Learning English

October 3, 2017

In this day and age, practically everything is consumed digitally now. We’re on the constant go with our smartphones, we can sync our televisions, computers, and tablets, and waiting on anything seems like it’s a thing of the past. When we’re talking about books, more specifically, we now also have the ability to download full books onto our devices so we can read while we’re commuting, travelling, or even just taking a bath. But for those that are still devoted to the idea of holding a tangible thing while reading, this digital era can be a little sad and for me, a bit heartbreaking. I studied English literature in college and graduate school, so I feel a very close connection to physical books, and the books that I own are like children to me. So when I moved to New York City, I made it a point to find all the independent bookstores that I could to ensure I continue to support the print publishing industry!

It goes without saying that reading books in English is a stellar way to strengthen your grasp on the language. Depending on your genre of choice, you can learn a lot through these pieces of work, and you’ll be able to pull a lot of English colloquiums from these publications. It’s a great way to put your skills to use—and be entertained at the same time!

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite spots in New York City to get great books (that aren’t Barnes & Noble—they have enough income—our small businesses need our help!):

1. Strand; 828 Broadway

I have to admit that the first time I came here was even before I formally moved to the city—that’s how eager I was to visit this iconic bookstore! From the outside, it looks like a typical corner vendor, but once you’re inside, you’ll discover 3 floors, books organized by genre, and other fabulous book-loving creatures like myself. I felt like a kid in a candy store in that place. What makes Strand unique is that it houses rare books, out-of-print titles (beat that, eBay!), and even glassed maps and art pieces. The store claims to have 18 miles of books within their walls—once you’re inside, you might start to think that there’s got to be even more than that! If you’re a book lover like me, be sure to make Strand at the top of your list for must-see destinations.

2. 192 Books; 192 10^th Avenue

This location is another tribute to classic literature, but it also has a healthy integration of art inspiration as the owners have an art background themselves. The location often hosts events and special readings by featured authors to generate traffic and excitement for the continuing art of the written word. The bookstore is a bit quieter than Strand, allowing for it to feel more like a private library, so get ready to unplug your phone and fall into a good book.

3. McNally Jackson; 52 Prince Street

This location is fabulous with incredible space, intelligent lighting, and a wide variety of literature, treasured and time-sensitive pieces, and even archived magazine issues. Part of the reason McNally Jackson is so popular is because of its built-in café, providing refreshment and additional energy so you can tackle the other half of the store. Skip the other major booksellers for a more intimate experience that McNally Jackson can offer.

4. Books Are Magic; 225 Smith Street (Brooklyn)

The owners of this establishment decided to use this space after another bookstore prior to its inception closed down. They didn’t want to see the space go to another coffee shop, so they took over and created this chic corner destination for book-lovers to come together and visit their favorite go-tos or discover a new favorite. Newly opened, Books Are Magic is already a neighborhood favorite, and the owners organize weekly events and invite authors to share readings for those looking to reap the benefits of having a bookstore in their neighborhood.

If you’re anything like me, reading is an integral part of your life, and having a tangible reminder in our hands of how we communicate with one another is a crucial part of the experience. Whether you’re new to New York City or have been here for a few years like myself, you’re sure to find dozens of other tucked-away literary gems that still treasure the value of the written word.

September 4, 2017

I’m a rare bird in the sense that I always loved school, and back-to-school time was my favorite time of the year. For most kids, it was Christmas or their birthdays, but for me, when September rolled around, I couldn’t have been happier. I do remember, however, that this time of the year was always stressful for my family, as we had so many kids in the house, so picking out new school supplies, getting new haircuts, and purchasing new clothes for the schoolyear always made our household quite chaotic and hectic. We were running around for days at a time, frantically trying to get everything done before we got on the bus for that year’s first day of school.

As you’re preparing for a new school year at the New York English Academy or if you’re helping others prepare for a new semester at another educational location, here are some helpful hints that will make your transition less stressful and get you excited for a new chapter in your English-learning career! With these tools in mind, you can ensure that your first day back will be calm so you can put your focus and energy on learning and practicing your English in New York City.

