Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

September 12, 2018

No matter how long you’ve been with New York English Academy, your relationship with New York City is probably exciting and quite exhilarating. Not only are you getting some great education in the field of English language, but you’re located in one of the greatest cultural melting pots in the world—it’s like getting two educations at once! You also may be thinking ahead in terms of your next stop once your time at the Academy is complete, and perhaps you’re thinking of furthering your education at one of the college campuses in New York City. Here are a few that are ranked the highest in terms of reputation, cost of tuition, and help in language studies. Since you’re already here in the city, scheduling a tour or an appointment will be a breeze, so take some notes, do some independent research, and let your curiosity run wild!

1. City University of New York (CUNY), all 5 boroughs

I included this campus first because not only is it the only public university system in the city, but there are over 24 CUNY campuses located in all of the 5 NYC boroughs. Depending on your academic level and area of focus, you’re more than likely to find the campus that caters to your individual interests and needs. Plus, with so many locations amidst the city limits, this offers you tons of access to local resources and programs to help you with your academic journey.

2. The New School, East Village

If your academic focus leans towards the liberal arts (music, performance, drama), social research, or design, this is a great option for you, especially since approximately 30% of the students are international. The location in the city is also ideal if your field of focus matches the above since there is tons of artistic culture in this pocket of the city. Plus, a pretty cool bonus is there are tons of famous alum that attended The New School, so keep your eye out for some well-known faces!

3. New York University (NYU), Greenwich Village

This is another well-known academic institution that places great focus and attention to international studies. With quite a few branch campuses beyond the US borders, NYU also has an impressive study abroad program and a strong international student population. Again, depending on your area of study, you’ll more than likely be able to find a program that fits for you. While the main campus is around Washington Square in Manhattan, there are a few other locations within the city limits.

4. Columbia University, Upper West Side

Just like NYU, you’re probably already aware of this institution due to its huge presence within not only New York City, but within the higher academic community overall. While this university is considered Ivy League, don’t let that intimidate you from checking it out to see what it has to offer to you. I included this campus because Columbia has the third-largest international student population of any US university—that’s 35% of its students coming from other countries. While so many of the New York City college campuses focus on the liberal arts, Columbia offers the full subject curriculum, so you’re sure to find your area of study no matter what.

5. Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT), Hoboken, NJ

Even though this campus is technically not in NYC, I wanted to include SIT because it’s a great university for those with an engineering, science, or technology concentration. With easy access to (and great views of) Manhattan, you can attend this university while still getting a genuine New York City experience. If you’re undeclared, this is still a great institution, as it also offers degrees in the arts and humanities, so be sure to keep this campus in mind if you’re making your rounds. BONUS: living in New Jersey can save you tons of money for living and general expenses, so keep that in mind while taking your tours.

Considering where you may want to study when your time at New York English Academy is complete is a lot to think about, so be sure to do tons of research on program availability, financial aid and scholarships, as well as international programs if you consider another country home. Now that you’re pretty familiar with New York City, you should feel confident in exploring all the amazing campuses that the Big Apple has to offer. Why not continue your learning in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world?

February 28, 2018

No matter how long you’ve been in New York City, you undoubtedly know that there is so much to do and so much going on; as exciting as this is, it can often be overwhelming with all the options. March is a month that can be either incredibly cold and snowy, or it can also be generous with hints of sunshine and warmer temperatures. This unpredictable weather pattern can be difficult when it comes to planning activities, but luckily, I’ve rounded up some of the best activities you can take advantage of, no matter what the weather elements show. If you’re new to English and looking for ways to practice the language, these options will also offer plenty of ways to exercise your skills and put them into application.

1. Patrick’s Day Parade; Saturday, March 17, 2018

If you’ve been reading this blog for a few months, by now you should realize that I’m a pretty big fan of parades—and New York City has no shortage of these events throughout the year! Even though the holiday has Irish origins and celebrates Ireland’s heritage, it doesn’t stop the rest of us from celebrating! This year, the parade conveniently falls on the actual holiday, so expect a larger than normal crowd for this year’s celebration. The parade starts at 44^th Street up Fifth Avenue and stops all the way up at East 80^th Street. Expect plenty of green, people wearing shamrocks, and tons of drinking. If you plan on attending and need a good phrase in English to trade with other parade attendees, try wishing others “the luck of the Irish!” You’ll get a few “Cheers!” and maybe make some new friends!

