Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

March 24, 2020

We’re in the middle of a very uncertain time in our world, and it can be overwhelming to try and stay safe, calm, and sane when we’re being told to stay home. For those of us that are by ourselves or far away from loved ones, that isolation can be very loud. For me, I’ve been exploring all kinds of options for staying in touch and connected as well as staying in touch with myself.

When the quarantine first started, I saw it as a mini-vacation – I slept in frequently, parked myself in front of my TV for hours, and mentally checked out. After a few days of doing that, I started to feel unproductive and guilty about how I was spending my time. Before this virus came to New York City, I was always incredibly busy, wearing multiple hats of obligation and responsibility. I would often wish for a day off just to tend to personal matters. I realized that even though this virus is a scary and uncertain event, I had to be more mindful around how I was spending this time.

Even though I’m able to fulfill my job’s responsibilities remotely, I still found that my mental gymnastics were greatly reduced. I recognize that a lot of that is because I’m distracted by the anxiety of the uncertainty around this virus, but I also wasn’t doing the same things I normally was. I wasn’t interacting with people as much – obviously – and many of my activities were being cancelled. Now that we know this is going to be the norm for some time, I’ve actively decided to make sure that I’m doing something at least once a day that triggers my brain’s activities. It’s very easy to just burn a hole on your couch to make the time go by, but I’ve found these few changes have made a difference. Play word games

• Play word games

We are very fortunate to live in a time that allows us to connect with one another virtually. Through games on our phones to board games that you can “play with others” over FaceTime, you can keep your brain active and challenged. I downloaded Scrabble Go and play with friends or strangers to keep my thinking cap on. There are tons of other “brainfood” games out there, especially now, to keep your mind juices flowing.

• Read, read, read

I get that this is kind of a lost art these days given our extreme digital connectivity, but there’s no better time to dust off those books you’ve been meaning to crack open for some time. Not only will the stories take you to another world and distract you from current reality, but the activity itself will keep your brain much more active and checked in. If you’re looking for help or suggestions, GoodReads is a great place to get started.

• Exercise

I get that this is a physical activity, but getting your heart rate up is proven to also stimulate your brain. If you’re feeling frustrated, nervous, or defeated, simply going for a quick job can help you clear some of that clutter and feel a bit more at ease. You’ll also be able to rest easier during the day knowing that you’ve taken care of your body.

• Connect with friends and family

This one is probably the most paramount, and I’ve found this to be crucial when it comes to managing my health during this time. Since I live alone, the solitude is much louder than those that live with others. I’ve been calling my family members more and connecting with my friends more often to not only bridge the gap of isolation a bit, but it helps me to understand this scenario from others’ perspectives.

My sister has young children, so she worries about their health. My mom’s parents are in a nursing home on the other side of the country, so she’s worried about them. I have younger siblings in college that are now having to experience their academics away from campus. All of these unique and individualized experiences have put my own situation into perspective.

This is an uncertain time for people all around the world, and while I’m fortunate enough to be able to do my job remotely, I also recognize the impact that this is having on others, the economy, and our future as a whole. Personally, I hope you’re staying safe and calm, and remember to reach out to your loved ones.

March 17, 2020

If you’ve spent some time at New York English Academy, you’re likely used to the classroom dynamic and working with your classmates to enhance your learning skills. The instructor and the resources available have likely aided in your English skills, but you probably also have learned just as much by working with and practicing with your classmates. Since all of you are there for the same reasons, there’s likely a level of connection that others not in the program would not understand.

This sense of community has helped our society shape other programs in the academic field. Even for those that may not be incredibly social-minded, working with your classmates proves to be beneficial for all involved. This kind of work provides a perspective that simply cannot come from your textbooks or your instructor. Additionally, you can help one another out with difficult subjects without judgement, and this kind of collaboration utilizes a more active part of your brain than traditional classroom learning or lectures.

If you’re looking to continue your advanced studies after your time at New York English Academy, it’s highly recommended to check out the programs available at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. Not only do these two institutions have a partnership that allows easier entrance into the college, but there is a built-in community from which you can greatly benefit. If you choose to continue your higher education career at St. Francis College, here are just a few ways you can get involved in the community to enhance your English skills as well as your social skills.