1. Practice

If your schedule includes commuting, packing your lunch, getting up early, or even dressing a bit differently than you’ve been dressing all summer, it might be helpful to start training yourself to get adjusted to this new schedule about a week before your classes start back up again. It’s easy to allow yourself to sleep in and dress as lightly as possible in the summer, but training yourself to operate on a daily school schedule again can be a bit rough the first few days. Instead of waiting until your first day of school to start this new way of life, start waking yourself up earlier each day a week before, and go grocery shopping to get into the habit of packing for lunches again. This will make your first day back at school a breeze so you can instead focus on getting to know your instructors, meeting your new classmates, and of course, most importantly, learning English!

2. Take advantage of the sales

You may have noticed that retail stores have back-to-school sales and promotions starting in August, promising to save you money on clothes, school supplies, dorm necessities, and even food. While it may be overwhelming to think about going into these stores when hundreds of other people are shopping for the very things you need, it’s helpful to check them out. For me, I always dreaded going into these stores because they would often be packed with fellow back-to-schoolers, but once I checked out my receipt and noticed all the money I saved, I realized a few hours of packed shopping was definitely worth it. Plus, since New York City is an epicenter of culture and language, you might be surprised at what you might find at these spots for tools that might help you transition into English fluently.

3. Practice your commute

You probably spent lots of your summer sight-seeing, making new friends, and essentially having fun in New York City. You more than likely got used to operating on a very fluid schedule and not really have to worry about making it anywhere on time. But don’t forget that New York City often has many variables that can make you late, even if you leave with plenty of time. Inclement weather, train delays, or even just high traffic can stall any commuter’s morning, so refresh your memory on your commute, and start practicing a few days before the first day of school. Keep in mind that thousands of other people in the city go back to school at the same time that you do, so the commute will be much more congested than in the summer, which as you know, will affect your time of arrival significantly. Be sure to leave early and allow yourself some cushion time to arrive at your destination just in case some variables outside of your control influence your commute.

June 21, 2017

If you’re looking for an incredibly fun activity now that the weather is warming up, I highly recommend checking out a baseball game. New York City has two major league baseball teams: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Both home fields are easy to get to, and if the weather is permitting, an afternoon home game can turn an average day into an amazing one.

Baseball is often referred to as America’s pastime. It’s a timeless sport in the United States, and both New York-based teams are treasured units in New York City. Fans of both the Yankees and the Mets take their teams very seriously and are loyal to their traditions. Before you hit either field, I’m prepping you on some phrases that you might overhear while you’re there. This way, you can practice these English phrases before you go, and you’ll know how to shout when your new home team scores a homerun!

1. “Play Ball!”

Right before the game starts, the whole field will salute during the National Anthem. During this song, everyone will stand facing the American flag, and the men will remove their hats and hold them against their hearts. At the end of the song, you’ll hear people shout, “Play Ball!” This phrase will signify the beginning of the game, and it riles everyone up for a great baseball game. It’ll kick-start the whole experience.

2. “It’s Outta Here!”

If a player hits a ball all the way out of the stadium, it’s considered a home run, and it’s one of the greatest plays in the sport. It’s a huge point of celebration, and you’ll hear many people shout this once the ball is declared as a homerun. It’s a great feeling when you’re shouting this with everyone else in the stadium.

3. Seventh Inning Stretch

This is another baseball tradition. The whole game lasts 9 innings, so in the middle of the 7^th inning, the whole stadium will stand up for another song called, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” This song is meant to give the players a break during the game, and then it’s also a chance to stretch your legs, get some last minute snacks, or simply participate in a timeless tradition. Check out the song on YouTube and learn the words, so when you get to the stadium, you can sing along in unison with everyone else. It’s a really fun tradition!

4. Bases Loaded

When there are players on all bases, you’ll hear this phrase. This is a really big deal, since it means that if the next player at bat hits a home run, it means that all the players will get to run to home base, which then makes that play a Grand Slam. This doesn’t happen all that often, so if it happens while you’re there, you’re in for a great moment of celebration. It’s really exciting if you get to be a part of it!

5.“Foul Ball!”

If a player hits the ball out of bounds, it means it doesn’t count as a regular hit and the player can attempt to hit the ball again. This can also be a really exciting time, since if your seats are close enough to the field, you might have the chance to catch it and keep the ball! This is one of the coolest parts of going to a game—so make sure you bring a glove!

6.Extra Innings

If the game is a tie by the time of the ninth inning, that means the game will go into extra innings. Again, this isn’t super common, but if you find yourself at a game where this happens, it can also be really exciting just because it is so rare. It can turn into a serious nail-biter, so be prepared!