2. March Madness; The whole month of March

I’ve talked about professional baseball, football, hockey, and basketball, but there’s one more sport I need to introduce you to: college basketball. In the United States, the final round of playoffs of college basketball is wildly celebrated. In fact, because it takes up the entire month of March, it has been dubbed as “March Madness.” Alumni and local fans will devote their dedicated energies into cheering for their alma mater or any team in general. Similar to the Super Bowl, bars will fill up with dedicated fans, and people host themed parties in their homes for everyone to congregate. One of the benefits of living in The Big Apple is that many of these games are played in Madison Square Garden, so you can even catch these games live if you wanted to! This year, pick a team that resonates with you. Maybe you even went to a college that is in the playoffs—if so, you can really get into the celebration and join in with other fans! Learn the teams’ catchphrases, join in on the chants, and bond with other fans using your celebratory English phrases like, “Go team!” “Make that 3-pointer!”

3. NYC Sample Sales; Word of mouth

If you’re into fashion and looking for all sorts of deals on designer and brand-name clothing, be thankful that you’re in New York City this month! If you pay attention to announcements for sample sales, you can get almost anything at major discounted prices. You have to keep your ear to the ground to get wind of these sales, as they’re announced just hours before the sale and mostly come word-of-mouth. If this strikes your interest, follow the “NYC Insider Sample Sale Calendar” on Facebook so you can get updates at your fingertips. If you’re familiar with how sales this big go, then you’ll know to prepare for other shoppers looking for the same deals, so arrive with a thick skin, and get ready to bargain! Try out your negotiating skills like, “I see this is 70% off, but I found this elsewhere at the same price—can you go any lower?” You have to be a bit daring to brace these crowds, but you’ll come away with great product AND higher self-esteem—as well as some mastered English skills!

Even if the weather is freezing one day and warm the next, there are still plenty of reasons to get out there and explore what the city has to offer for the month of March. Plus, each one of these activities will have you practicing your English skills, and the best part is that all of them offer the chance for you to interact with new people, so March can be a win-win month, no matter the weather conditions!

February 13, 2018

Living in any area of the country (or the world, for that matter) can have the potential of being dangerous—depending on the time of day (or night), the location, or the people you surround yourself with, danger can essentially be anywhere. New York City has the reputation is being more dangerous than other large cities, but as long as you’re careful and mindful, you can avoid common mistakes and deter potentially dangerous situations. If you’re still a bit new to the English language, you might feel this nervousness a bit prevalently due to the barrier, but I’ve broken it down a bit here to make it easier for you so you can still enjoy the city and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

1. Always have a full cell phone battery

Technology is a wonderful enhancement to our daily lives of course, so it’s important to try your best to maintain a healthy battery life while you’re out on the town. You never know what might happen and when you may need to contact someone or use one of your apps—you never really know when you might need your phone until you’ve lost your battery life, right? A very smart and worth-it investment is a remote battery pack for your phone—when I travel or when I know I’ll be away from an outlet for a long period of time, this little guy has saved me more than once. I highly recommend getting one of these—they’re cheap and easy to carry. And since English is a bit newer to you, you’ll be able to continue using your translation apps in the case of an emergency.

2. Be wary of the subway

One of the best pieces of advice I received upon moving to New York City was to avoid the subways after 11 pm. It’s not that terrible things happen underground after this time, but there are simply less people traveling at this hour. This means people tend to be braver when it comes to stealing or harassing people, and if you’ve spent enough time in New York City, you know that we have our fair share of eccentric individuals. I told myself that if I find myself still out after this hour, I’ll shell out the extra money to get a cab or another car service. Plus, being new to English also means that you can avoid talking to these subway people!

