Your Best Tool for Abroad & Learning English

April 25, 2020

Over the past couple of years, I’ve talked to you all about how wonderful it is living in the greatest city in the world. I’ve gone on and on about how lucky we are that we get to actually live here. Being in a tourist hotspot and in such a densely populated area, however, also comes with its disadvantages. Crime will always be slightly higher than other areas, the threat of international attacks can be ever-present, and as we’ve seen now, pandemics like the one we’re in can hurt our area more than others. As scary as all of this is, at the end of the day, I’m still proud to be a New Yorker, and I’ll never leave.

I have a lot of thoughts and worries and concerns that run through my brain amidst this pandemic. I try my best to not let them overcome me or control my way of life, and when I get particularly down or when my anxiety rises, I try this method of reminding myself of the silver linings – no matter how small they may be. Some of these may be individual, but some are on the macro level, but either way, try to find your own silver linings out of this!

• I’m saving money

Before quarantine was ordered, I’d probably go out to eat at least once a week with friends. It might have been brunch or a happy hour or a dinner, but I’d drop precious money for this experience to bond with my friends or celebrate a milestone. One at time, those expenses didn’t make a great dent, but adding it up certainly made me alarmed. Since we’re not going out to these establishments, I’m saving precious money! And now that we all “get together” on Zoom, I still get to see them and laugh with them – without spending a dime!

• My student loans are in a better place

I don’t know about you, but my student loans have been a huge burden to me over the years. Between drastic monthly payments, steep interest rates, and the thought about how long it’ll take me to pay them off, they have always been a source of agony for me. Now that student loan payment are deferred and interest is waived, all on my payments are going straight to the principle amount, meaning that I’m going to be able to pay them off faster. For me personally, this is a HUGE silver lining.

• I’ve grown closer to my family

In an odd way, this pandemic has brought me closer with my family. We’re all spread out across the country, so seeing everyone in a normal world was hard enough – between coordinating busy schedules and managing different time zones, it was always an obstacle staying in touch. Now that life has forced everyone to slow down, I’ve found that we’re all talking to each other more, scheduling more FaceTime conversations and Zoom calls, and making promises to be better about visits when this is all over. In an odd way, this pandemic has reminded us all of how precious our connections are.

• I’m more productive

On one hand, I’ve certainly been spending more time with Netflix, puzzles, and comfort food (hello, pasta and frozen pizzas), but on the other hand, I’ve found myself to be more productive. Before quarantine, I always heard myself saying, “If I just had more time, I’d be able to do that.” Well – we certainly have the time now, don’t we? I’ve organized my apartment, moved furniture around to make it more functional, and I’ve finally gotten around to putting things on my walls. I’ve catered to hobbies that have taken a backseat (reading, long-term planning, reconnecting with friends), and I’ve appreciated how I’m sleeping better, too.

Your own personal situation will determine what your own silver linings are, but I’ve found this practice to be super humbling and helpful whenever I get overwhelmed about our current environment. I’ve also seen people talk about how this is all so helpful for the earth – less people out and about polluting, less car traffic, and definitely less noise pollution. That’s one that I often think about, too – it’s the rest that Mother Earth has needed for so long!

When people are succumbing to this disease, it can be hard to find the positivity out of all of this, and it might even feel uncomfortable to look for the silver linings when others are suffering. If you need help getting through the day-to-day, it can be powerful to think about those silver linings – just a pleasant reminder of the reality that we’re still alive.

April 23, 2020

COVID-19 not only took the entire world by surprise, but it forced every individual to completely reassess their priorities, routines, and ways they communicate. It can be difficult to adjust to these changes in an immediate sense in the first place, but additionally, these changes can also have a huge impact on our mental health, especially since we’re ordered to stay inside and avoid human contact. For us in New York City, this takes on an incredibly large meaning, as we’re used to being in close contact with others at all times – subways, crowded sidewalks, and even tight quarters at the office or at school. This city fits in millions of people in a very small land area, so for us, this change has probably affected us the most.