7.“Steeeeeeeeeeeriiiiiiiike!”

If a player misses a ball, it’s considered a strike. When this happens, you’ll hear the umpire behind the batter say the word strike just like this. It might sound a bit weird, but it’s another really neat tradition in the game of baseball. Once you hear it said this way, you might find that you won’t say it any differently that the umpire did.

April 29, 2017

Ready to customize your news source just to New York City? Want to make sure your information doesn’t go over your head if you’re learning English? I’ve got you covered!

Sometimes it may seem like living in New York City is lifestyle that some people just won’t get unless they give it a shot themselves. Our city is so unique in its own way that it can often feel as though we’re in our own little world. The great thing about this time that we live in is that there are so many ways to get our news now that it makes it impossible to be misinformed. And with all of our technological advances, we really are quite the privileged generation.

You might visit CNN, ABC, or other news networks to stay up-to-date with the happenings in the world, but sometimes maybe you just want to know what’s been going on in your area. Similar to any kind of local news area, New York City has plenty of news and journalistic outlets for you to engage with to stay current. Being in touch with these outlets is also a way to continue your ongoing exercise in practicing your English skills—you can be hear how other people refer to traffic patterns, listen to how the local sports team performed, and stay up-to-date with local events. I’ve listed out a handful of resources that will provide you with not only great specific information on New York City but will also provide you mental English practicing skills and exercise.

1. Time Out New York

You can pick one of these free magazines up in the subway to look through during your commute, or you could also download the app to read it digitally. This resource is geared more towards the social scene, focusing more on new restaurants, upcoming events, or trending habits from your fellow New Yorkers. I follow the magazine on my social media, so it’s super easy to stay up-to-date with the latest in my neighborhood. They also post a lot of cool round-ups and lists about the best places to get brunch, the hottest spots for karaoke, or the most up-and-coming neighborhoods for rents. Again, if you’re still adjusting to English, don’t worry about the language barrier—the writers for this publication are also very approachable, and you more than likely won’t feel intimidated.

2. New York Daily News

This resource is much more similar to a newspaper style kind of news delivery, but it focuses solely on life in New York City. You can search stories based on your borough or you can just scan the main page for the top stories. Be sure to also pay attention to their social media outlets, as the editors tend to circulate the most breaking news on these platforms, so you’ll be as up-to-date and informed as possible. Even though it’s primarily NYC-focuses, it also highlights breaking news outside of the city limits, so you won’t be missing out on outside news if you utilize this resource for your information.

3. New York One (NY1)

If television is more up your alley, check out this this newschannel. Easy to remember, this station loops 24-hour news on everything New York City related. During the morning and evening hours, the channel runs your basic news, covering traffic, weather, sports, and general news updates, while during the day, the channel will cover more specific genres during longer periods, like a half hour program covering the New York City theater scene and another that covers political updates. I noticed that whenever I’m at the doctor or the dentist, they’ll always have this channel on while I’m waiting for my appointment—it makes it easy to stay informed! If you’re new to English, the great part of this network is the reminder that the channel as a whole is for New York City, and it’s important to remember, as I’ve said consistently in all my blog posts, that almost everyone in NYC is from somewhere else. While you’re watching the weather report, someone from Ghana is in Queens watching the same thing. While you’re brushing your teeth and watching the evening news, someone from Taiwan is doing the same thing. With this, the channel communicates its information in an approachable and universal way. And just as I always say, when in doubt, download the app!

April 17, 2017

It’s a fairly common understanding that the arrival of spring is one of the most satisfying times of the year. The snow begins to melt, the sun stays out a little bit longer each evening, and the birds seem to sing louder and longer. You’re probably ready to get out of your apartment and take in the fresh air. While you’re out and about, you might overhear some odd English phrases related to spring that may not make literal sense to you. I’ll help you understand these phrases and at the same time, get you ready for spring weather in New York City.

Spring Fever

This is the feeling you get each time this year when you notice that winter is on its way out and spring is just around the corner. You get antsy, you feel eager to spend time outside without feeling miserable, and you start planning activities to do in the warmer weather. Here’s an example of how you might use this phrase:
“I think I have spring fever—all I want to do is spend time outside, look at the beautiful, new flowers, and dust off my sunglasses that have been tucked away all winter!”