3. Lose the headphones

When I’m commuting to and from work during rush hours, I feel fine keeping my ear buds in because I’m surrounded by hundreds of people during these time periods. But again, if you find yourself out past 11 pm, I suggest losing them so your hearing is at its best. Walking at night will automatically heighten your senses, but you want to be extra alert when it comes to your hearing since your vision won’t be as strong and you’ll have to rely on your hearing to listen to footsteps around you, oncoming voices, or even wavering vehicles. This is a “better safe than sorry” instance. If you’re still practicing your English, I’d also recommend having a speed dial on your phone in the event you feel something is off just so you can talk to someone during this feeling of unease.

4. Stay with the lights

As a petite female, I find that my levels of fear are pretty high in comparison to others just because my ability to physically defend myself is pretty low. So I realized that another detail that helped lessen my anxiety was to stay close to pockets of the city that are well-lit. Think about walking around Times Square at night—you feel pretty safe not only because of all the people and security but also because of the lights, right? So if you find yourself feeling a bit worried or concerned about getting around at night, be sure to stay in these areas with lots of people and plenty of light then hail a cab from there. They say that people can smell fear, and if there are bad people out there and can sense your discomfort, you can become an easy target. Plus, as I’ve said before, New York City is a huge melting pot, so if you need help with translation, there’s bound to someone in this area that can help you out!

New York City is a magical and wonderful city, so don’t let others make you feel paranoid or afraid of living here—as long as you’re careful and mindful, you’ll be just fine!

December 26, 2017

Now that the hustle and bustle is over from Christmas, Hannukah, and the New Year, you might be looking for something to do in January in New York City. Fret not, because there is PLENTY! If your New Year’s resolution is to get out more and not waste your winter months hibernating, here are just a few ideas that I’ve gathered to keep you active, even in one of the most blustery months of the year. Plus, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, perfecting your English is only going to get easier if you interact with others outside of the classroom. This is the perfect time to meet new people and commiserate about the cold weather, the shorter days, or even the post-Christmas slump. Everyone is in agreement when it comes to those topics, so what better way to engage with others? You never know—you may even make new friends this way AND perfect your English speaking skills! Who knew New York City could be so educational?

1. Restaurant Week: January 22^nd – February 9^th, 2018; multiple NYC locations

This is one of my favorite times of the year in New York City. You probably know by now that I’m very mindful of my money and spending, and it’s also no secret that the Big Apple can be pretty expensive. Eating out can be a luxury at times, and trying out new restaurants is an experiment in budgeting. Too often, I simply have to turn down a dinner party invite if a restaurant is too expensive for my window of spending; but during Restaurant Week, I can finally try out all those locations that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. Select eateries throughout the city (over 300!) participate in this, in which they offer a prix-fixe menu including 3 courses with a discounted price. This way, people like me—people on a budget—can try out the food that makes their restaurant so highly regarded. Check out the lineup, and you’ll be sure to find a spot you’ve been dying to try! Just some advice: make a reservation and arrive on time (or even early), as this timing is VERY popular, and you don’t want to lose your table! You’ll be exposed to unique menu items, and given the packed locations, you’ll be mingling with many people, so this is a great way to incorporate your written AND spoken English—you’re always learning in NYC!

2. Winter Jam in Central Park; January 28, 2018; 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

If you’re aching for some outdoor snowy activities and don’t have the means to travel to the slopes, look no further than Central Park! On this day only, the Bandshell area of the park is covered in artificial snow so that you can get in some snow time. If you’re brand new to skiing or even if you’re a seasoned snowboarder, this is a great time to check this out! If the slopes aren’t your cup of tea, you can also watch live ice sculpting, catch some ice bowling, and there’s even a market to get some light shopping in! This is a great time to bring friends and do something totally different for the day! Since this is also an activity in which you’ll be interacting with vendors and shopkeepers, you’ll be getting plenty of spoken English practice, and you may even meet some new friends!

3. Post-Holiday Shopping; all over New York City

You might have noticed that shops and malls were packed throughout December as people did their Christmas and Hannukah shopping. In my experience, I generally try to avoid these areas for practically the whole month since it’s just too crowded for my taste! But come January, the crowds die down a bit, and for me, I feel like I can enjoy shopping again. Plus, I tend to get quite a few gift cards each year for Christmas, so January is a great time to spend them. Additionally, practically all the shopping areas host post-holiday sales that really make you want to take advantage of the great deals. This is a great time to check out the prime shopping areas (think Macy’s and practically anything on 5^th Avenue) since the crowds are a bit lighter and the sales just make it worth it. Again, you’ll be interacting with lots of vendors and shop owners, so this is a great opportunity to put your spoken English skills to use.