St. Francis College Student Life

The college design is meant to shape young adults not only in their academic studies but in their social lives. The student life programs at St. Francis will help students develop their participation in the community and understand how they can make a difference in their world. With this kind of real-world exposure and experience, you can complete your time at St. Francis with more than just a degree.

• Clubs and organizations

There are many options for you to get involved here. From academic clubs to cultural and special interest clubs to even Greek life, there’s likely a concentration that would suit your specific interests. If you find there’s a club that doesn’t exist that you think others would be interested in, here’s your chance to take action! It’s an easy task to contact representatives at the school to make your case, and before you know it, you might have your very own club!

• Student government

No matter what your area of study is in, many students choose to get involved in this area of student life. Not only does it provide insight into action and advocacy, but it gives students a sense of operational process if change is desired. By looking at steps and elements that are required to achieve change, you may feel inspired to take greater action in your community and elevate your voice.

• Religious options

If you belong to any kind of religious community, you will likely be able to find a group that represents your belief system. Not only will this provide you with the resources you need to worship as you see fit, but you’ll also have a built-in community of others that share your values. Be sure to check out your options here.

• Athletics

If you’re an athlete yourself or just enjoy competitive sports, be sure to check out the schedules for these areas. With sports year-round, you can easily find the entertainment from basketball and soccer to track and field and swimming and diving. This is a great way to show support for the school as well as provide you the opportunity to meet new people and interact with fellow students.

The college experience is designed to provide you skills beyond the academic focus. By giving you the opportunity to interact with your classmates both in the classroom and beyond, you’ll develop enhanced social skills, community responsibility, and an organized mindset on how you want your life to look post-graduation. St. Francis College understands the value of interaction with one another, which is why the Student Life organization is robust and diverse. You’ll be able to have fun while simultaneously learning and designing the next years of your life.

If you’re ready to take the next step after your time at New York English Academy, check out St. Francis College today!

March 3, 2020

They say March comes in like a lion and ends like a lamb – I’ve always remembered this since I was little, and I have to admit that I tend to cling to this idea to this day. It’s likely because by the time we get to this time of the year, I am so ready for some breaks in the cold, winter days and finally get some sunnier and warmer days. By the time March rolls around, it can sometimes feel like winter will never end, so this is the unofficial month of change in weather!

For me, I’m ready to break my hibernation habits and start socializing more and meeting up with friends. I also find that my mood is just generally better overall!

Luckily, when you’re out and about more often, you’re also probably going to be seeing your friends more often. This gives you the chance to put your English skills to use in real-life beyond your classroom. Not only will you get to see your friends more, but you’ll be able to use one another to give your English skills some practice. No matter how you choose to spend your month of March, you’ll have plenty to do and plenty of opportunities to get some real-world English practice. Here are just a few things to look forward to this month.

1. March 9^th; National Meatball Day in Little Italy

First of all, I didn’t even know this existed myself, so if you find your way down to Little Italy this day, you might just run into me! What better neighborhood to try out some of the best tastes in town! There’s an entire list of restaurants that are participating in this day in some way, so this is a great way to plan your whole day so you can be sure to sample some of the best there is. Bonus: even though this event is designed to get you out of your house and spend some time practicing your English, this is actually a great excuse to try out your skills at Italian!

• March 15^th; The Vessel; Hudson Yards

If you can believe it, it’s now been one whole year since this iconic attraction was unveiled. It’s already made an incredible impression upon the city, and what better way to celebrate its presence than honor its one-year anniversary! If you haven’t made it to the Vessel yet, now’s the time! With incredible architecture and stunning views, you can easily spend an entire day here! So grab a group of friends and put on your most supportive pair of sneakers, and get ready for a great day of site-seeing. Plus, you’ll easily be able to connect with other site-seers, since this destination is wildly popular with people on social media – you’ll get your written English practice here!

• March 17th; NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This holiday is celebrated practically everywhere, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you to find out that New York City goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day. On this day, New York City hosts one of the oldest parades celebrated in the city, and you can catch it if you’re anywhere near Midtown East or the Upper East Side. Be sure to wear your green, and practice some of your English phrases to communicated with other parade-goers. You’d be surprised how many people get into the Irish spirit – just make sure to dress warm enough just in case spring isn’t ready to show itself yet!

