Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

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.

It’s no secret that I love living in New York City; I consider it to be an honor that I can call the Big Apple my home, and I look at every day as a new adventure. It’s mind-boggling that there’s simply so much to do and see in the city, and I often am still surprised that there’s still so much I have left to do! It seems that every corner is a new discovery, so I take this job of helping you out very seriously. At one point, every person is a brand new New Yorker, so it’s important to keep in mind that becoming a New Yorker is a process—it doesn’t happen overnight, and you’re always evolving as you develop new skills, like navigating the boroughs, and discovering new businesses, like neighborhood restaurants or sites to see.

One of the greatest treasures in the city is the Chelsea Market, between 15^th and 16^th Streets and 9^th and 10^th Avenues. It has tons of options when it comes to food, shopping, and of course, experiences. Because it takes up so much real estate, you can easily spend an entire day in this market. Since it’s also so high-trafficked, you’ll be interacting with dozens of strangers while you’re there. If you’re practicing your English and looking for ways to put it to use, this is a great spot to test your skills. Put on your comfy walking shoes, because you’re about to embark on a whole day of exploring!

1. Take the tour

If you want to get the full experience of everything that this market has to offer, I highly recommend looking into booking a tour. The market caps the group to six people, so grab a bunch of your friends together so you can all experience it together. This way, you know you won’t be missing anything cool or hidden, AND as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, you can ask all the questions you want. Plus, listening to a fluent English speaker will help your translation skills, and most guides encourage questions, so don’t be shy!

2. Come hungry

The number one reason most people come to this hot spot is because of all the various food options available. Restaurants range from sushi and Italian to Mexican and seafood—you’re bound to not only find a new favorite, but go outside of your comfort zone and try something totally new! With tons of coffee and beverage spots, you’ll also be able to stay hydrated as you make your way through the food hall. Reading menus and asking questions as you approach each vendor is a great way to practice your English reading comprehension and communication skills.

3. Shop till you drop

Make sure you stretch your arm muscles before hitting the shops—you’ll be carrying lots of bags by the end of your day! From clothing vendors to souvenir shops to even produce sellers, you’re bound to uncover tons of things you’ll want to take home with you. The best part of this shopping center is that they’re used to tourists and people that speak other languages, so they’re naturally patient and always willing to help if you struggle with any kind of English translation. Plus, since you’ll be exchanging money, this is another great way to get used to our financial system—just in case you needed some brushing up on it.

4. Mark your calendar

This spot gets busy pretty much every day of the week, but be sure to still think ahead. Check out if there are any events in the area and look at the forecast in advance—rainy days typically mean a larger crowd at the market since it’s a safe haven from the weather. Also think before coming on a Saturday—this is a very highly trafficked day, so if you can swing it, come by on a weekday when there won’t be as much volume. This will give you more comfort to shop, and it will also grant you a better chance at communicating with the vendors that you encounter.

For an experience that’s popular in New York City without succumbing to “typical NYC tourist traps,” check out the Chelsea Market. You’ll eat, shop, and see all sorts of sites—and get plenty of exercise! Don’t forget your English skills to use when interacting with vendors at the market—you’ll wow your friends and feel so much more confident!

If you remember from my posts last year around this time, I tend to get a bit more jovial due to the warmer days, longer sunshine periods, and pops of color coming out of hibernation from the long and dreary winter. This is the time of year that I’ll open my windows and feel inspired to clean my apartment, pull out my lighter jackets, and head back outside after months of staying in to avoid the harsh winter temperatures. If you’re anything like me, you’ll start looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the cooperative weather and also look for unique and original things to do in New York City. If you think you’re running out of ideas, think again—I’ve got you covered with a few great ideas below.

If you’re new to the English language as well as New York City, I’ve included ways that you can practice your English while you’re at these events so your textbook learning can extend outside the classroom. From interacting with other event-goers to wishing your friends a “Happy Spring!” you’ll be able to exercise your English vocabulary and boost your confidence so you can step out this April with a little “spring” in your step!