November 28, 2017

New York City is not cheap by any means—your rent will tell you that right off the bat. Winter is one of the most expensive times of the year for a New Yorker, so I’ve come up with some incredibly helpful (and already experienced) tips on how to get through the season without hurting your wallet. You won’t sacrifice your comfort or your health, so don’t worry! And each opportunity will keep your English practice going and will keep you challenged!

Depending on how long you’ve been in New York City, you’re probably familiar with the brutal winters we can have here. While in the beginning of the season throughout the first couple of snowfalls, it can be beautiful and mesmerizing, it can also be exhausting and annoying by the time February comes. You start to crave warmer weather and ache for the time when you could leave your apartment without ten layers! Regardless, the winter is tough on all of us, and it can be especially hard on your wallet if you’re not careful. This is my third year in New York City, so I feel prepared and ready to face this season without any surprised. I’ve come up with some of my best advice on ways to save money and not be surprised with high bills.

1. Grocery shop

Let’s face it. We tend to hibernate in the winter as much as we can. Sometimes I have to practically talk myself into leaving my apartment just to get essentials. I noticed that during the months of December until March, I ordered food delivery several times a week just so I wouldn’t have to leave my comfortable little living space! But then I realized $15 here and $20 there started to add up, and before I knew it, I was spending quite a large chunk of my income on food just because I was lazy! Let me tell you—I learned VERY quickly that a trip to the grocery store once or twice a week did quite a favor to my wallet—and my guilt also disappeared! Plus, the more you go outside, the more likely you are to mingle with others—this is a great time to practice “Wow, it’s a cold one today!” or “Certainly makes you miss those hot summer days!”

2. Be mindful of your heat

This is more than likely the biggest contributor of your winter expenses. While it’s nice to feel warm and cozy in your apartment, be careful about what you set your thermostat to. Consider turning the knob down a few degrees before you leave for work each day. It sounds silly, but throw on those layers while you’re home—pull out those hideous house slippers that your parents got you but were too “cool” to wear. Pull out those throw blankets that are only ever used for decoration for bedtime. Invest in under-the-door snakes that will keep any kind of draft entering your apartment—and will also protect your heat from escaping. You’d be surprised how these little details will make a huge difference in your monthly bill! Dust off your English reading skills and look at your paper statement the energy company sends you—they actually send you tips on how you can lower your bill each month! Take their advice—they know what they’re talking about!

3. Check out free activities

Another place my money was going to each winter was the bars. After work or on the weekends, my friends wanted to spend as little time outside as possible, so we didn’t know what else to do but hit up our local pub. Not only was this just sucking the money out of me, but I was also drinking a lot more—not good! So before you automatically just jump to a bar for the first idea, do research on what kind of free shows or museums you can hit—this way, you save money, still stay indoors, AND you won’t wake up the next morning regretting your decisions! While the bar is a great place to meet new people and practice your English, eventually you might find that you’re using the same phrases or even running into the same people. By changing up your routine, you can expand your vocabulary, meet new and totally different people than bar frequenters. Plus, you’re in New York City! There’s so much more to see and do then just the same old bar and pub!

October 27, 2017

Looking for something to do as the weather chills but not ready to hibernate and lose your sense of New York City adventure? I’ve rounded out a few incredible things to do so you won’t be bored, and you’ll still have the chance to put your English skills to use with chatting with others, cheering people on, or even singing along—November is a great time to experiment!

Finding things to do in New York City when the weather starts to turn from chilly to flat-out cold can be a bit difficult. I can tell you over and over again to dress warm or to be prepared, but that first bite of winter will always be a shock, no matter how much you prep and plan for it! It can be really easy to start to nest once those cold temperatures start to break through, but try and resist the temptation to start hibernating! I’ve included plenty of things to do in New York City for the month of November so you can continue to get the most that the city has to offer!