Raining Cats and Dogs

As you know, not all spring days bring warmth and sunshine. In order to allow the flowers and trees to rebloom and flourish with new life, frequent rain must take place to provide nourishment for the green to reappear. As you prepare for this frequent rain, you might overhear someone refer to the precipitation to “raining cats and dogs.” Simply put, this just translates to heavy and long-lasting rain. Here’s how you might hear it:
“I can’t believe how heavy this rain is! It’s raining cats and dogs out there!”

April Showers Bring May Flowers

This is along the same lines as “raining cats and dogs:” in order for the May flowers to bloom and display new life, the rain must come down often and frequently. April is generally known for a month that rains quite frequently, while May is traditionally regarded as the official launch of spring. Here’s an example of how you might hear this phrase in a sentence:
“Even though I’m so tired of bringing my umbrella with me everyday, I have to remind myself that April showers bring May flowers.”

Have a Green Thumb

As spring comes back in full force, you start to see more green around you, even in New York City! You might pass people tending to their planters on their balconies, or you might see landscapers tending to the boulevards on Park Avenue. These are the people that understand plant and gardening maintenance, which means they have a “green thumb.” Not everyone has that skill or intuition, but it’s a phrase of reference for those that do. Here’s an example of how you might overhear someone use this phrase:
“She’s got the best green thumb! She can grow the best vegetables in New York City, better than anyone else I know!”

When It Rains, It Pours

Have you ever had a day when it seems like nothing is going your way? Maybe you start your day by getting caught in the rain, then you miss your train, and then maybe you slip and fall on the stairs? We have a phrase for this: “When it rains, it pours,” which simply means you can’t quite catch a break, that everything that could possibly go wrong, DOES go wrong. Here’s an example of how you might overhear someone say the phrase in a sentence:
“What a horrible start to my day. First I lost my MetroCard, then I missed my connecting train, and then my purse got caught in the revolving door! I guess when it rains, it pours!”

A Spring in One’s Step

This is kind of the opposite of “when it rains, it pours.” Have you ever had one of those days when you’re just in a fantastic mood, and the sun is shining, and you’re feeling jovial and excited about everything? When you’re in this mood, do you ever notice that you might walk lighter or feel like you’re walking on a cloud? One way to say this is that you’ve got a “spring in your step.” Here’s an example of how you might use it in a sentence:
“Everything was going my way that day, and I was simply in the best mood. Even when I was walking around in the streets, I had a spring in my step, and it felt like I was almost skipping!”

April 10, 2017

One of the coolest things about this time in technology is access to all kinds of music at our fingertips. Over the years I’ve discovered so many different artists and songs that I never would have been exposed to if it weren’t for applications like Pandora and Spotify. More specifically, for only $9.99 a month, you can download an unlimited number of albums and playlists from Spotify, and I have to admit that it’s worth every penny. One of the coolest features is the ability to make your own playlists: I have one that I use when I work out to get my blood pumping, one that I use when I’m trying to wind down after a long day, another that I use if I’m feeling down in the dumps, and so on.

New York City has such a rich cultural history which includes timeless celebrity influence and presence, both from the past and present day. The Big Apple has bred so many of our musical talent over the decades, and many of them have penned their love for the city by means of song.

If you don’t already use Spotify, I highly recommend you give it a shot and create a playlist with songs that have a New York City influence. Not only will this remind you that you’re a part of one of the best cities in the world, but it will give you an idea of how English has evolved over the decades—AND how beloved New York City really is. The songs reference famous sites, popular neighborhoods, general slang and phrases, and of course, their endless love for New York City.

I’ve included some of MY favorite songs about New York—they pump me up, fill me with New York City pride, and always remind me how lucky I am to be here. And if you’re adjusting to English, this is also a great way to practice your English—in a much more “rhythmic” way!

“Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z and Alicia Keys

This is a super popular song, and it’s incredibly catchy. Both Jay-Z and Alicia Keys were born and raised in the city themselves, so their ode to the Big Apple shines through. If you ever listen to the song while you’re walking down Madison Avenue or riding the subway on your way to work, I can guarantee you that it will remind you of how lucky you are to be a part of such a magical city.