Living in quarantine means that we all have to work together separately to achieve public safety and health. It’s an odd concept to think about, but containing yourself to avoid the virus and the possible spread to others is the most responsible thing people can be doing at a time like this. It’s worth noting, however, that it can have an incredible impact on people’s wellbeing.

I live alone in New York City. In a sense, I’m very used to my own company, and I actually find myself looking forward to it after a long and tedious day at the office and two frustrating commutes. The first couple of weeks I adjusted pretty easily, as I was able to work from home and leave my apartment for quick walks or trips to the grocery store for necessities. As time goes on, however, I’m certainly starting to feel the impact of isolation. My anxiety about the coronavirus overall has risen, and I find I have to go through different lengths to make sure I’m taking care of my mental wellbeing. Here are a few ways I’m listening to my mind.

• Taking advantage of virtual therapy

I recognize that I’m lucky enough to have insurance that can cover my mental health. I’ve been in therapy for a little over a year now, and I truly feel it’s had a positive influence in my regular “maintenance checks” – even if I’m not feeling specifically overwhelmed about anything at that time, talking to someone on a regular basis has provided a form of consistency that I lean on, and it helps to have an unbiased opinion on events in my life that I need to work through or understand.

A few weeks ago (thanks big-time to technology), we started taking our appointments virtually. It was a bit odd and awkward at first, but we were able to move beyond that quickly enough. I only have 45 minutes with her a week, so I always make sure that I use my time efficiently. Every week we talk about how this new way of life is affecting me, how I’m handling, and what I do to cope with the tough moments. If I find something that has changed due to quarantine, she offers solutions that will help me find my way back or cope. Either way, having her as a companion during this uncertain time has helped me overall face the unknown road ahead.

• Take breaks

This might seem silly, but I found I had to force myself to do this, especially in the very beginning. Since I’m working from home now, I found that I was working many more hours each day – I wasn’t taking lunch breaks with my coworkers, I wasn’t catching up on weekend activities during the afternoon, and I certainly wasn’t commuting two hours each day. So I filled those gaps with more work. It started to weigh a toll on me, and I started to become more agitated, impatient, and slept worse.

Since there wasn’t a clear and deliberate start to my day (arriving at the office) or an end (putting my coat on and heading to the subway or the gym), it was difficult to place boundaries on when my professional and personal time shifted. I now make sure to completely shut my computer down by 6 pm, I block out time on my calendar to eat lunch away from my desk, and I don’t open email during non-working hours. Sometimes I’ll even put myself as “unavailable” for 15 minutes to just take a stretch break, talk a quick walk outside, or to just catch up on texts.

For as long as this continues, I’ll keep providing tips on how to manage this difficult time. I’ve found that what helps from a macro sense is that everyone is in the same position – we’re all trying to figure this out both individually and globally – and we’re all in this together.

March 28, 2020

We are in a very sensitive time right now. All over the globe, people are being quarantined, laid off, and tested for the coronavirus. It can be incredibly easy to let the fear take over you as you operate your day-to-day schedules. The unknown is a terrifying thought, and taking the proper and necessary measures to stay informed, safe, and calm will help alleviate that uneasy feeling.

If you’re like me and spending each day in isolation in New York City, you might feel a sense of stir crazy as well as frustration. Luckily, my job allows me to fulfill my responsibilities remotely, so I’m one of the lucky ones that hasn’t had to worry about income. I recognize how fortunate I am in this scenario, and if your job has been affected by this crisis, I hope you’re doing everything you can to stay calm.

I live by myself in a studio. I’ve come to love my personal space that I call “home.” Over the past two weeks, however, I’ve felt suffocated. I only leave my apartment to get groceries or make necessary errands. Often I’ll leave to take a walk just to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Sometimes I’ll jog just to get my blood flowing. Not commuting every day has certainly made me realize just how much walking I was doing each day.

As I complete my second week in isolation, I wanted to share some tips that I’ve uncovered to help me stay safe but to also make sure that I’m mentally balanced amidst this uncertain time.

