Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

If you find yourself in New York City for New Year’s Eve and looking for something iconic to do, here are just some of the best options—if you’re in the mood to go all out or looking for an activity a bit more mellow, there’s a little bit of everything here so you can start your 2018 on the right foot! Don’t forget to wish everyone a “Happy New Year” in your best practiced English!

Behind Christmas, New Year’s Eve is easily the most popular holiday in New York City. Times Square, the most-visited tourist attraction in the Big Apple, is home for this annual countdown to the new year. Thousands of people gather anywhere within the Broadway and Seventh Avenue neighborhood to get a sight and view of the sparkly ball that will drop at midnight to ring in 2018. While this is the typical activity on this day, there are so many other options to ring in the new year in New York City. Luckily, if you’re new to English, this is a great time of year to brush up on your social English skills, as many people will be out and about, so you won’t find any shortage of people to talk to! Here are some of the most popular things to do in New York City on December 31^st and January 1^st. Take your pick—you won’t be let down!

1. Times Square; Manhattan

Yup, this is the location that everyone thinks about for New Year’s Eve. While it looks elegant and festive on television, I must warn you: you will be standing outside for hours on end, in the same spot, without bathrooms or food, and you don’t want to leave your spot because you WILL lose it. If this all sounds like something you still want to do, make sure you come early, well-dressed, stocked with food, and make sure you use the restroom before you leave. You’ll be surrounded with THOUSANDS of people, so this is a great time to practice your “Happy New Year!” openers!

2. New Year’s Eve Night Bike Ride; Brooklyn to Manhattan

If you’re looking to stay away from the bar scene, this is a great solution for you! Grab your bike, as the ride will start at night in Brooklyn, and you and your fellow riders will travel over to Central Park to ring in 2018. When you arrive, everyone will be together for a fun party—and the bonus is that you got a great exercise out of it! This is a great way to meet new people, so brush up on your English “nice to meet you” and “what brings you to New York?” Just make sure you don’t drink too much so you and your bike can get home safely!

3. Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Swim; Coney Island, Brooklyn

This might seem crazy since the thought of getting into the ocean in the middle of winter is a bit ridiculous, but this event is incredibly popular with the New York City locals. These (slightly crazy) partakers will disrobe their winter layers and plunge into the ocean for a quick shock to the system. If this doesn’t sound sane for you, plenty of people go to the location to just see for it themselves and cheer on the bold and brave. Head down to Coney Island in Brooklyn so you can brush up on your English social phrases, like: “These people are crazy!” or “I could never do something like this!” or even “Maybe I’ll do this next year—it kind of looks like fun! Why not?!”

4. Keep the party at home!

If you’re anything like I am, the older I get, I find it’s more difficult to stay up all night to celebrate the holiday. Or sometimes I find myself turned off by all the crowds on December 31^st. So if you’re like me, bring the party home! Invite your friends for a decked out New Year’s Eve celebration at your place—have everyone bring snacks and drinks, play the best hits of 2017, set up a trivia game for all the events that took place that year, and toast to a healthy and happy 2018! You might find that you have more fun this way, and chances are, you’ll probably save a lot more money this way, too! Plus, if any of your friends are practicing their English like you are, what a great opportunity to mingle with these people so you can all practice together!

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year—amazing food, reunions with loved ones, and appreciation for all the blessings you have in your life. If you’re travelling out of New York City for the holiday or if you find yourself staying in the Big Apple, here are few tips and tricks when it comes to making leaving (or staying!) as seamless and painless as possible. Brush up on your holiday wish phrases before you head out so your holiday spirit stays strong and positive!

You might remember from an earlier post a few months ago when I talked about ways to travel outside of New York City—it might be helpful to pull that article up again because during the whole month of December, you might find that it’s one of the biggest travel times of the year—much like summer when everyone is taking their vacations. Because of Christmas or Channukah, thousands of people that call New York City home will be travelling all over the world to reunite with their families to celebrate these respective holidays. If you’re staying in the city for these events, be mindful of where you go in the city during the busiest time of the year. If you’re one of the many that will be travelling elsewhere beyond New York City, here are few tips and tricks I’ve come up with during my time here to make it just a little bit easier—otherwise, you might find yourself frustrated or spending way more money than you should! Also, if you’re new to English, these tips should be helpful since as you know, this city is a melting pot of international people, so you won’t be alone! I’ll include a few universal phrases that will help you get through the hubbub of the season.

