January in New York City – How to Put Your English Skills to Good Use January 15, 2022

New year, new you, right? There’s something about the beginning of January that gives me a jolt of inspiration, a moment of reflection to admire how far I’ve come and where I’d still like to go. I’m not big on New Year’s Resolutions, but I do try to make a list of things I want to accomplish in the near year. Sometimes they’re big (one year I had a goal of reading 20 books), and sometimes they’re small (one year I strived to build a new habit of working on my posture). No matter what you have set in store for 2022, chances are you’re a little uneasy given the uncertainty of the next year, thanks to this ongoing pandemic.

Whether you’re looking to work on your resolution list or simply hoping to make the most of the first month of 2022 while in the Big Apple, I’m confident that you’ll find a way to make it all happen. New York City is certainly not the same place it was two years ago, but my love for the city is unwavering. I feel we’re through the worst of it (I’m really hoping), so I’ve been testing the waters here and there to get back into the swing of things – I’ve been taking the subway more often, trying to get used to larger gatherings while still practicing social distancing, and I’ve also been working on my in-person social skills (as an awkward person to begin with, this is an area that really needs my attention in the new year!).

Either way, here are a few things you can do this January in New York City, whether you have resolutions, an interest in becoming more active, or just simply hoping to use your English skills in real life. Don’t forget your winter jacket, your mask, and as always, some hand sanitizer!

1. Winter Market, Bryant Park

I may have written about this experience in the past, but I want to ensure that this falls on your list because it’s one of the coolest winter experiences in the city. All sorts of shops and eateries gather their best inventory for window shoppers as they sip their hot chocolate and unwind from a hectic holiday season. With so many unique products and services available at this market, you’ll find out about some of the coolest independent shops in the area and support small businesses at the same time. Since you’ll be interacting with dozens of people as you shop around, you’ll be putting your conversational skills to use, and if you choose to follow and support these businesses on your social media feeds, you’ll also put your reading and writing English skills to use at the same time! You can also rest easy since this market is held outdoors, as COVID continues to remind us of its ongoing presence.

2. Brooklyn Bridge

So this is a New York City staple, obviously, but I want to ensure that my guiding includes destinations that will keep you outside yet warm enough to enjoy it. Since you’ll be walking a ton while visiting this spot, you’ll stay warm but also safe. The view on this bridge never gets old – I’ve been a few times, as I bring visitors to this spot so they can see the bridge in person and experience the incredible views themselves. Not only will you get your new year exercise in, but you’ll be getting fresh air and views that are indescribable. You can put your English social speaking skills to use when you ask strangers to take your photo – don’t forget to offer the favor back to them in English!

3. Restaurant Week, January 18 – February 13

This is another rotating event, as restaurant week happens twice a year (and obviously lasts for more than a week). This is the perfect opportunity to give that new restaurant a try or explore something outside of your traditional visits. Not only will you benefit from reduced prices, but you’ll expand your palette and add more unique cuisines to your list. The added benefit is that outdoor dining seems to continue to be popular amongst us New Yorkers, so if you prefer to eat your meals outside instead of inside (thanks, COVID), you’ll be able to still benefit from this lasting feature. With written menus, spoken orders, and ongoing conversations, your English skills will be tested and easily used throughout your evening, so check out the participation list in your borough, and start making those reservations!