New York City is a city that has endless things to do. If the weather is still a bit too bitter for you in the beginning of the month, check out one of the many museums so you can still be active but in the comfort of warmth. If springs starts to show early, take a stroll through one of the parks you haven’t visited yet. No matter what the weather is, March will still give you plenty to do. And since the Big Apple is such a huge cultural and lingual melting pot, you’ll be surrounded by all kind of people that will help you out if you need some help either with communicating or even just navigating through the city. At the end of the day, we’re all here to enjoy the best of what New York City has to offer, so you might as well make the best of it!

January 29, 2020

Winter in New York City can feel pretty brutal at times, and February can often be the worst month of them all. The days are short, and the weather characteristics are unpredictable and sometimes unbearable. You’ll be bundling up to take the trash out, and mustering the energy to leave your apartment can sometimes be a serious struggle when the temperatures don’t even hit double digits. I say this every winter, as I’m guilty of this myself, but it’s important to get outside, even in the brutal elements, because the fresh air will do you wonders, and after all – you’re in New York City! This means you’ll never run out of things to do.

If you’re trying to put your English learning to use in a practical way, these activities will help you do so. Learning beyond the classroom is one of the best ways to naturally integrate your learnings so before you know it, you can call yourself a fluent English speaker! So for the month of February, bundle up, get some hot cocoa to warm your bones, and get out there!

1.Restaurant Week, February 1 – 9

If you haven’t noticed, New York City runs several of these events throughout the year just because they’re a huge success and offers incredible visibility for business. This is a great time of year to think about expanding your horizons when it comes to different types of cuisine. If you’re unsure about trying a new restaurant or a new kind of food, this is a great time to check out the list of restaurants that participate. You can get discounted meals while having the opportunity of the restaurant selecting the menu for you. Grab your friends, and start practicing how to communicate with your server, how to special request a beverage, and of course, your verbal table manners in English. With the blustery weather, dining out this week is a great way to get out without having to endure the brutal temperatures too directly.

2.National Pizza Day, Sunday, February 9^th

While this special day may not be specific to New York City alone, it’s still a day that I wanted to note because, well, pizza. Given you’re in a city that idolizes this Italian staple and that there are pizza shops on basically every corner, today is definitely worth noting and jotting down in your calendar. Many pizza shops will offer special deals on this day, so be sure to gather your friends and schedule a pizza tour so you can hit all the best spots and maybe even try a new kind of pie while you’re out. This is also a great way to brush up on your English terms for pizza toppings, so feel free to experiment!

3.Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14^th

This is another “event” that isn’t necessarily dedicated to New York City, but it’s also worth including just because it’s a huge day for couples, and this year it falls on a Friday. If you’re in a romantic relationship, you should start brainstorming ideas on what to do now, as restaurants and other activities fill up fast with like-minded couples planning for the holiday. If you’re unattached and looking for something to celebrate your independence with your other single friends, you’ll also want to think ahead, as this is also another common effort in New York City. There are all sorts of deals around this city revolving around this holiday, so you definitely won’t be at a loss of ideas. They say that love is a universal language, but this holiday is also a great time to put your English learnings to use. Brush up on your love affirmations, and if you’re attached, start thinking of ways you can communicate your love to your other half.

You might feel a bit defeated this month when it comes to finding things to do and staying entertained. I know for me, it can take all of my energy just to leave my apartment if I don’t have to. But there are so many things you can do inside to stay warm and comfortable, and even if you venture for activities outside, you can just add layer after layer to your outfit so you can stay nice and toasty. New York City is known as a huge cultural melting pot, so you’ll always be able to utilize your English speaking skills with others, so get out there and stay warm!

December 24, 2019

Today’s blog is a serious topic. It’s about something that I-20 holders want to know. This information has been personally exchanged with the person responsible for the SEVIS.

Since last year, the SEVIS Field Associate (responsible for our school) has regularly come to visit the campus several times. They come to share the latest rules and visa information regarding the SEVIS, and to check that our school isn’t unusual at the same time.

Aside from that, the one question that we are often asked by students is:

“Will I be able to get the 60 days Grace Period?”