1. Easter Parade – Sunday, April 1

Easter is another fun holiday celebrated all over the world, and of course, New York City is no exception. This year, the Easter parade starts at 49^th Street and runs up Fifth Avenue to 57^th Street. People will often come dressed in their Sunday best, as it can often be seen as “Easter Sunday Mass.” Be sure to dress warm, as this time of year can be hit or miss with warm weather! Practice your English by asking people if they went on an egg hunt or ask the children if the Easter Bunny came for a visit. It’s a jovial celebration, so you’ll be greeted with lots of smiles. Plus, don’t be surprised if you’re showered with lots of candy or goodies, as vendors on floats might gift the parade-goers with fun and seasonal treats. So “hop” on over to Fifth Avenue just before the 10 am start so you can see it all go down—and if you play your cards right, you could catch sight of the Easter Bunny himself!

2. The 9/11 Memorial 5K Run/Walk – Sunday, April 22

If you’re an active person, I highly suggest participating in this run. I ran last year, and I have to say—it was a blast, and it was also quite the humbling experience as we ran our way around the memorial. The path takes you through all over Lower Manhattan, granting you incredible sights of the city and the water. But the best part is that all proceeds benefit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, so not only will you be getting in some great exercise, but you’ll be contributing to a wonderful cause. After the run, there are tons of food trucks, booths, and activities so that you can practice your English with these vendors. You can chat about the run, the product they’re sampling, or even the weather—it’s a great opportunity to put your English skills to use.

3. Spring Festival – Sunday, April 29

What better way to welcome spring with an actual celebration that honors the arrival of the season? If you’re up for a quick trip to Queens, be sure to check out all the features available with this festival. Vendors will be setting up booths with food and drink, activities for the kids, like face painting, puppet shows, and even a petting zoo, and of course, tons of live music. You’ll be able to put your English social skills to great use by interacting with other attendees—help them with directions, ask others where they got their food or drink, or even say, “Happy Spring!” to others around you. The warm weather and sunshine tends to lighten everyone’s mood, so you won’t have to worry about getting any kind of dirty looks! So pull out your light spring jacket, your most stylish shades, and some comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to celebrate the arrival of spring.

If you’re new to New York City and to the English language, don’t worry about getting lost in the spring shuffle; these activities will not only gear you up for the upcoming warm season, but you’ll get plenty of English language practice.

A few months ago, I introduced a few television shows that take place in New York City and how accurate they are; some of them were completely unrealistic (think, “Friends”) while some of them were a bit accurate when it came to life in the Big Apple (even “Seinfeld” was pretty accurate). I wanted to write this post about shows that currently film in New York City—you might have walked past during one or two of these before while they’re filming actually! They’ll typically close down a road, and you’ll see trailers up and down the streets for wardrobe, props, and even catering. Most times they’ll post what they’re filming and what days on the street’s telephone poles. This is enough for me to get excited about it—I’ll poke my head up and see if I can see any of my favorite actors! Taking a note of the following shows that shoot in New York City will not only get you interested in these programs, but you’ll easily pick up enough English (and New York City) lingo to help your learning process.

1. Blue Bloods, CBS

This show has been on since 2010 and has made quite a name for itself in the police procedural drama realm. It takes place in New York City, so you’ll see them quite a bit all over the city streets in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan—specifically in the East Village. This is a great way to get familiar with not only police work in New York City, but it will help you practice your English, especially your conversational phrases. Since most of the actors speak quickly and frequently with each other, their English is often clumped together, so it’ll help you get used to the speed of speaking English.

2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NBC

This specific franchise has been around for almost 20 years now, so the show has evolved quite a bit over time. Focusing on legal and crime procedures in New York City, the program focuses on special cases and how the legal and police authorities work their way through each one. The show is shot in all five boroughs, so chances are pretty high that you might run into a taping or two during your time in the Big Apple. Some of the language in this show might be tricky with legal and police jargon, but it’s still great for learning conversational terms and watch how certain professionals conduct themselves.

3. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Netflix

This is actually one of my favorite shows, and I was so excited when I learned that it was shot in New York City. The show is about a young woman that comes to the city for a fresh start, but she’s a bit behind the times, so she has to learn new fashion, new slang terms, and how to take care of herself as she also learns about living in the city. If you are new to the English language, this is also a great show to watch since you’re watching the lead character adapt to New York City but also adapt to a brand new language all over again.