1. Book ahead

If you’re travelling, it’s helpful to book your trip as far in advance as possible. If you’re flying by plane or train, you might find that flights around the Christmas holiday book up quickly, so if you wait until the last minute, not only will your options be minimalized significantly, but they’ll raise the prices exponentially simply because they can and they know you’ll pay it! Using sites like Orbitz and Trip Advisor will help you compare competitor prices so you know what the average rate is and how each company compares to one another. The longer you wait, typically the more you’ll pay. It’s also helpful to be mindful of traps—if you find a deal that’s almost too good to be true, pay attention to the fine print (here’s where your English reading skills will come in handy!), as they’ll take on tons of fees to more or less make their money back.

2. Pick times typically not popular

Consider taking a red-eye flight (overnight or first thing in the morning) to avoid crowds and maybe even higher costs. Many people travel in the middle of the day or during typical rush hour times, so these are when your airports and train stations are going to be the most congested, which will no doubt contribute to your limited patience. If you’re okay with waking up in the middle of the night or travelling when the rest of the city is asleep, it might be worth it so your jolliness will stay upbeat. If you find yourself travelling during these less-than-popular times a day, you’ll find that you may not be interacting with too many people. But still make sure you practice your “Happy Holidays” with those that you do encounter to keep the spirit alive during the stressful travel times.

3. Avoid the travel hotspots

If you’re staying in New York City for the holidays, you’re going to be in for a wonderful surprise. The city will feel oddly empty, and it will make you feel like you have the whole place to yourself! Now is the time to try out that store that’s always packed or enjoy the serenity of a less-populated Central Park in December. It will feel wonderful! Keep in mind, however, that thousands of people do in fact leave the city in some way or the other, so it would be wise to avoid neighborhoods around Penn Station or Grand Central. Avoid the Lincoln Tunnel and the FDR. If you’re in Queens, avoid the neighborhoods around La Guardia and JFK. These places will have incredibly congested traffic this time of year, so plan ahead and be sure to avoid these areas. Otherwise, the only English phrase you’ll be using is, “Excuse me.”

In the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the most treasured holidays of the year. Not only does everyone travel to be with loved ones all over the country (or in other parts of the world), but it’s a time in which everyone reflects on what they’re thankful for and takes a moment to appreciate all the blessings in their lives that they might simply overlook or take for granted on a daily basis. This is also when a huge feast is prepared with lots of turkey, side dishes, and endless desserts. Because this is such a widely celebrated holiday in the country, you might find that New York City tends to empty out a bit with everyone travelling to their hometowns. If you plan on staying in the Big Apple during this holiday, here are a few things you can do to either celebrate the day yourself or otherwise keep yourself occupied when it seems that everyone else is away!

1. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Ironically, this is a Thanksgiving Day staple event appreciated all over the country. Families in all 50 states will tune into the massive parade the morning of November 23^rd starting at 9 am. Since the parade’s inception in 1924, it has since turned into a massive event that shuts down several streets and avenues for this monumental event. If you feel like attending in person, you sure can, but sure be sure to arrive hours early to ensure a decent viewing spot—and make sure to dress warmly since Thanksgiving can be quite the frigid day at that hour of the day! Oh, and this is a great way to practice your English, too, since you’ll be surrounded by thousands of other New Yorkers or even tourists, so feel free to ask questions or share your excitement with your fellow viewers!

2. Feeding NYC

As I mentioned above, part of the sentiments behind Thanksgiving is noting appreciation for all the blessings you may have in your life, and this reflection often triggers inspiration to give back to others less fortunate and in need. This particular movement starts working together two days before Thanksgiving to help provide a Thanksgiving meal to local communities within the city limits. Here, thousands of volunteers come together to help give back and provide food to dozens of families in need. Check out all the ways you can help, either by donating money or food or volunteering yourself, and you’ll be amazed at how humbled you are and how much more appreciative you are of all your advantages. Here, share your own story about coming to New York City and how much you’ve learned as a newcomer both to the country as well as to the language—you will more than likely connect with others that share a similar story to yours.

3. Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot

Is running kind of your thing? Check out this seasonal 5K and prepare to have a blast—this notorious run allows attendees to dress silly, whether they’re dressed up as Thanksgiving turkeys or even to unofficially kick off the Christmas season dressed up as Santa Claus. It’s also an ideal location to view the stunning fall foliage of Prospect Park and get some fresh air into your lungs, so lace up your running shoes and track down a goofy turkey hat, and you’ll fit right in! Dressing up this way is a great conversation starter, so be sure to keep an open mind and test out your English skills on other runners around you!