The Grace Period is a sixty-day legal stay within the country following the completion of your program. During this time, a student must either transfer to another school, or leave the United States.

The one thing that students on an F1 visa tend to get incorrect is that they will automatically be entitled to the 60 days Grace Period if they hold a valid I-20. This is wrong.

Not everyone is entitled to the sixty-day legal stay. To receive the Grace Period, a student must meet the requirements outlined below.

Properly complete their program →  this means they complete their program without failing, and while meeting the appropriate attendance rates.

For example, a student has enrolled in a twelve-week program. Imagine they have now transferred to another school in the middle of the program. This transfer is possible, but it means they haven’t completed their program in this case (since they have transferred) and are not entitled to the 60 days Grace Period.

In this particular case, the student has a 15-day legal stay within the country.  During this time, they must either leave the United States, or complete the transfer process to the new school and begin their next program from the earliest possible start date.

If a student’s attendance is insufficient, and their I-20 is terminated by the school, they must leave the United States immediately.

As for transfers, the SEVIS advises that it doesn’t mean “It would be good to complete the transfer process within the 60 days, and start the program at your next school”, but rather, “If you want to transfer during the Grace Period, you should finish the application process promptly and start your new program from the earliest possible start date.”

It is vital for students staying in the country on an F1 visa to take personal responsibility for maintaining their status. (Especially regarding attendance)

Students who come to America on an ETSA are able to stay for 90 days. Staying any longer than this will be an illegal stay and this will remain on their record.

It is highly likely that applications for visas from people with a record of illegal stays will be rejected. Please take plenty of care.

December 23, 2019

Transfers between language schools are popular within America. As mentioned previously in this blog, it is possible for the transfer process to be completed by the student themselves.

■ Transfer Process

1. Before the conclusion of your program, decide whether to extend the program at your current school or transfer to another
2. If you decide to transfer, choose the school you will transfer to
3. Proceed with the enrollment process of the school you will transfer to (fill in application forms, make payments etc; please follow the school’s procedure)
4. Submit required documents to your current school
5. Your current school moves your SEVIS record to your next school

This isn’t a difficult process, but some troubles have occurred from time to time.

■ A student has forgotten to submit the documents, and their status changed to ‘Complete’.

The documents required to move your SEVIS record to the next school are the ‘Transfer Form’ and the ‘Acceptance Letter’ for the school you are transferring to.

The issues that occurred in a certain case are related to this.

A student who had completed their program submitted a ‘transfer form’. The staff filled out all the necessary information and handed the form back to the student. Despite being urged to submit the acceptance letter prior to the final day, it was not submitted. More than sixty days passed following the end of the student’s program, and their status changed to ‘Complete’.

As previously mentioned in this blog, in the sixty days following the end of your program date (in the case of our school, the last day of your I-20 validity is the end date of your program) you will enter a Grace Period.  Students must either transfer schools during this period or leave the United States.

The SEVIS status will automatically switch from ‘Active’ to ‘Complete’ on the 61^st day. Once a status has become ‘Complete’, the school can do nothing more. You need to leave the US immediately.

■ Why is the transfer process incomplete without an ‘Acceptance Letter’?

Most schools mention the following warning on their ‘transfer forms’:

“Please do not release the student’s SEVIS record to us until our school DSO has confirmed acceptance of the student via a written Letter of Acceptance. This transfer Verification form is not a confirmation of acceptance.”

According to this warning, your current school cannot send your record to them unless both your ‘acceptance letter’ and ‘transfer form’ are complete.

Even if you complete your enrollment form and payment of fees, and the transfer process has been completed at the school you’re transferring into, whether or not your record is transferred depends on whether or not your documentation has been submitted properly.

At each school’s discretion, if a student’s SEVIS record has not been transferred despite completing the transfer process, the school may be able to contact the previous school and check the issue. However, not all schools will go that far.

NYEA takes a lot of admissions from other schools. After completing the enrollment process with us, we issue an ‘acceptance letter’ and we always ensure to send the ‘transfer form’ and ‘acceptance letter’ to the school the student is transferring from. We will contact the previous school in cases where the record has not been sent to us.

The transfer process is not difficult, but it’s a good idea to confirm the steps with the staff at your current or future school.