4. Jessica Jones, Netflix

If you’re into superhero plots, this is a great one for you to enjoy. The main character opens up her own detective agency and follows her and her fellow agents as they adapt to this new business structure. You might also like this since it’s filmed in New York City. The show does its best to not necessarily name their town as New York City, but sometimes it’s hard to miss that it is indeed the Big Apple. If you’re familiar with Hell’s Kitchen, you might recognize some of the sights and architecture pieces in certain scenes. Even though there is a bit of a supernatural element in this show, it’s still a great way to learn some new English phrases while you’re still getting to know New York City.

Learning English during your time in New York City doesn’t necessarily have to be tedious—all you need to do is catch a few episodes of this show, and you’ll start looking for familiar scenery from the city and picking up on common English phrases and maybe even picking up some new slang!

If you guys know anything about me by now, it’s that I’m always talking about NOT hibernating and staying indoors. We live in the greatest city in the world (in my opinion!), so why stay inside and miss all the spectacular things this city has to offer? But I’ll be honest with you. This time of year, it really is very easy (and tempting) to stay inside and snuggle up with cozy blankets and slippers and just relax with hot cocoa and Netflix rather than facing the brutal elements outside. Between the snow and cold temperatures and wind, sometimes all I need to do is look out the window to convince me to stay inside. So, I say, go ahead, and give into this desire every once in a while! I’ve come up with some creative ideas on what to do indoors if you’re planning some hibernation time this January. And of course, each idea has some creative ways you can keep your English practice fresh and in-use.

1. Netflix – OF COURSE!

I honestly have no idea how I got through life without Netflix—without commercials, I can catch up on my shows, rewatch some of my favorites, or even start ones that I never would have considered before—it’s just too easy! With my friends and family always telling me, “You would LOVE this show,” I find that I’m always adding more to my queue—not a bad problem to have! If you remember in my movie post from a few months ago, watching movies and television shows in English is a really fun (and somewhat mindless) way to “practice” your English. Because your full attention isn’t on “learning” or “practicing” the language, you might find that it’s a lot easier to pick up on sayings, slang, or even common inside jokes. For example, I never watched “Friends” when it was still on television. But now that it’s over and they put the whole series up on Netflix, I easily binged all ten seasons, and then I finally understood all the jokes that people would make about the show when before they all went over my head!

2. Baking and cooking

This is something that I wish I would do more often to be honest with you. I’ve never been too skilled in the kitchen—I’m not very patient, and I never really had any interest in learning how to do anything besides making pasta and toast. (Hey, I’ve made it this far in my adulthood—I’ll be fine!) But when the weather is miserable and you want to learn to make a new dish, January is the time to do it. Consider a dish using ingredients that you already have—there are websites where you put in what you have, and they’ll spit out a variety of options that you can make with those items. Talk about a fun challenge! Or maybe do the opposite: find a recipe that looks and sounds delectable, gather the ingredients at your local market or grocery store, then challenge yourself to make it! Not only will you appreciate the time indoors, but you’ll be able to say you pulled off a brand new dish! And of course, this is great practice for your English reading. Between the measurements, instructions, and recipe shopping, you’ll be a pro any time you need to make another meal! Plus, your friends/roommates will love reaping the benefits of your new hobby!

3. Host a game night

If you have roommates or friends in the neighborhood (so they don’t have to travel far to get to you), consider organizing a game night at your place. Have everyone either make or bring a dish for everyone to enjoy (like chips and dip, hot cocoa mix, or even wine if you’re looking for more of an “adult” game night), then pull out all of the best board or card games you have. Games like Pictionary and Charades are great for large parties, and it’ll be so much fun watching your friends trying to act out or draw their favorite movies or television shows. When I was in college, my roommates and I would host a game night and play Rummy until the sun came up. It was a great way to bring everyone together for laughs—and it was convenient since we saved money and avoided the harsh weather. For your English practice, these nights are great for your social speaking skills, and honestly, your vocabulary! If you’re playing Pictionary, it’s almost like using flashcards! Perfect!