• Take advantage of our technology

I have been FaceTiming with my family members all over the country to check in with them, connect with them, and make sure that they’re staying safe. Since my friends and I can no longer go to dinner to bond, we’ll have virtual happy hours together to talk about our days, how we’re coping, and how much we miss one another.

I also see a therapist once a week. Traditionally, these sessions are in person, but as of last week, we’re now holding our sessions virtually. Again, I recognize that I’m lucky enough to have the technology that can support this capability, and if you’re in need of a mental health session, there have been all kinds of alternative methods of therapy popping up amidst this crisis. She’s helped me work through my building anxiety over the unknown, and ultimately, it’s nice to see her face and hear her voice for the familiarity factor.

Of course, isolation means this is the perfect time to catch up on your binge-watching or finally getting around to watching that movie you keep hearing about. I know I’ve often fantasized about a staycation, so I’ve always been looking at this situation in that lens myself. Might as well take advantage!

• Appreciate the solitude

As an introvert, I’ve always felt very comfortable with my own presence. I find I keep the best company! Even if you aren’t an introvert like me, there are many ways you can take advantage of this forced alone time. I’ve found this is a great time to get caught up on some reading I’ve let fall behind. I’ve picked up on my meditation – I’m still awful at it, but this is the perfect time to keep trying. Dust off your old hobbies, like crafts, working on a puzzle, or even painting.

When isolation first kicked off, I did a lot of laying around and being unproductive. This quickly set off some internal guilt – I felt like I should be doing more productive things and taking advantage of this time alone. So I told myself to commit to one project a day – since I’m working from home during the week, my Monday through Friday projects are a bit smaller, but no matter what, I’ve found this to be tremendously helpful. I’ll organize a drawer, go through storage and purge, or even clean.

• Be safe

Your health is the utmost priority right now, which is why no matter what, you have to be as careful as you can. Take walks, but be mindful of the people you may pass. Go for a run, but if the park is crowded, come back a few hours later. WASH YOUR HANDS. Clean your commonly touched pieces often – light switches, handles, doorknobs, and even your phone. In a time like this, there’s no such thing as being too safe.

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!

February 13, 2020

No matter how far along you are in your academic journey with the New York English Academy, you’ve probably thought about what your next steps could look like upon completion of the program. In addition to being nestled in the great New York City and having so many options at your fingertips, you also have the tremendous capability of continuing your education at dozens of institutions all over the city. Because so many individuals come to the city for all sorts of reasons, the opportunities truly surround you, no matter where you are.

If you’re considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree following your time at New York English Academy, you’re in incredible luck. Recently, New York English Academy partnered with St. Francis College to help students adapt to the traditional college experience seamlessly. Upon completion of the level 4 testing at the New York English Academy, you will be able to bypass an English test for entry. This will help you save time and money in additional testing and qualifications, and ultimately this benefit will help you get started with your studies more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, once this partnership has been identified, you can also be considered a part of the St. Francis College community, allowing you to start networking and socializing with other students at the college. This is a great way to get a head start with your integration at the school.

Another awesome benefit to this partnership is extreme proximity between the two institutions. Since New York English Academy is in lower Manhattan, you’ve likely learned your way around this part of the city easily and quickly. Given all the attractions, you’ve also likely been able to cross a ton of tourist destinations off your list. As you look into St. Francis, you’ll be able to experience a different borough easily. Since the college is in a convenient spot in Brooklyn, you’ll still be able ot get back and forth between the two boroughs quickly and easily. And, you’ll learn a completely new part of the city, too!

If you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in the sciences, there are tons of options for you to look into once you’re in the program at St. Francis College. From science foci like Chemistry and Physics to the medicine disciplines, like Nursing and Psychology, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Another great advantage is that some of these areas of study will require post-graduate work, and these programs will help set you up for success if that is your plan of action.

Another great benefit to being a part of the St. Francis College community is that you’ll be able to utilize the services of other departments to help with your academic journey. If financial aid is something you’ll want to look into, the financial aid department on campus will help you explore your options and what is available to you. The choice to attend higher education is a big one, and finances is one of the main decision-making factors that go into the overall process, so be sure to set up an appointment so you can also take your future finances into consideration.