4. NYC Pilgrim Pedal

Running not your thing and maybe looking for a calming bike ride instead? This 24-mile (round-trip) bike ride on Thanksgiving morning takes you through Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. This event also encourages you to dress up in fun costumes, so this is a great chance to use that same turkey headpiece costume! The best part? Halfway through the ride around mile 12, the tour makes a stop at a Brooklyn diner for a casual breakfast refuel before heading back on the tour. If you feel you’re not physically up to par with those *crazy* New York City bikers, fret not, because the pace is kept at a leisurely pace, so feel free to take your time and enjoy the scenery! What better way to make friends and practice your English?

As the weather continues to get chillier and the leaves begin to fall at a much faster rate, you might be wondering what there is to do during a month that can be warm one day and pretty darn cold the next. Luckily, just in case you forgot, New York City is home to constant action and a never-ending list of things to do to keep yourself occupied. And if you’re adjusting to English, fret not, because all of these events offer plenty of ways to incorporate your learning tactics into real life. Between meeting new people by means of verbal and social interaction and reading and listening to cultural events, you’re sure to put your English skills to use for the whole month of October!

1. New York Comic Con 2017; October 5 – October 8

You might be familiar with this event, as this huge gathering attracts thousands of people from all over the country. This event is a chance for superfans from all kinds of pop culture disciplines to come together and interact with other fellow fans. From comic books and superhero movies to science fiction television shows and book series, these passionate fans come to the Javits Center in Hells Kitchen dressed as their favorite characters, called cosplay. This is also a chance for these fans to interact with celebrities, browse timeless memorabilia, and shop for prized souveniers and collectibles. Tickets start at $45 for the day, but act fast since they sell out quite quickly. A great way to practice your English? Come dressed up as your favorite sci-fi character that doesn’t speak English and challenge yourself to interact with other fans. They won’t even know that you’re practicing!

2. Cider Week; October 20 – October 29

One of my favorite parts of fall is how everything is apple-focused. I could eat an apple every day and just not get bored with the taste, so since fall is the best time for apples to be in season, I feel like I’m in heaven! With all sorts of types of apples in season, you can surely find your favorite in an instant. And even better is that during this last week in October, over 50 bars and restaurants are participating in this eventful series of events with free apple cider tastings, events, and workshops. Check out the site to see what bars are participating in your area, and bring a group of friends so you can meet other cider fans, practice your English, and get your apple cider on!

3. The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Even if you’re brand new to New York City, you no doubt are aware of this legendary ice skating rink in the heart of Manhattan. It might still be a bit too warm to ice skate when it opens up for the season on October 7, but it’s still a very monumental time of the year when this opens up for the season. You might notice an influx of foot traffic in this area the first couple of days it’s open, so I recommend coming around later in the month, and you’ll beat a lot of the holiday tourist traffic as well! Since you’re in the prime tourist location of the city, this is also a great time to put your English skills to use – help tourists in need of directions or ask other people where they recommend to get great food and drink.

4. The New Yorker Festival; October 6 – October 8

The New Yorker is a celebrated and culturally iconic brand in the media industry, and each year the magazine organizes a 3-day event in which their editors and contributors host panels and discussions with some of the most popular and culture-changing figures in theatre, film, music, and social movements. With tickets starting at $65, this event can be a bit pricey, but if this kind of content intrigues you, it would be super beneficial to attend one of these events to feel like the magazine is brought to life. Plus, what better way to utilize your English skills than listen to some of the top academically and professionally accomplished talents in our current world?

No matter what your interests are, you’re bound to find something during the month of October that will not only keep you excited and entertained for the season, but they’ll also keep you on track when it comes to putting your English speaking skills to use.

You’ve probably noticed that New York City can be pretty expensive at times if you’re not paying attention. Between paying for different means of transportation, trying out all kinds of amazing foods, and making sure you see everything the city has to offer, it can really add up, and if you’re not careful, you could easily spend more than your budget allows! I’ve already shared with you ways on how to save money on groceries and travel, but here I can share with you different portals that can help you save money on New York City experiences. Maybe there’s something that you’re dying to do while you’re in the Big Apple, but it simply costs too much and you can’t bring yourself to spend that kind of money. (Trust me, we’ve all been there.) Luckily for our digital generation, there are a few online sites and apps that will help you save money and get incredible deals on things you would never participate in for full price.

