Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

August 1, 2018

For me, I enjoy being in New York City in the summer. Even though some days are hot and humid and maybe even slightly miserable, it seems that people are genuinely lighter in spirit simply because it’s summer. Plus, with everyone taking time off work to travel and go on vacations, there seems to be less people around, making it feel like the city is just for me! August tends to be the hottest month of the summer, but don’t let the dog days of the season get you down or confine you to your precious air conditioner. There’s still plenty to do (both indoors and outdoors) in the Big Apple!

Luckily, as I’ve mentioned a few times in previous posts, the city is a melting pot of all kinds of cultures and languages, so if you’re practicing your English this summer, these activities will give you several chances and ways to put your skills to use. And the best way to put them to the test is to immerse yourself in activities that involve other people so you can chat with them and see how good you are on your feet! Before attending the events, do some general research on the area, Google some common phrases relevant to the gathering, and grab your friends for a fun-filled day of New York City and your English skills!

1. New York Renaissance Faire, August 5, Tuxedo Park, NY

If you can swing it, this all-day event will require a bit of time, as it’s about an hour drive outside the city, but you’ll find that the extra effort is totally worth it. With its 40^th anniversary this year, this highly popular event attracts visitors from all over the state to go back in time and experience life in the Elizabethan era. Witness cool jousting matches, interact with all sorts of reenactments, and of course, come hungry! The best part of any Renaissance Faire is all the delicious grub, like funnel cake, tons of meat, and bottomless beer. Bring your English social skills and ask other event-goers where they got their face painted or if they had a chance to check out the jousting match. Not only will this help you catch everything in the day, but you’ll help others in the process.

2. Madonnathon, August 12, Brooklyn Bowl

Madonna is one of our most beloved musical icons to this day. As a music and fashion symbol for decades, Madonna has inspired and paved the way for other female entertainers, so of course, why not dedicate a whole day to our favorite Material Girl! Come dressed in your favorite Madonna style era for a chance to win cool prizes and interact with other fans. This is also the perfect chance to brush up on your American/English pop music—make a Pandora Madonna station or check out her discography on Spotify and pick out your favorite tunes. Then when you hit the event, you can ask others for their favorite Madonna songs, and you can sing along to all the tunes while you’re there!

3. New York Mets vs. New York Yankees, August 14-17, Citi Field and Yankee Stadium

Honestly, for me, nothing really says summer quite like a live baseball game. You might have remembered from previous posts that New Yorkers are quite serious about their local teams, so it makes total sense for both New York-based professional baseball teams to face off with one another for a few days in August. Even if you aren’t a fan of either team, this is a great activity to enjoy the summer weather, interact with other baseball fans, and participate in one of the America’s most beloved pastimes. Grab a hot dog, a cold beer, and don’t forget to come with your best English baseball phrases so you can root for the teams with all the other baseball fans. Before you know it, you’ll be singing along to the “Seventh Inning Stretch” with everyone else!

This August, don’t let the summer heat deter you from enjoying all the different things that New York City has to offer. Whether you want to stay in the comfort of indoor air conditioning or don’t mind the heat, you’re bound to find something to do that will also allow you to practice your English reading, listening, and speaking skills! The city is a melting pot afterall, so chances are, you’re also bound to run into someone that’s practicing their English, too!

July 3, 2018

Now that we’re in the middle of summer in New York City, you might be looking for some cool and unique things to do so you can enjoy the warm weather and everything this great city has to offer. Since some of the days are incredibly hot and slightly uncomfortable to be out in, there are tons of options that include things to do inside to enjoy the air conditioning, too. One of my favorite details of the city in the summer is that the population seems to lighten up a bit. With so many people taking their family vacations during this time of the year, I’ve found that general errands are easier to run because there are simply less people around. While I of courses love the city and all the amazing people in it, it’s still amazing to get a break from the congestion from time to time.

If you’re practicing your English here in New York City, luckily these activities will not only let you exercise what you already know, but it will put you to the test to put those learned skills to use. Whether it’s reading and writing or even speaking with new people, you might be surprised how easily it comes to you when you’re outside the classroom – mainly because you’re having fun in the Big Apple! So if you’re ready to put your English skills to use this July, here are a few ways you can do so right here in New York City.

1. Full Moon Festival, Governors Island, July 8

For something that obviously doesn’t come around all the time, this will be a great activity to grab a bunch of your friends and experience a night out to feel a little superstitious. While this activity costs a bit of cash (tickets start at $50), it’ll be worth it with the amazing live musical acts, breathtaking art shows, and of course, incredible food. Since there are so many legends and myths that revolve around the full moon, bring your favorite story and ask other festival-goers about their favorite full moon tale. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking English fluently with total strangers in no time!