 

December 22, 2019

There are quite a few choices as to what you should do with your cell phone while studying abroad. Which option is best depends largely on the length of your studies, so let’s take a look at the following before deciding.

For Short-Term Studies Abroad:

• Option 1: Use your smartphone to connect to the free Wi-Fi at schools, accommodation and within stations.

New York is implementing free public Wi-Fi, so you will be able to use the internet at many different places like libraries, stations, parks and traffic intersections. Also, many cafes and fast food restaurants offer Wi-Fi as part of their service. However, services such as these are not always high speed. One option is to purchase a mobile Wi-Fi router.

** If you don’t switch off your mobile data, international charges will apply**

• Option 2: Use your local telco’s always-connected overseas internet service

If choosing the option to use an overseas internet service provided by your local company, please contact the telco before coming to the United States.

Mobile Wi-Fi routers:

Local carriers provide prepaid services. These are quite affordable, but their expiration dates are usually only a few months. They are suitable for short-term studies but may not be useful for long-term studies.

In America, it is possible to purchase prepaid Wi-Fi routers with indefinite expiration dates. (e.g. Internet on the Go)

It’s best to buy these along with a usage fee voucher. The cost is split into two types: one for fixed-term expiration and the other for indefinite expiration. The price also differs according to capacity (around $10 to $50).

Example: $25 for 3GB with a 30-day expiry, or 1.5GB with no expiry

For Long-Term Studies Abroad:

• What do I do about the cell phone I use in my country?

Regarding your cell phone, you may cancel your current contract, or you may alter your plan, and have it placed on hold. In short, if you pay the minimum costs while you’re studying abroad, you can then return to your original plan after returning home. The companies au, Docomo and Softbank all offer a service to put your contract on hold without paying the hundreds of yen cancellation fee. With this option, there is no breach of contract fee, so it may be better than cancelling while you’re overseas. Please contact your telco for more information.

Option 1: Purchase a cell phone within the United States

Purchase both a cell phone and a SIM card at your destination.

It is important to note that if you set up a new cell phone, you won’t be able to let your family members know your contact details etc. in advance. If you purchase a device locally, all the instructions and information will be in English.

(*There is a service called “h2o by KDDI” to set up a cell phone and issue a phone number prior to leaving the country. Please contact us for more details.)

1. Purchase a pre-paid type cell phone that you can pay before using

You can buy pre-paid phones if you have the payment fee and personal ID.

The best thing about this type of service is that it does not require a contract, so you can cancel it at any time you like. However, there are initial costs to purchase the device. (The full price of the cell phone is paid at the time of purchase, and this can vary from $50 to $800 depending on the device.) You purchase a SIM card at the same time as the cell phone. Since there is important information and numbers on the packaging of your cell phone and SIM card, we recommend that you keep these and do not throw them away.

The major American telco are:

• Verizon
• AT&T
• Sprint
• T mobile
• Metro PCS, Virgin Mobile (specializing in prepaid)

Metro PCS and Virgin Mobile specialize in prepaid services and are cheaper than the other major companies, but they may not receive good signal in the suburban areas.

We recommend pre-paid services since students without a social security number or a bank account can easily use them.

Payments are made from your own online accounts.

2. Purchase a post-paid type cell phone

This is a regular contract type. Cancellations during the contract period will incur penalty fees. Since you will be required to show your social security number and other information, this isn’t convenient for students without a social security number.

Option 2: Unlock the SIM for your cell phone, and only purchase a SIM card in America

Insert and use the purchased SIM card

If you’d like to use this method, please contact your current telco.

To be able to use your phone for this, the following conditions must be met:

1) The cell phone must have been sold after May 2015

2) The period of use must satisfy the minimum requirements for the telco

3) The cell phone must be compatible with US frequencies

SIM unlocking your phone is not always possible, depending on how long you have been using the phone. Please ensure you unlock your phone at the specific company’s store or through the support site. Some stores will charge fees of 1000-3000yen to do this for you. Cheaper smartphones may be able to be SIM unlocked, but they also may not support US frequencies.

Check that your phone is a compatible model, and if there are no issues, purchase the correct SIM type for your phone after arriving in the country.