And as I keep telling you guys, the best way to put your English to use is by socializing, and these opportunities that these sites and apps offer provide the perfect chance to mingle and meet people from all over the city.

1. Groupon

This is probably the most widely used deal application, as there are thousands of things to find on this site. If you’re in the shopping mood, Groupon can present deals to you for all sorts of items, like clothing, electronics, jewelry, home products, and even food. You can also find deals for things like haircuts, fitness packages, and home services. When I first moved to New York, I needed to find a hairdresser, and since I was on a strict budget, I looked for deals in Groupon. I found one that struck my interest in my neighborhood, and two and a half years later, I still go to her! Say you’re looking for something cool to do in New York, but what if you’re not sure where to start looking? Check out their featured deals. Have you always been interested in kickboxing but just a little too afraid to try? They offer super cheap packages that will help alleviate your fear. Download the app, and just check it out—you might be surprised at what you can find!

2. Yelp

I introduced Yelp to you a few months ago for the purpose of finding the best restaurants, museums, gyms, spas, and shopping spots, but you might be surprised that Yelp is also super handy at finding good deals for you. Many locations offer special coupons or deals if you simply share your location on social media or leave helpful feedback on their page. When I moved apartments in December, the movers I hired were so phenomenal, so I was delighted to share my good experience on their page to help boost their business. They were so touched by my positive feedback that they sent me flowers to signify their appreciation for my business as well as my helpful commentary. A little bit goes a long way, and you never know when it might pay off for YOU in the end! Next time you’re looking for a great new restaurant, sort by the locations that have the best deals.

3. Woot

I personally like this service because it brings you deals just like Groupon and Yelp do, but they do it with a sense of snark and humor in their delivery. Sometimes I find myself scrolling through this app just to get a good laugh. They offer all sorts of great products at discounted prices, like name brand appliances, artwork, wine, and clothing. Similar to Amazon, they also offer flash deals on certain products, so the deal only lasts for a brief period of time, forcing you to make a quick decision—which can be pretty exciting! Another great aspect to sites and apps like these is that they will give a pretty solid understanding of what items and experiences cost in the marketplace in New York City and beyond. You might often feel that as an outsider new to New York that you might be taken advantage of or “duped.” With sites like these, you remain anonymous, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and that it’s fair. For some helpful and quick English practicing while you’re perusing these apps, make sure to check out the comments section to see what other people have said about the products or experiences—they can make or break your decision entirely!

As you know, New York City is a hub for many cultural elements. With Broadway shows, iconic museums, timeless concert venues, and legendary parks, the Big Apple offers the best of the best when it comes to cultural exposure. Another incredible cultural staple to New York City is its wide array of comedy clubs. Some of the country’s best comedians got their start at comedy in small clubs in the city before graduating to the biggest venues in the city. Comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Robin Williams, and Tina Fey all got their start in New York City then eventually made it big as top comedic talent.

I’ve always loved comedy; as a kid, I had to beg my parents to let me stay up late to watch MadTV and Saturday Night Live. My favorite movies are the ones that make me laugh until I cry. My favorite books to read are memoirs by my favorite comedians, so I can read their stories about how they made it in this business and the steps they took in order to get there. So when I moved to New York City, I made sure that one of the first things I did was go to an authentic New York City stand-up comedy club. Within two months of being there, I discovered one of my favorite comedians was coming to an iconic location just outside of Times Square. And just like that, I literally made one of my life-long dreams come true.

Here are some of the best comedy clubs in New York City that will not only give you something unique to do, but this is a great chance for you to listen to some comical English—you’ll be laughing so hard, you won’t even realize you’re practicing your translation skills!

1. Caroline’s on Broadway, Times Square

This is the location where I saw my first comedy show after moving to New York City. I felt like such a giddy kid standing in line, waiting for the usher to scan my ticket. Once I was in my seat, I could hardly contain myself! It’s a very intimate space, so you won’t need to bring your binoculars. They serve food and beverages here, so make sure you bring your appetite! The great part about this venue’s size is that you can hear incredibly well in this space—with this, you’ll be able to understand every word the comedian is saying, so you won’t have to struggle with your mental translation.

