other mutual fans. Put your English skills to practice by asking those around you about their favorite songs and what else they’ve experienced at the festival. You’ll be a musical (and English speaking) pro in no time!

3. Coney Island Mermaid Parade, Saturday, June 16, Coney Island

Talk about something different, for sure! For the 36^th year, you can watch dozens of people dressed up like mermaids and mermen, celebrating all things undersea. For those that come to watch the parade, you can dress up as your favorite mermaid or merman or in general nautical attire and really get in the mood. The parade starts at Surf Avenue and West 21^st Street and ends at Steeplechase Plaza; be sure to get there before 11 am to ensure a good spot so you can see everything to the best of your ability. As with any kind of parade, this is a great opportunity for you to practice your English with other mermaid enthusiasts. Ask those around you where they’re from, how they heard about the parade, and if they suggest any other great sites. New Yorkers love the chance to talk about all the other cool things they’ve seen, so don’t be shy!

Even if none of these activities strike your fancy for this month, there are so many other options for you to take part in this month in New York City. Keep in mind that tons of people take their family vacations during the summer, so one of my favorite aspects of summer is that the city seems to lighten up a bit when it comes to population. So enjoy the lighter subway ways, the less congested traffic, and the overall feel of having more room to explore this great city that you can call home. Don’t forget your English skills so you can make friends along the way and dive into summer with plenty to do and many more friends!

Now that May is finally here, you are probably anxiously waiting to get outside and enjoy the friendly fresh air. If you’ve been in New York City for some time, you’ve probably already made your way to Central Park and perhaps other frequently visited green areas in the city already. One spot that you most likely haven’t seen yet, just because it’s at the southern tip of Manhattan, is The Battery. Facing the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, this area offers sights that you just can’t find anywhere else in the city. With many attractions and things to do in this region, you definitely won’t get bored, and it goes without saying that you’ll easily put your English learning skills to use while visiting this part of the city. With tons of history and meaning behind this park, you’ll be practicing your English reading as well as your speaking during your day of fun. Pack your comfy walking shoes, bring some sunscreen and your shades, and get ready for an adventure by the water!

1. Plenty of memorials

The park itself and the surrounding area received its name after the artillery batteries that were positioned there in the early years to protect the area behind them. As a result, there are quite a few memorials in this region to honor those lost in the battles, like the East Coast Memorial, the American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial, as well as other statues that honor specific dedications to individuals that contributed to the city’s development and preservation. This is a great opportunity to practice your English reading, as you can study the stories of these people on their plaques and information surrounding them.

2. The Gardens

You came to Lower Manhattan for some green, right? So what better place to get your nature fix than the perennial gardens? With over 195,000 square feet of stunning flowers and plants, you’ll welcome spring with open arms. Be sure to also pick up a copy of The Gardens of Remembrance: A Garden Guide so you can study up on every green you see and learn about its history and value in this garden. Your English reading and comprehension skills will be put to use, and for an additional challenge, see how you can put those learned facts to use by sharing your learnings with your friends. They’ll appreciate everything that you retained, and you can be proud of your English reading and speaking crossover.

3. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island

Of course, one of the greatest symbols of the Big Apple is the Statue of Liberty, and what better time to take the ferry over to Ellis Island than when you’re in The Battery? With flexible hours and tons of availability, you won’t have any issue grabbing a ferry to check out one of the most popular landmarks in the world. Since this destination is a literal symbol of international peace and comradery, you will be travelling on the river with people from all over the world. Practice your social English skills by asking those around you from where they came and what this trip means to them. Don’t forget to pick up your souvenirs and take tons of pictures to remember your day!

4. Staten Island Ferry and the Peter Minuit Plaza

As a huge transportation hub, you can get to any New York City borough from this station. The Staten Island Ferry leaves every 15-30 minutes and is free to take, so take advantage of the beautiful weather with an adventure in this plaza. With newly planted greenery and modern architecture, the hub can feel more like an attraction than an actual transportation hub! Since this spot caters to ferries, subways, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, you can come across all sorts of individuals during your time at this plaza. Practice your English skills by asking them their favorite mode of transportation or rent a bike and do as the locals do. Your English will be tested, and you might be surprised at how much you retain when you’re on two wheels!

This May, skip Central Park and those other nature spots that tend to get packed and super busy in the beginning of spring and instead opt for a trip down to The Battery. Not only will you get your fresh air fix in, but you’ll be able to unwind, relax, and practice your English with others that are looking for some international culture.