Please note the following points:

1. The type of SIM card differs depending on the model of Android, iPhone etc.
2. There may be difficulties connecting to US signals

SIM Cards:

A SIM card is a card which holds information like your phone number etc, and once purchased, is inserted into your device. In other words, a cell phone is unusable without a SIM card. Up until recently, telco companies issued their own individual SIM cards and set them to read only specific information (SIM lock). This made it impossible for customers to switch to other companies.

In 2015, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications instructed all telco companies to enable SIM unlocking, so now it has become possible to do so.

New York Wi-Fi

New York is one of the advanced internet environments in the world.

In Manhattan, LinkNYC (a New York project to replace the unused public payphones with public Wi-Fi) is everywhere. The speeds are a decent 200Mbps.

To use LinkNYC, select “LinkNYC” from the list of available Wi-Fi on your phone, then register your email address. The certificate will be installed, and you will be able to use the internet service.

In the subways, a free Wi-Fi service called “TransitWirelessFree” is provided. Most buses do not provide Wi-Fi, but some buses that run in the Bronx and in Queens do. Charging is usually possible.

There is free Wi-Fi on the NYC Ferry. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available all over the place, such as in cafes, hotels, restaurants, museums etc.

Although the internet services in New York are progressing, if you’d rather have easy access to the internet without hassle, we recommend renting Wi-Fi or acquiring a cell phone in the United States.

American Cell Phone Information:

In some countries, a fee is charged for making a call, but not receiving calls. In the United States, fees are charges both for making and receiving calls.

In the US, the contract would be “charges for 0 minutes’ talk and 0GB of data”.

Please remember that if the person who calls you talks for a long time, you will also be charges as the receiver of the call.

Each situation is different depending on whether your study abroad plans are long-term or short-term so consider all your options before deciding what to do. Furthermore, ensure you contact your current telco company.

December 20, 2019

January can be a tough month in New York City. January can be a tough month no matter where you are, really. The winter can start to really kick in, and the cold temperatures can make us feel defeated and tired. The shorter days can definitely take a toll on our attitudes and energy levels, so it’s important to keep yourself busy so you don’t give in to the laziness of the winter. Of course, it’s nice to hibernate sometimes, but it can also be easy to fall into the routine of staying in ALL the time. (I’m guilty of this myself, so I can speak from experience here!) If you can get past the dreary weather, January in the Big Apple can be really fun!

Of course, while you’re here, you’ll want to put your English skills to real-world practice, and there’s truly no better location to do that. As I always say, New York City is the ideal cultural and lingual melting pot, so you’ll easily be able to put your classroom skills to use while you’re out and about in all kinds of ways. It might be difficult to engage with others due to these hibernation habits, but trust me, you won’t be bored!

1.Big Apple Circus, Various dates in January, Lincoln Center

Luckily, the circus is a universal language and experience. With all sorts of talents and spectacles, you can be entertained while staying warm indoors at the same time. Bring your friends so you can practice your English reactions, and if you’re posting on social media, practicing your social hashtags will also help you engage with other social media users on your experience. The best part is of course the food, so this is another way you can practice your English skills with vendors and other attendees. Find out what food and drink they’re serving, share your favorites, and be sure to post!

2.Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival, January 18, Brooklyn Expo Center

Now this is an event that I’m interested in myself. I’m a huge beer fan, and I tend to lean towards bourbon before vodka or tequila, so this is interesting! Plus, in the dead of winter, there’s nothing better than some satisfying and comforting barbecue to warm your belly. At this event, you’ll be able to sample all sorts of brews and taste all sorts of barbecue mixed with plenty of onsite entertainment, like music and dancing. This is the perfect getaway for your friends to spend your day while staying warm – and the bonus is you’ll get to try all different kinds of tastes from all over the country. Not only will you learn a lot about the food and drink, but you’ll have the opportunity to socialize with other event-goers and put your English speaking skills to use. This event costs to get in, so be sure to bring your wallet!