2. Upright Citizens Brigade, West 22^nd Street and East Village

I also had to include this one because when I was in middle school, I used to stay up late and watch the sketch comedy television show version of this comedy group. The brigade then moved their act to New York City, and now it’s become known as the comedy club that aspiring funny people go to hopefully get noticed. With its huge success, it branched out into three additional locations. Tremendous talent has come out of this club, like Aziz Ansari and Amy Poehler. This is another great place to put your English translation skills to use, as many comedy “students” practice in this club to get used to the sensation of performing live, so you can be sure that they deliver their lines clearly, making it easier on you!

3. Gotham Comedy Club, West 23^rd Street

This is another one of my favorites, as this location is also very intimate, making it easy for you to truly feel “a part” of the show. With names like Jim Gaffigan, Judd Apatow, and Craig Robinson, you can be sure that this venue will surely deliver in endless laughs. Also, keep in mind that comedians will often engage the audience, especially if you’re sitting within the first two front rows. So depending on if this is something that you think would be cool, keep that in mind when choosing your seat! This is also the perfect opportunity to understand English jokes and slang, as these comedians will often reference current lingo and phrases, so pay attention to their lines so you can reuse them yourself the next time you’re putting your English to use!

As the dog days of summer drag on, I realize that I find myself indoors more often that I’m outdoors. The excessive heat makes me uncomfortable and cranky, so this late summer time of the year, I resort to the comfort of my air conditioned apartment. With that said, sometimes I need something to do. As a lifelong fan of reading, I’m also looking for the next best thing to read. Once I moved to New York City two years ago now (Happy Anniversary to me!), I was shocked to find how many New York City-specific magazines are out there. I love reading these titles since it helps me feel more in tune with the city, and I always get so excited if a restaurant that I frequent is featured in a magazine—it makes me feel that I’m part of the in-crowd!

If you’re adjusting to English while you’re new to New York City, these are fantastic magazines to look into, as they’ll not only help you practice your reading and translation skills, but they’ll also keep you up-to-date on everything that’s happening here! Another great thing about this digital age that we’re in is that you can subscribe to these magazines through your phone, so if you can’t get your hands on the print copies, you can scroll through your phone! Plus, all three of the titles I discuss below are very active on social media, so be sure to follow them and stay informed on the go!

Gotham Magazine

This a great resource for not only staying informed on what’s going on in The Big Apple, but it’s also a great snapshot of the current culture and pulse of life in the city. With coverage on the best and newest places to eat and drink and highlights of some of the most influential people in New York City, this resource can give you an educated and cultural peek into how the elite and upscale are maintaining their quality of life. Since this is in print as well as digital (and they’re also all over social media), this will give you incredible practice with your English. The writing isn’t too sophisticated, so don’t worry about feeling like this magazine will go over your head.

Time Out New York

This is actually one of my personal favorites, and I still utilize this magazine as a go-to resource if I’m looking for something to do or if I need more information about the city itself. You probably know by now that New York City is a thumping heartbeat that has never-ending life, and this magazine is a reminder of that. The coolest aspect of this publication is that it’s totally free, and it’s distributed on the streets! You might even find them distributed in the subways—which really makes the average New Yorker part of the experience. Absolutely track down this piece, and be sure to pay attention to the tips it provides throughout, especially since it quite often speaks to the new New Yorker (that’s you)! It also uses a really fun tone in its writing, so it never feels like you’re reading something dull or boring. Another favorite feature of mine is their socially-fueled articles on life in New York City. Like, “14 Things Only New Yorkers Will Understand About the Subway System,” or “12 Things No New Yorker Will Every Say.” These features will make you nod and grin in agreement, and they’ll convince you that the struggles or inner thoughts you have on a daily basis make you a real New Yorker!

Downtown Magazine NYC

This is another phenomenal resource for those looking for cultural insight on New York City. Features include first-person pieces on life in the city, advice on making the most of your space, and guidelines for navigating the day-to-day hustle of life in New York City. This title covers practically all ranges of topics, from dining, events, fashion, and news. The other great thing about Downtown Magazine NYC is that the pieces are written by a wide variety of talent, so the content won’t ever feel stale or repetitive. I also find myself reading content about topics that I otherwise wouldn’t care about simply because they’re New York City focused. For example, I’ve never been one to care much about fashion, but because NYC is one of the fashion capitals in the world, I find myself interested in that kind of coverage. You might surprise yourself, too!

Next time you find yourself at the newsstand looking for something to read during your morning commute, be sure to pick one of these up!