2. NYC Restaurant Week, various locations, July 24-August 18

Don’t be fooled by the title of this event—it’s become so popular in New York City that Restaurant Week actually spans three weeks. Be sure to check out the restaurants that are participating, because this is the best time to try out eateries that may otherwise be a bit outside of your budget. This three-week event means that participating restaurants offer multi-course meals for discounted prices to achieve higher business rates and hopefully attract new diners. Check out the menus online so you can practice your English reading, and by the time you make it to the restaurant, you can feel confident in what you order and you’ll be prepared to ask any questions you may have.

3. Panorama Festival, Randall’s Island Park, July 28-30

If you’re a music buff like me, this festival is definitely up your alley. Since this event takes place over the whole weekend, you have the opportunity to figure out your itinerary so you can be sure you see your favorites, plan out your culinary stops, and figure out the best way to get the most out of your tickets. With growing popularity, this festival is quickly becoming one of the hottest festivals for established and up-and-coming artists. Brush up on you English by learning new music from artists you haven’t heard of before, and then wham! You know new music AND English! Hope your singing voice is okay!

Even though so many people take their annual family vacations during the summer, the city will still be bouncing with high energy and excitement over the longer days and warmer weather. Even on those hot and unbearable days, you can count on New York City to offer you limitless activities. And don’t fret about your English skills if you’re still trying to perfect them—as I continue to say in each post: New York City is a huge melting pot with thousands of people speaking all different languages. We New Yorkers are patient and welcoming, so feel free to ask for help if you need it. But if you feel confident, give your English skills a shot and see what happens. Nothing bad can happen, and ultimately, you’re still in the greatest city in the world!

June 29, 2018

In New York City, the 4^th of July is a huge deal. Not only does it celebrate our nation’s birth and independence, but because we are home to the Statue of Liberty and since New York City is such a melting pot of so many other cultures, New Yorkers keep this national holiday close to heart. All over the country, people will come together with their loved ones to celebrate this great day to eat great food, enjoy the outdoors, and close the evening with a fireworks display. Since NYC is so visually stunning at nighttime, especially along the water, this place we all call home goes to great lengths to bring us incredible fireworks. Whether you’re looking for a great rooftop or the perfect seat in a park or along the water, you’ll easily find something for your taste—all you need to do is plan a little ahead, and you’re set to celebrate.

This is also another great day to put your English skills to use, as everyone you run into will be in a celebratory mood and quite jovial. In addition to this mood, many will be reflective of the time they came to America. So many of our citizens come from other countries, so this will be a great time to share your story if you also come from a different area in the world. Use your English conversational skills to communicate your first reactions, how you feel while you’re in New York City, and what you feel you can bring back to your home country when your education is complete – that is, if you don’t end up staying yourself!

1. Fourth of July Evening Cruise

If you have enough people in your group and if you have enough time to plan this lavish excursion, try out one of the many river cruises offered. While this event may be a bit pricey, it’s also one of those things that you’ll probably only ever do once, so why not?! Since the main fireworks (the Macy’s Fireworks Show) shoots from barges in the East River, what better place to catch them all from the actual water? Many of the cruises also include food and drink and of course, plenty of entertainment, so you could easily argue that this event is an investment on your New York City experience. Practicing your English? Ask other cruisers about their favorite 4^th of July memory or why they chose to participate in a cruise this year.

2. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

If you’re looking for something to do during the day, try your hand at another cherished American pastime: competitive hot dog eating! Each year on the 4^th of July, Coney Island hosts this oddly fascinating contest that attracts thousands of people. It seems a bit absurd, I know. But this contest is televised all over the world, as contestants travel incredible distances to participate. It’s become a national tradition, and while I’ve still yet to see it myself, I still consider myself intrigued by it each year simply due to its bizarreness. Since this is another cultural melting pot event, this is a great chance for you to practice your English conversational skills and find out why other people have come to the event – their answers might surprise you!

3. Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks

Of course, I saved this for last because no 4^th of July would be complete without fantastic fireworks, right? The show will begin at approximately 9:30 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, and the barges are located between 24^th and 41^st Streets in the East River. The fireworks display will last about a half hour, so you’ll be entertained for quite some time as the sky lights up to celebrate another birthday for the United States.

The 4^th of July is a great time of celebration, not only for New York City but for the country as a whole. You’ll be surprised just how amazing the fireworks can resemble incredible patriotism and pride, so take this moment to think about your time in the United States, and put your English skills to use as you communicate memories that stand out, what you’ve learned, and what may inspire you for the future. So this 4^th of July, pull out your best red, white, and blue outfits, grab some friends, and enjoy New York City on the most patriotic day of the year.

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!