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
Before the conclusion of your program, decide whether to extend the program at your current school or transfer to another
If you decide to transfer, choose the school you will transfer to
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)
Submit required documents to your current school
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.
■Astudent 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 61st 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.
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:
The type of SIM card differs depending on the model of Android, iPhone etc.
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.
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!
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:
Complete the application form for the next program
Prepare the certificate of bank balance
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:
Arrival of the plane
Immigration
Baggage collection
Customs
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]
Choose your language
Scan your passport on the screen
Answer the U.S. Customs questions
Answer ‘yes or no’ for ESTA registration
Fingerprint scan
Photo taken
Confirm travel companions
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.
List of Useful Things for Studying Abroad (Long-term studies, short-term studies, things useful for the year)
Ear cleaners/nail clippers
Laundry bag and detergent
Toothbrush
Disposable slippers or
indoor flip flops
Paper toilet seat sheets
Travel-sized umbrella
Overseas power conversion
plug adapter
Watch/alarm clock
Electronic dictionary
Medicine (your own)
Electronics (PC, laptop, tablet)
Cell phone
Sanitary products, cosmetics, sunscreen, hand mirror, shaver
Pocket tissues/wet wipes
Disposable masks
Powders such as Pocari Sweat (dissolvable)
Canned and sealed foods
Bath towel and face towel
Backpack
Photos of your family, of Japan etc: useful for introducing yourself
and Japan
Hats/sunglasses
Chopsticks
Travel guidebook
Writing utensils and stationary (3-color pens etc)
Athletic shoes and clothing
Clothes for formal situations (e.g. suits) (especially for long-term
studies)
Easily worn clothing (e.g. cardigans and parkers)
Portable sewing supplies
Rubber bands (New York rubber bands are poor quality and will break
easily)
Glasses/contact lenses and cleaners
Things you can purchase while studying
abroad (or you can bring with you)
Hair dryer
Shoes
Shampoo/conditioner etc
Things to bring depending on the season
(can be purchased in New York)
Winter (October to April)
Pocket warmers
Hats
Gloves
Scarves
Heat-tech clothing
Coat
Blankets
Thick socks
Lip balm
Windbreaker
Spring (May to June) and Autumn
(September to October)
Hayfever medication
Clothing that can be easily
layered
Summer (June to September)
Swimwear
Beach sandals
Sunscreen
Folded fan
List of Carry-On Baggage on the Plane
Passport
I-20 form (for students traveling on a student visa)
Cash (both Japanese yen and local money): It may be convenient to put these in separate wallets
Credit card: VISA or Mastercard are recommended. JCB, American Express and Diner’s Club Cards are not always accepted
Study abroad insurance: for more details, click here
Bank cards that allow overseas withdrawals: your own cash can be withdrawn from a Japanese bank account. The exchange rate will be applied at the time of withdrawal. For more details, click here
Ballpoint pen and small notebook
Plane ticket
Cell phone: for more details, click here
Computers and tablets: it is recommended that these are not placed in checked-in baggage
Tissues, handkerchief
A copy of your address details
Other things to note:
On long flights, the cabin is very dry. It might be good to bring some lotion or moisturizer.
Depending on the airline, plane cabins can get very chilly. It might be good to bring some light outerwear, like a cardigan.
Make a note of your passport number in a notebook or on your cell phone. This number is required when filling out entry forms like the customs declaration form. Losing your passport causes a lot of issues, so it’s a good idea to just take it out at Immigration.
Make copies of all important documents and credit card information. If these are lost, you will be able to sort everything out without panicking.
Please ensure you check baggage restrictions with your airline. Usually, one bag is around 23kg. Liquids need to be 100ml or less and kept in a transparent sealed bag.
Check the local weather before your arrival. If the weather is going to be bad, it may be useful to put a portable umbrella in your carry-on luggage.