Even before arriving to New York City, you probably were already familiar with Broadway and its cultural significance to the city. If you haven’t been to a show yet, make this part of your to-do list now that you’re here! Luckily, you have many options, as there are 41 different theaters to choose from that feature Broadway shows that seat from 600 to almost 2,000.

If you’re just as new to English as you are to New York City, visiting one of these iconic shows is a great way to put your translation skills to use. Do some research on the play before attending, and get a general feel of the plot. That way, once you’re in the theatre, you can practice your English with the comfort of already knowing the backstory. Since there’s always plenty of dialogue mixed in with singing and dancing, you’ll be entertained while focusing on the English. And don’t forget to hang onto your Playbill! This is basically your program for the show, which includes the written background of the play, the names of the actors, and you’ll find that it makes a timeless souvenir for your trip to Broadway.

Here are just a few of my favorite theatres (and shows) during my time in New York City.

Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49^th Street

For Christmas two years ago, I received tickets to the musical, Chicago. I ended up taking my sister, and we had a BLAST. Because the location is just outside of Times Square, I showed her around the heart of this neighborhood, and we had no trouble finding a place to grab dinner beforehand. We got there with enough time to kill that we were able to take plenty of pictures of this legendary theatre and share them with our family before curtain call. The show was so much fun, and we ended up buying the soundtrack after the show so we can relive the night over and over again. The other cool aspect of this play is they made a movie version of the musical, which I found just as fun and entertaining as the Broadway version!

Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46^th Street

This is another one of the most famous Broadway theatres, as it has the greatest number of award-winning plays and musicals than any other theatre on Broadway. Right now, it’s hosting Hamilton, one of the most celebrated musicals of all-time. It’s incredibly difficult to get tickets, and you might find that if you just linger outside the theatre, people are taking selfies in front of the signage since it’s so popular! It even holds the box office record, so even if you can’t make it this round at this theatre, it’s bound to pop up again at another location.

Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45^th Street

I’m including this one because I have a bit of history with this one. When I was in high school, my family took a weekend trip to New York City to see The Lion King. After a day of seeing the 9/11 memorial and visiting the Statue of Liberty, we made our way to Broadway to see this show, and it quickly became the highlight of my trip. The movie was one of my favorites as a kid, and I even knew every single word to the songs since I listened to the soundtrack on repeat. So seeing the musical rendition was such a treat! It’s still running today, over 15 years later, so I’d love to see it again and find out how much the show has changed!

Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45^th Street

I’m saving my most sentimental theatre for last, since this was the very first Broadway show I ever attended. When I was a freshman in high school, I briefly flirted with the idea of being an on-stage performer, so our choir class took a field trip to New York City to see Kiss Me, Kate! Back then, the theatre was called the Martin Beck Theatre, but it’s still the same, classic location. It was an amazing experience, since not only was it my first Broadway show, but it was also my very first trip to New York City! I wish I could have told my 14-year-old self back then that 15 years later I would call The Big Apple my home!

These activities that I’ve outlined below also offer you the opportunity to put your translation skills to use. Whether it’s reading, listening, watching, or engaging with others around you, the chance to engage with your English skills is all around you!

Don’t let the August heat get you down or deter your excitement about being in the Big Apple. I’m introduced a few activities happening in August that will keep you cool (nighttime in the city can be pleasant and comfortable!) and entertained!

Shakespeare in the Park, Central Park

This is a New York City classic activity, so gather a group of your friends, and invite them to experience one of the most celebrated festivals of the year. Located in Central Park, this event is easy to get to and hard to miss. Plus, since it’s free, you’ll be feeling like you’re getting in on an ultimate and exclusive deal! Until August 13, the park will be performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of Shakespeare’s most popular and well-read publications. Here’s my tip: because this is such a popular destination, be sure to get there early to secure seating—they go quickly! Plus, since it’s a night show, you’ll stay cool. Watching this live performance is another great way to practice your translation skills. I’d also recommend researching the plot before arriving so you at least have a background of the story before arriving—that way, you can focus on the acting and the actual show without having to focus solely on translating!

Jazz Age Lawn Party, Governors Island

This event is another widely celebrated party, as hundreds of people hop on the ferry and head to Governors Island to go back in time to the 1920s and dress like those from the past. Scheduled for August 26^th and 27^th, this event has fun and timely cocktails, throwbacks to some of the best music from this period, and the best part is seeing everyone dressed in fashions from an era almost 100 years ago! While this event is a bit costly (starts at $55), it’s a great way to get out of the city just for a day and do something totally different. (Just be sure to find a nice tree to hide under if the forecast is calling for high temperatures!) While you’re adjusting to English, this would be an interesting time to jump into this “time machine” and overhear how English was used almost a century ago and hear how it’s changed since then. You’ll either be nostalgic or thankful that we live in 2017!