1. New York City Marathon, November 5, 2017

This is one of New York City’s biggest annual events. Held every year in November, the New York City Marathon is the largest in the world in regards to the number of participants. The course goes through all 5 boroughs in New York City. It starts in Staten Island, moving along through Brooklyn then glides through Queens. From there, runners will cross the East River via the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan, climbing up First Avenue into the Bronx and then returning to Manhattan, finishing beside Tavern on the Green. Thousands of supports come to support their friends and family members, and for the rest of the day, the New York City population is thriving with excitement and energy. If you know anyone running, consider looking up the run’s path and find out a good spot to watch for them. Luckily, these days, they have apps that allow you to track your favorite runner so you can tell exactly where they are! Also, this is a great opportunity to chat with fellow cheerers and be sure to check out all the homemade encouragement signs people bring with them—great way to pick up some great new English lingo!

2. The New York Comedy Festival, November 7 – November 12, 2017

If you’re a fan of stand-up comedy, this multi-day celebration is just for you. Over a dozen of today’s hottest comedic acts will be in multiple venues throughout the city during this week, so be sure to check out where your favorite will be. Act quickly because these shows fill up quickly, and you wouldn’t want to miss any of these great shows! Many of them will be taped for television specials, so be sure to dress your best! If listening to English is still a bit tricky for you, pull up some of their online specials to get used to their humor or the way they use their English. This will help you prepare for their routines before you get there. This is also a great way to make friends with others that share your favorite comedian or appreciate the same lines that you do!

3. Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starting November 10, 2017

It’s hard to believe that we’re already talking about preparing for Christmas, but you should know by now that New York City doesn’t anything half-assed! One of the most famous New York City destinations is Radio City Music Hall, home to the Radio City Rockettes. As an annual musical holiday stage show, be prepared for 90 minutes of incredible music, dancing, and surprising humor to get you ready for the holiday season. Since 1933, this show has been put on for thousands of people over the decades. Part of the reason they have the program starting so early is due to high demand, so if you have your heart set on attending the show, consider booking way early in advance or checking it out in November before all the holiday tourists come for the show! Another great part of this performance is that exists in digital recordings as well, so you can experience the performance before you even get there. This way, you can practice your English in song or communicate your favorite scenes with other attendees.

June 26, 2017

With warmer weather, more free time, and a general better outlook towards each day, you’re definitely on the lookout for something to do, and since you’re in New York City, you can expect the best of the best. New York City hosts a wide range of music festivals during the summer months, and tons of musical icons and brand new artists fight to get their name on the lineup. It’s a great experience to be outside in the warm sun, listen to some of your favorites, and of course, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people, practice your English, and perfect your lyrics! So pack your sunscreen, bring plenty of cash for water to stay hydrated, and get ready for the ultimate musical experience!

1. Panorama Music Festival, July 28^th – 30th, New York City

Held at Randall’s Island Park, this year’s show is featuring almost 70 artists over the three-day musical extravaganza. With some talent that has been around for decades to brand new artists, this is one of New York City’s biggest musical celebrations. Because thousands attend this festival every year, you’ll be surrounded by lots of opportunities to practice your English AND get acquainted with some of the best talent in the industry today.

2. Elements Festival, August 12^th – 13th, New York City

This is one of those festivals that is so much more about just music—it’s about the experience. In addition to the dozens of musical acts the festival hosts, it’s also modeled after the earth’s elements (earth, air, water, fire, fifth element). It has interactive art installations, aerial performances, rides, circus performances, and of course, incredible food and beverage vendors. If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, this is your spot! And again, what better way to put your English skills to use?

3. Billboard Hot 100 Festival, August 19^th – 20th, Long Island, NY

While this festival is a bit of a trek beyond the city’s greater limits, it’s definitely worth the ride if you’re thinking about attending this one. While only about 30 artists are signed on for this year’s festival, the names are a bit bigger, so expect the show’s to be longer, more pyrotechnical, and you can definitely expect the crowds to be more amped up to see some of their favorites.