If you have arranged for transport, keep a note of the contact details. If you have any issues or cannot contact the driver, you can contact us without any problems.
Don’t carry too much cash on you. Credit cards are widely used for local purchases. (Preparation of money while studying abroad)
What I love about living in the Northeast
is that our winters are actually winters. When I was growing up, I lived in the
south for two years, and the winters were so mild that it barely felt like
winter at all. I’m one of the rare people that actually enjoy the cold weather,
and December is the best winter month in my opinion. The holiday season tends
to put everyone in a great mood, and I’ve noticed that everyone’s spirits tend
to be just a bit more uplifted and jovial. Since Christmas and Hanukah both fall
in December, you’ll notice that travel is extensive, and people travel the
world to visit their friends and family to celebrate the holidays.
Because everyone seems to be in a great
mood this month, it’s a great time for you to put your English skills to
practice. You’ll notice that everyone is much more friendly and willing to ask
you how you’ll be celebrating the joyous season. You can learn popular English
sayings through social media, you can exchange pleasantries on the subway, and
you’ll be able to express the beauty of the New York City in the winter with
those around you. December in New York City is a magical place to be, and
you’ll love being here during this time of the year.
I’ve narrowed down some unique things to do
this month in New York City so you can marvel in the sights and lights while
simultaneously putting your English skills to practical use.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree, all
December
This site is a
no-brainer for the holiday season. Tourists from all over the world come to New
York City just to see this iconic scenery. Rockefeller Center is a quick walk
from Times Square, so it’s a pretty hub any time of the year, but it’s
recommended to plan ahead if you’re interested in seeing this destination, as
it can get pretty busy. Avoid the weekends if you can, and if you’re looking to
get an up-close view, be prepared to face long lines and heavy crowds, but once
you get the perfect picture, you’ll realize how worth it it is! Bring your
friends so you can practice your English-speaking skills with your group and
other admirers. When you’re thinking of the perfect hashtag for your social
media post, you’ll also be able to see what everyone else is using, further
utilizing your English comprehension skills.
SantaCon, Saturday, December 14th
If you’re
interested in a unique holiday celebration, this is an event you should check
out. Twenty-somethings all over the city dress up as Santa or elves during the
day and frequent select bars throughout Manhattan. It’s fun watching all the
Santas travel throughout the streets of the Big Apple. If this doesn’t sound
like fun to you (I’m one of those people), this is a good day to hibernate and
catch up on your classic Christmas movies. No matter what you do this day,
you’ll surely put your learned English skills to use. Be sure to stay warm no
matter what you decide!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner
Cruise, December 31st
Surely you’re
aware of the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, but standing still for
hours on end (without a bathroom!) in the cold isn’t for everyone. If you need
something to do with plenty of sights of New York City, be sure to look into
the options for this cruise. Not only will you be away from the massive crowds,
but you’ll have a beautiful view of the city skyline. Grab your friends and
mark your calendar to ring in 2020! No matter what you choose to do to ring in
the new year, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to putting your
learned English skills to use!
While December in New York City can be a
bit on the colder side, the excitement around the holidays will surely keep you
entertained and warm. With plenty to do no matter where you go or what holiday
you celebrate, December has no shortage of activities. And if you’re trying to
put your English skills to use outside of the classroom, you’ll be surrounded
by tons of people this month, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to
socialize with these people as you marvel at the beauty of the city. Grab your
friends, stay warm, and have a wonderful holiday season!
By the time November rolls around, I’m
already quite used to the chilly days and even chillier nights. I love bundling
up with the fresh fall air and appreciating the colorful sights of autumn. You
might find, however, that this seasonal change may be harder on you than, say,
people like me. November also translates to a lot of travel for many, as
Thanksgiving at the end of the month beckons people to their loved ones from
all over the country and maybe even all over the world. This month tends to
kick off “cozy season,” as meals become heartier, your wardrobe grows
additional layers, and many people choose to spend their extra time in the
warmth of indoors.