While you won’t have to declare your major immediately once you start at St. Francis College, you will after you get a few semesters under your belt after taking some general education courses. Another department that you should get used to is the advisement services department. These professionals will help you on an individual basis to figure out what your interests are, identify areas of exploration, and ultimately help you land on a final decision in terms of what you’d like to focus on. This person will also help you ensure that you stay on track and complete all the requirements necessary for program completion. These individuals are there to help you throughout your whole journey, so it’s crucial that you take full advantage of what they have to offer for you and your future.

Participating in the New York English Academy is setting you up for success, and now, with the partnership with St. Francis College, you’ll be able to continue your studies easily and seamlessly without even having to leave New York City. You can continue to benefit from living in a cultural melting pot while simultaneously honing in on your skills and studies so you can set your future self up for success.

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!

January 2, 2020

If you haven’t heard this exciting news just yet, brace yourself – this one is big!

New York English Academy has recently partnered with St. Francis College to help students fast-track their way into a four-year institution. Upon the completion of the Level 4 test at New York English Academy, you will not need to take an additional English test if you want to start your academic career at St. Francis College.

There are so many advantages to continuing your educational path at St. Francis College. Not only will you be able to take advantage of the partnership between these two institutions to help streamline your application process, but you’ll benefit from so much more. St. Francis is located in Brooklyn, which means that you’ll get experience and exposure to an entirely different borough while still being close enough to the sites and sounds of Manhattan that you’ve come to know during your time at New York English Academy.

Another benefit to attending St. Francis College following your time at New York English Academy is the ability to finance your education in a practical and realistic way. St. Francis is known for being one of the most affordable institutions in New York City, and the school provides a wide range of financial options for you as you explore the next steps in your academic journey. Having these kinds of conversations with the school will help you learn what your options are and the best ways to move forward.

You may have an idea of what you want to do during your time at St. Francis or what major you’d think of declaring once you start your journey. If your brain is wired more to be creative or if you’re inspired to ignite change in the world, it’s likely you’re thinking about exploring options within the humanities fields. Luckily, at St. Francis College, there are a tremendous amount of foci that you can choose for your academic career. Even if you’re unsure about the specific level of study, you still have so many options to choose from when the day comes to declare a major.

It might be likely that if you participated in the TOEFL program at New York English Academy, you may be interested in pursuing additional training in education. If you enjoy the process of inspiring others and helping students grasp concepts, you can pursue a degree in education at St. Francis to further develop and enhance your skills as a teacher, all while putting your own English language learning skills to use.

There are other ways that you can take advantage of your time at St. Francis if you’re interested in the Humanities. Since you’ll already be coming to the school with the knowledge of at least a second language, you might be interested in learning even more. If you choose to major in English, not only will you be a master of the language itself, but you’ll be skilled in critical thinking, literature from all the over world, and a heightened talent at writing and communicating. If you’re interested in expanding your skills beyond, you can focus on International Cultural Studies to learn more about other worlds and cultures. Within this area, you can learn about music, art, literature, religion, and even history to fully immerse yourself within this discipline.

If you’re interested in the art of the mind, you can choose areas of focus that truly study the brain. Thinking about degrees in Philosophy or Psychology can set you up for a great start in the field as you study different methods of theory, approaches to understanding, and even new developments in the spaces. It’s likely that after your undergraduate time at St. Francis, you’ll want to continue your studies for post-graduate work, which is another area of focus that the school offers.

No matter what area of focus you choose for your time at St. Francis College, you’ll appreciate knowing that the partnership between New York English Academy and St. Francis helped you achieve your academic goals quicker and with less complication. The Humanities will help you communicate more effectively, think more critically, and slowly change the status of the world so that the human experience can be more compassionate, understanding, and accepting. In a world in which we’re all different, learning how to communicate with another has become a lost art, and participating in any of these Humanities programs at St. Francis College will make you a part of that grander change. 

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.