4. Electric Zoo, September 1^st – 3rd, New York City

Also held at Randall’s Island Park, this festival is still adding names to the lineup, so be sure to keep checking into the status of this festival to see if any of your favorites will be there. With dozens already signed on, this three-day musical extravaganza is one to get excited about. Many of the artists are household names, so if you want to brush up on their music and lyrics, look them up on Spotify, and get to know some popular English tunes and impress your friends by knowing all the words! This one is for sure a NYC favorite, so get excited!

5. The Meadows Music Festival, September 15th – 17^th, New York City

This festival is perhaps the biggest one of the season. Held at Citi Field in Queens, this three-day event features some of the biggest names in hip hop, rap, alternative rock, techno and house music, and pop. With names like Jay Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, and Gorillaz, you’re sure to find that some of your favorites will be there. Because this one is the biggest musical festival of the season, be sure to look into this one as early as possible, as it can quickly sell out!

For me, I find that sometimes I can’t make the festivals—whether it’s due to traveling, the time of the year, or even if I don’t have the funds to purchase the tickets, it’s always a bummer. But I’ve found what helps alleviate the sadness about not being able to go is that I’ll make playlists of all the artists at that festival, and I’ll jam out to it that weekend of the festival so it ALMOST feels like I’m there! Plus, this way, you won’t have to fight the crowds, wait in line for the porta-potties, and you’ll still hear all your favorite music!

April 26, 2017

As the days get longer and the temperatures warm up, you might start to feel the urge to get out of New York City for a bit and explore other areas of the country or even the world! While you’ve been in the city, you may have noticed that it’s relatively easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and lifestyle, which makes it difficult to go outside of the city limits. I know that I have to remind myself every couple of months to take a trip outside of The Big Apple, even if it’s to visit family for the weekend or just hop on a train to a different town and explore what that other area has to offer. I start to get antsy in the spring and want to visit a place full of nature and quiet, or maybe I just want to travel to a different city and get a feel for another city’s speed and life. Really, it all depends on how I’m feeling at that time!

One of the greatest parts of living in New York City is that it’s a huge transportation hub—possibly the most populated in the country. This makes getting into (and getting out of!) the city a breeze. I’ll be breaking down all your options of travel for you so you can be prepared for the next trip you might have planned in the future to take advantage of the sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. If you’re still adjusting to the English language, this will also help you approach your travel options as better prepared. Plus, once you make this trip once, you’ll be a pro once you’re ready to come back to New York City on your return trip, and other people will be asking YOU for advice!

1. Buses

We’ll start with this method, as it’s arguably the cheapest option for travel outside of the city limits. Whether you’re traveling within New York state or the Tri-State region or if you’re looking to expand to other time zones, there are endless bus options for you. The Port Authority Bus Terminals offer all kinds of routes and bus lines depending on your needs—depending on your length of travel, your comfort requirements, or your time constraints, you can find anything that matches your bus wish list. Luckily, this terminal is so widely used, so if you find yourself having trouble translating or understanding what you need to do, there are endless booths and employees there that will help you find your destination and will explain the process to you. Again, if English isn’t your native language, New York City is the ultimate melting pot, so they’re used to hosting people from other areas of the world.

2. Trains

If you’re traveling somewhat locally, I’d recommend looking into NJ Transit for getting around the immediate outside regions of New York City. These routes are reasonably priced and offer quite a bit of variety when it comes to routes and times. If you’re traveling a bit farther away from New York City, Amtrak has got you covered. This is primarily how I travel when I go to visit friends or family in my hometown—it’s quick, reasonably priced, and very reliable. More than likely you’ll be leaving out Penn Station, located right next to Madison Square Garden, so you will be right in the center amongst other travelers, both locally and internationally. There will be many people there that are willing to help you translate if you’re struggling with English or if you’re having a hard time figuring out the process.

3. Planes

Again, since New York City is such a large transportation hub, you have great options when it comes to flying in and out of the city. No matter where your ultimate destination is, you are more than likely to find options at either La Guardia Airport or JFK Airport, both in Queens. Even if you can’t find anything that suits your needs at these two locations, I’ve also flown out of Newark, NJ a few times, and this airport has been a pleasant experience all around. Obviously, being at an airport should be a comfort to you if you’re adjusting to learning English since there will be many workers there willing to help you find your way or help you along with your translation.