3.Winter Festival, FrostFest, starting January 25, Bryant Park

If you’ve been in New York City for a while, it’s likely that you’ve heard about this event for some time. Even though the festive holidays are over in January, there is still plenty to see and do in the outdoor parks. Bryant Park especially goes all out when it comes to winter celebrations, as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, karaoke, live music, and now bumper cars on ice. This location draws in people from all over the city to participate in the festivities, so I recommend planning ahead if you’re interested in this. (I recommend avoiding the weekends if you have the ability, as families will arrive with their full party in tow – if you can, check it out in the middle of the week). There are tons of happenings over the week that it’s open for this celebration, so be sure to plan ahead and pick out what you want to participate in the most! And of course, attending is a great way to put your English skills to use as you interact with others in attendance.

No matter what, being in New York City in January can sometimes be tough. The holidays are over, people are back to work, and the kids are back in school. But you’re still in the greatest city in the world, so do what you can to make the best of it, even in one of the most brutally cold months of the year!

December 11, 2019

As long as your student visa remains valid (even if your I-20 has expired) your stay in America may be mistakenly considered a legal stay.

The I-20 form is attached to the F1 visa. Your I-20 must be valid for the duration of your study. The validity period is stated on the first page of the I-20 form.

The validity period of your visa is stamped on the visa page.

These two periods of validity are not necessarily limited to one another.

Let’s consider an example where the student has enrolled in a six-month program. The I-20 document states a validity period of 6 months; however, the F1 visa has been approved for a period of 5 years.

*There may be some cases where schools allow a validity period of one year or more even for a six-month enrolment. Each school’s policy differs on this*

The most important thing for students holding an F1 visa is to ensure that they also have a valid I-20. If the validity period expires on their I-20, they must do one of the following:

• Transfer into a different school within 60 days from your current program ending date
• Leave the United States within 60 days from your current program ending date
• Have the I-20 renewed at the current school (this may or may not be possible)

The abovementioned 60 days are referred to as a “grace period”. If a student completes a program at their enrolled school, they will receive a legal-stay period of 60 days.

In cases students are terminated by the school with some reasons, then they do not receive this 60-day period and they may be unable to transfer to another school.

If, during the 60-day grace period, a student does not go through the procedure to transfer schools and remains within the US, their stay will become an illegal one.

In cases where a student’s program has finished but they wish to continue their studies in the US, we ask that they extend their program and acquire an extension of their I-20 from their school. Students should always ensure that they personally retain their currently valid I-20.

The extension procedure at the New York English Academy is as follows:

1. Complete the application form for the next program
2. Prepare the certificate of bank balance
3. Pay the fees for the next program

Even if your visa expires while you are residing in the United States, as long as you hold a valid I-20 your stay will be a legal one. It will not become an illegal stay.

However, if you temporarily leave the country and re-enter, you will require a valid visa and will need to go through the visa extension procedures.

It is not possible for students to extend their visa within America, so they will be required to do so from outside the country or from their home country. Please contact your individual schools for the documents necessary for a visa extension application. The New York English Academy will assist you with any documents required to avoid any issues with your visa extension, including your transcripts and a support letter from the school.

 

Entry into other countries basically requires both a visa and a passport.

The first thing that is essential for passage into a foreign country is a passport. Without a passport, you will be unable to leave Japan. However, even though you’re able to leave Japan with just a passport, you may not be able to enter other countries. A “visa” is a document which allows entry to specific foreign countries, like an entry permit. Once a visa is issued, it is attached to your passport.

Visas are split into many different types. We will be explaining the different kinds of American visas. The two main categories are “Non-immigrant Visas” and “Immigrant Visas”.

A Non-immigrant Visa is a visa that allows you to stay in the United States for a specified period of time to accomplish a specified purpose. This is applicable for those who are tourists, students, businesspeople or special workers etc.

An Immigrant Visa is a permit to allow you to reside in the United States on a Green Card or after applying to be an American citizen.

Usually, those studying abroad will be under the “Non-Immigrant Visa” category. Non-Immigrant Visas are divided into various types according to the purpose of the traveller.

Commercial/Tourist Visa (B1/B2 Visa): Short-term entry visas for business, travel or medical treatment purposes.

Employment Visa (H1, L, O, P, Q Visa etc): Visas that permit legal employment. These are visas for working within the United States. Depending on the type of work, these visas are split into different types; e.g. special skilled laborers, internal transfers, artists, entertainers, athletes etc.

Student Visa (F1/M1 Visa): Visas for studying abroad.