Sunset Sail Happy Hour

Whether you’re in New York City for the long-term (like me!), or if you’re here temporarily, I highly recommend to everyone that they take a night sail on the Hudson River at least once. It can be breathtaking to view the city at night while you’re on land, of course, but it’s a completely different experience while you’re on the water. Seeing the cityscape from a distance and watching the lights glisten and reflect off the water will make you pinch yourself and make you wonder why anyone would ever leave this place! Plus, the night breeze will make you that much more thankful that you left your apartment for this experience! This particular cruise provides dancing music, light bites and drinks, and even fun, temporary tattoos! Costs vary from $20-$35+ depending on the day that you choose to depart, but ask anyone, and they’ll tell you it’s worth every penny. Marvel at the sights with your friends and others around you, and hear how they express their admiration, and you might pick up a few new English phrases about loving New York City!

Don’t let the heat bring you down—get out there and see what New York City has to offer, even when the days are long and hot. And these activities will keep your brain engaged as you keep practicing your English skills!

Not only is the 4^th of July one of the most meaningful holidays in the United States, but it’s also quite possibly one of the most celebrated. As this day honors America’s “birthday,” it’s also the day in which our country signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This is the day when everyone will be wearing red, white, and blue to honor our nation’s colors and emulate the American flag.

If you’re in New York City for this annual tradition, you’re in quite possibly the best place to experience this day of celebration. Not only is New York City the country’s most frequented tourist destination, but it holds tremendous significance to the American experience. With the Statue of Liberty symbolizing the founding fathers and the emotional memories of the September 11^th attacks in 2001, New York City’s relationship with the 4^th of July is one of the strongest and one of the most celebrated.

If you’re looking for something to do for this holiday or wondering about the best places to check out the fireworks, here’s a quick guide for you to make sure you see it all. Plus, if you’re adjusting to the English language, this day offers a tremendous level of embracing other cultures, so it’s a great time to get out there and mingle with everyone else!

1. Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island

Almost a 100-year-old tradition, this crazy and exciting event is a beloved tradition to New Yorkers. It’s just what you think it is: dozens of contestants from all over the world enter this contest with the hopes of becoming the next champion. It may sound a bit gross and unsettling, but it’s a super-fun event to attend and thousands show up each year to watch the contest in person. Because this event brings in people from all over the world, what better way to put your English skills to use and mingle with everyone?

2. Revolutionary New York Walking Tour

This is the perfect opportunity to mix your English practice with learning more about the history of New York City. The tour takes you to various landmarks from the Revolutionary War, like the graves of Alexander Hamilton and General Richard Hamilton, as well as other locations that have connections to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. While you’re gaining some American history knowledge, this is also the time to embrace your tour guide’s English by asking him questions, using your translator app to look up any confusing lingo, and follow along with your brochure.

3. Visiting any of New York City’s Parks

Most people have off from work to honor the country’s birthday, so you’ll find that New York City is full of life and excitement this day. This is the perfect opportunity to pack a picnic basket, gather all your friends, and enjoy some time in the sun. You’ll find that LOTS of people have this same idea, so you’ll be surrounded by all kinds of people celebrating the same day—it’s definitely a unifying moment, so take advantage of all these people around you, and practice your English by striking a conversation. Maybe ask them about their favorite 4^th of July memory, or simply ask them if they want to join you and your friends in Frisbee. It’s a day of great fun, so take advantage of it!

4. Fireworks

Of course, you can’t have the 4^th of July without a fireworks display! If you’re curious about finding the best spots to see the show, make sure you allow yourself enough time to reserve a spot anywhere along the East River in Manhattan, Queens, or Brooklyn. Luckily there are plenty of walkways along this river, so you’ll have plenty of options, but just keep in mind that thousands of people are doing the same thing, so give yourself plenty of time! The coolest part is that with today’s technology, the fireworks show is not synchronized with music, which only heightens the entertainment factor. Bring your friends, take photos, and don’t forget to say “Hi” to others around you—it’s the perfect opportunity to practice your polite English phrases and maybe even meet some people!