Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

June 4, 2018

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?”

May 31, 2018

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!

May 14, 2018

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.

April 12, 2018

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!

March 29, 2018

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.

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 20, 2018

Can you think of all the movies and televisions shows that you’ve watched that take place in New York City? In order to film these movies and shows in New York City, many celebrities have chosen to make the city their home. For the most part, these famous people do their best to blend in with the crowd since it’s a bit tricky to travel in a limo in the city and not draw attention to themselves; but every once in a while, you might find someone that looks an awful lot like someone you’ve seen in a movie, and then you find out it was actually that very person! Most people get stage fright around these people, but if you feel inclined to share your fanhood with these people, make sure your phrases are strong—think, “I’m such a big fan!” or “Your show is my favorite one to watch!” Just make sure you’re nice, and in most situations, they’ll be just as kind back.

1. Jerry Seinfeld, Brooklyn

You might remember when I talked about the show Seinfeld and how it was all about life in New York City; so how fitting is it that the lead comedian in this show still lives in the city with his family? He might be hard to spot since he and his family tend to keep to themselves, but they have to leave sometimes, right?

2. Sarah Jessica Parker, West Village

Sex and the City was (and still is!) one of my favorite shows—it’s all about dating in New York City, and some say the main character in the show is in fact the city itself! But it’s also no surprise that the lead HUMAN actor, Sarah Jessica Parker lives in the city with her family. She’s always been outspoken about being a city girl, so of course she’s here, too!

3. Kevin Bacon, Upper West Side

This actor has been gracing our screens for decades now, so he should be pretty familiar to you as well. He and his wife own a unit in this neighborhood and has been spotted by his neighbors, so if you find yourself in the Upper West Side for any reason, keep your eyes peeled!

4. Robert De Niro, Greenwich Village

As a native New Yorker, De Niro has always been very vocal about his love for the city and was especially helpful in the revitalization of the city after the 9/11 attacks. Plus, his New York accent always comes through thick in all of his movies, which only makes that much more since that he’s still here in NYC!

5. Tina Fey, West End Avenue

Tina Fey’s shows Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt all take place and film in New York City, so it’s only natural that she’s stayed in Manhattan as well. You can find Tina Fey and her husband in the West End Avenue area of Manhattan—surely the convenience of travel and getting out of the city was a huge appeal for such a megastar as herself!

6. Taylor Swift, TriBeCa

It’s probably a pretty accurate assumption that Taylor doesn’t spend much time at her place in TriBeCa just because of her intense tour schedule and PR events, but she’s such a huge star that she’s pretty hard to miss, so next time you’re in this neighborhood, keep your eyes peeled—you never know!

7. Madonna, Upper East Side

This one was surprising for me to learn, as I hardly imagine Madonna has enough time to relax in her Upper East Side unit given her busy global schedule! At the same time, who can blame her? It’s New York City, right? Plus, if you ever run into her, she’ll be happy to hear that she has fans from all over the world since she spends so much of her time in other countries!

Not all superstars have to live in California or in private planes—some celebrities enjoy the excitement and buzz of New York City. They might be easy to miss since they’re pretty good at blending in with the crowds, but you never know when you might see your favorite star in the subway or taking a stroll through Central Park—after all, our musical and on-screen favorites get to take break for themselves, too!

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!

February 6, 2018

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!

 

January 23, 2018

New York City, if you haven’t learned so by now, has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country. Small and family-owned businesses struggle on a daily basis to get by while in competition with more powerful big-box retailers. Talented performers, like singers, actors, and musicians, often barely scrape by while trying to pursue their dreams in this great yet competitive city. The winters in New York City are often the most difficult time of the year for these individuals, for the harsh temperatures create higher electric bills, slowed transportation, and unlivable conditions. If you have spare time, money, or goods that might help these struggling people, here are a few ways you can volunteer and give back. Plus, these organizations will help you with your English skills, as human interaction is at the very core of these causes. Not only will you get your language practice, but you’ll be helping to make someone else’s day as well.

1. DEED app

If you’re not sure where to start, consider downloading this app to help you brainstorm. To start, all you need to do is add in your location (your zip code or borough), and all the local charities and volunteer opportunities will pop up in your feed, allowing you to choose what stands out to you the most. You can organize your options by location, date, or kind of service. This is the best way to get started and to get you motivated; once you volunteer the first time, you’ll want to keep doing it, guaranteed. Plus, once you’re out there with one group, you can share your information with others, which will not only exercise your English social skills, but you’ll hear about other volunteer and non-profit groups for future community outreach days.

2. NYC Service

This is another digital option to have customized volunteer options curated for you. Whether it’s helping the environment with planting trees in the park or helping young children with reading, writing, or arithmetic, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to helping others. Plus, think about this: if you’re brushing up on your English, consider helping others with their English. By practicing and learning together, you both could help each other strengthen your skills. Pretty cool, right??

3. Ellen’s Stardust Diner, Times Square

Nope, you’re not mistaken—I meant to include this! When I first moved to New York City, this restaurant was one of my first must-see places. With its location so close to Broadway’s biggest theatres, this diner employs performance art hopefuls. Every couple of minutes, a server that has hopes of making it to Broadway will grab a microphone and start singing and dancing to classic and popular showtunes for everyone’s entertainment. Try singing along to practice your English—you might be surprised how easy it is to remember English words when they’re set to music! While performing, the manager will pass around a bucket that is meant to collect cash tips and donations, designed to help these hopefuls with their singing, acting, and dancing lessons. By visiting this destination, not only will you be fed and entertained, but you can walk away with the enormous feeling of helping each hopeful performer get one step closer to their dreams.

4. Donate to thrift shops

There are endless destinations in New York City that accept donations. Places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and general thrift stores are always looking for and happy to accept used clothing, furniture, toys, home goods, or even books that you may not use or need anymore. As I mentioned before, there are thousands of people and families in New York City that can barely get by, so these individuals rely on the donations and goodwill of others to aid them in their daily lives. If you’re looking to give back but may be short on time or services, consider sifting through your closets or cabinets, and gather all the items that are just taking up space. By donating them to these centers, not only will you free space in your living area, but even better, you’ll know your things will help someone else’s life. Get used to hearing the English phrase, “Thank you” quite a bit as you’re giving back—it’ll make you feel wonderful.