Exchange Visitor Visa (J Visa): A visa for those participating in exchange programs such as training programs and internships etc.

Transit/Cruise Visa (C/D Visa): Visas for the staff and crew of planes and ships entering and landing in America.

Religious Activist Visa (R Visa): A visa for those undergoing religious activities.

Employee Visa (B, A, G Visa etc): Visas for those travelling with an employer; these are divided according to the visa status of the employer. This applies to people such as butlers, drivers, housekeepers, assistants, gardeners, diplomats and government officials etc.

Press Visa (I Visa): A visa for news media (who are based in foreign countries) to temporarily stay in the United States.

Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (E Visa): A visa for residents of countries that have treaties and investments with America.

Spouse Visa (K Visa): A visa for those who are engaged to a U.S. citizen and wish to gain permanent residency in America.

You will need a visa that matches the purpose of your stay in the United States.

Generally, to study abroad, apply for a Student Visa (F1 or M1 Visa).

All visas have specific accompanied documents.

For example, the J Visa has the DS-2019 document, and the H Visa has the I-129 document. In the case of the student visas, this document is called the I-20 form.

Both the F1 and the M1 are Student Visas.

For general university and language school studies, you’ll need the F1 Visa. For specific professional studies or training, computing, IT classes etc, you’ll need the M1 Visa. Students who attend the New York English Academy will have an F1 Visa.

When entering the United States, you must go through Immigration. (Specific to the JFK airport)

The procedure for entering the United States is as follows:

1. Arrival of the plane
2. Immigration
3. Baggage collection
4. Customs
5. Airport arrival lobby

Go through Immigration once your plane has landed. This will be split up into two lanes, one for American residents and one for foreign residents. Line up in the lane for Non-US Citizens.

Immigration at the JFK Airport in New York City has kiosks. (Some other airports may not have kiosks)

The John F. Kennedy Airport is a large airport which serves as the gateway to the East Coast of the United States, with many international visitors. The “APC KIOSK”, or Automatic Passport Control Kiosk, has been implemented to cut down on immigration.

<Immigrants who can use the kiosks> Those who can use the kiosks do not need a customs declaration form.

• People who have an ESTA and have entered the U.S. after 2008
• U.S. citizens
• Permanent residents of the U.S.
• Canadian citizens

<Immigrants who cannot use the kiosks>

• People entering for the first time with an ESTA
• People who have entered with an ESTA after 2008 but have renewed their passport
• People on a student or work visa
• People who have been directed by personnel to use the immigration desk

[Using the Kiosks]

1. Choose your language
2. Scan your passport on the screen
3. Answer the U.S. Customs questions
4. Answer ‘yes or no’ for ESTA registration
5. Fingerprint scan
6. Photo taken
7. Confirm travel companions
8. Confirm arrival flight information

Once everything has been completed, a receipt will be printed, and you will need to line up for Immigration. This is a simple lane just for showing your documents, and it means there are no issues with your entry. However, if there is a cross on the printed receipt, you will need to proceed to the same in-person immigration examination as other visa holders.

Sometimes this cross is displayed if your photo or fingerprints are not taken correctly.

Immigration Procedures

For immigration, you will need a passport containing the correct visa, and the accompanying documents for that specific visa. (In the case of a Student Visa, the I-20 form). Submit these to the immigration officer.

Having a visa does not necessarily mean you can enter the country. The immigration officer will allow your entry by checking your visa type, your purpose for visiting, and whether or not your documents have expired. At this time, the immigration officer may ask you some questions.

• Purpose of visit
• How much money you have
• How long you plan to stay
• Where you will be staying

If nothing is checked, the immigration procedure is over. If there are any issues or some of your documents are missing, more checks will be necessary, and you will be led into a separate room. This procedure will take a considerable amount of time, so please ensure your documents are completed prior to immigration.

Please refer to the following video for an explanation.

Please note that circumstances and procedures will differ with each airport.

Once you have gone through Immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to your destination. The New York English Academy offers “First-Day Immigration Support” as an option. There is also a pick-up service to take you to your accommodation.

*First-Day Immigration Support: We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation. Once you have dropped off your belongings, we will show you around the facilities and areas you will be using during your time here. This is the recommended option for those coming to New York for the first time.