“New York, New York” – Frank Sinatra

You actually may already be familiar with this one, as it’s quite timeless, and if you’ve spent more than three months in the city, chances are you’ve already heard it in a store or a restaurant. Frank Sinatra is another timeless New York City native, and in this particular song, he sings about his love for the city and being a part of the city “that doesn’t sleep.” You can almost FELL his passion if you listen to the song while walking along 34th Street or stare up at the Empire State Building.

“New York, New York” – Ryan Adams

This is a fairly modern song by an incredible singer and songwriter. While Ryan Adams isn’t a native New Yorker, he still sings of his lasting love for the city despite losing a girlfriend. In fact, his ode to the city sings as though New York City will ALWAYS be his girlfriend. The tune is catchy, his voice is smooth, and if you listen while you’re wandering the streets, you’ll realize you feel the same way.

“New York State of Mind” – Billy Joel

This song is a New York City classic, just like Frank Sinatra’s ode to New York. Chances are you’ve heard this one before. Go to any piano bar, and you can count on the pianist playing this song, and before long, the entire place will be singling along with every word. This is another timeless ode to the city, and if you can learn a few English phrases from the lyrics, you might easily get mistaken as a native New Yorker.

“The Only Living Boy in New York” – Simon & Garfunkel

This one is another classic ode to the city. Sime & Garfunkel is a musical duo that is celebrated wildly as legendary and timeless, and in this tune, you’ll feel the celebration of New York City with the simplicity of their melody. The song praises life in the city, and listening to the tune will absolutely remind you how lucky you are to be a part of it. The lyrics will help your English skills, as the song is timeless and legendary.

February 27, 2017

You might have noticed how easy it is these days to get your words out into the public—with the Internet, our smartphones, and social media, we’ve never had it easier to be heard. You also might agree with me that one of the most comforting things in the world when you’re going through a huge transition is to find out that you’re not the only one and that you’re not alone. You now have the opportunity to share your experiences with one another, offer each other advice and learned lessons, and ultimately discover a new confidant.

Getting Started

It might be scary at first to think about sharing such vulnerable experiences with the world, so I recommend to first write out an entry about perhaps your day, your first impressions upon coming to New York City, or even questions you have about the people, the culture, or the city itself. There are several platforms that allow your entries to be either private or public, so this way, you don’t have to expose yourself if you feel it’s too soon. You’ll also get a feel for how often you see yourself posting, how personal you want to get, and how big of a project you forsee this becoming.


The great thing about this method is that you’ll get practice WRITING your English instead of just communicating it verbally. You’ll learn a lot about your English skills if you find yourself using your dictionary or your translator a lot or if it comes to you pretty naturally. As you’re writing, you might also realize that this is the perfect time to test out new and foreign slang or idioms that you would otherwise be too nervous to try out in person. You have the chance to look them up before committing to them, and the more practice you get with putting them to use, the braver you’ll be to use them in person!

Finding your thoughts

Another great thing about blogging is that it forces you to reflect. Before I started my own blog, I was very apprehensive because it felt like I was on display, and I was nervous about that. But I sat down and just started typing my thoughts and feelings without too much worry or concern about grammar (I looked at that later), and I realized that I had quite a bit going on in my head! Once I cleaned up the “entry” and felt like it was polished, I published the piece. I obviously didn’t have a huge following at the time, but when I was sharing some of my worries or concerns, the community that I DID have was so supportive and encouraging. They offered advice, shared similar stories, and cheered me on to keep going. It was just enough to convince me to keep writing.

Finding your followers

Once you find a blogging platform that you like and you establish your profile, spend some time on Facebook and look for groups that are new to both the English language as well as New York City. Join as many groups as you can and post a link to your new, live blog (I’d make sure you have at least one post live at this point so that they can get a taste of who you are), and include a short introduction about yourself and invite others to take a journey into your experience. You might find that a lot of people will come to your page to hear about your stories to see if they’re similar to their own, and you will, without a doubt, develop a circle of support and encouragement. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to learn from your new followers as well as they share their own funny stories or mistakes they’ve made along the way.

Finding your reach

Again, one of the greatest parts of living in this generation is our constant connection to everything and everyone at any time. You could reach people not just in New York City, but you could develop a network of ANY newcomers to the United States as they adjust to the English language and American culture. Additionally, you also might find that you might reach English speakers that are studying abroad in other countries beyond US borders as they’re facing the exact same hurdles! While the experience is the exact opposite, the emotions and fears behind starting a life in brand new world with a different language are universal.