New York City is a place with endless
things to do. I’ve probably mentioned this over and over again each month, but
no matter the time of year, you’ll never run out of activities. The added bonus
is that if you’re trying to put your learned English skills to use in real
life, New York City is the best place to do it since it’s just a giant cultural
melting pot. There’s plenty of excitement in the air this month with all the
pending holidays and winter being right around the corner, so be sure to brush
up on your social skills, pull out your warmer clothes, and get ready for a
month of fun in the Big Apple.
The New York City Marathon,
Sunday, November 3
This is truly
one of the most humbling experiences to watch as a resident of New York City.
People from all over the country (and the world!) train for months leading up
to this 26.2 mile race, and if you plan accordingly, you can likely watch the
runners in person! The race starts in Staten Island and travels through
Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, finishing right in Central Park.
Bring your friends and cheer on all the participants, and maybe you’ll even be
inspired to start training for next year’s race! Practice your English cheers
and you’ll easily be a part of one of New York City’s greatest events all year.
Fall Foliage Cruises, all month
If you’re
willing to spend a bit of money for this activity, these cruises are well worth
every penny. With tons of options available, you’ll be able to pick which
journey and route is best for you and your schedule and budget. Your location
in the Northeast means that you have some of the best scenery available for
checking out all the seasonal color changes. Plus, you’ll travel through tons
of different areas on the Metro NYC area, so you can even experience a
completely different location. Brush up on your English reactionary phrases
(“How lovely!”) so you can truly appreciate the beauty of autumn.
Ice skating rinks, all month
It wouldn’t be a
true New York City experience without trying out your skills on the many ice
skating rinks throughout the boroughs. While these locations get pretty busy right
away in the day, you’ll have to be a bit strategic when it comes to choosing a
day and location to test out your skating talents. These rinks will surely
prepare you for the start of the holiday season, as many pop-up booths are
located around these rinks, selling holiday crafts and gifts, so brace yourself
for the beginning of Christmas season as well! To rent skates and any other
essentials, you’ll definitely need your wallet (especially for that hot cocoa
after being on the ice). Engage with other skaters, and here you can put your
speaking English skills to use. Be sure to take some great pics so you can post
them on social media and engage with popular hashtags.
New York City in the late fall and early
winter is a beautiful sight. Some days are on the warmer side, while you’ll
also likely experience some early signs of the winter ahead. It’s important to
think ahead when it comes to dressing yourself (stay warm!), but it’s also
important to enjoy the change of seasons! As I’m sure you remember from last
winter, the dead season can be pretty brutal at times, so appreciate the mild
temperatures while you still have them.
Always be practicing your English while
exploring the city, as it’s a huge learning experience at every corner. So
brush up on some new English phrases, dress warm, and hit the city!
No matter how long you’ve been in New York City, you probably know that New York City celebrates practically everything, and we practice everything in a BIG way. That’s why when October rolls around, everything turns spooky with Halloween, and people get excited about the cooler temperatures and all the outdoor activities that come with the month of October. From pumpkin and apple picking to hayrides and haunted houses, even the most adult-like people here in the Big Apple turn into the biggest excited kids.
The great part is that everything that’s available in New York City offers you the chance to put your English language skills to practical use while you’re taking advantage of all these great activities. Be sure to gather all your friends to figure out what’s the most appealing to everyone, and get out there! Interact with other event-goers over the weekend, and find out what they’re checking out. It’s a great way to learn new social phrases, you can learn new hashtags to find out what’s trending in your area, and best of all, you’ll learn more about the city and the English language than you even imagined! While October has plenty to do thanks to the cooler temperatures and the excitement in the air, here are just a few things to check out this month – and you’ll probably see me there, too!
2nd Annual New York Pizza Festival, Saturday, October 5th – Sunday, October 6th, Crescent Avenue, Bronx
If you’ve got this weekend open, be sure to make your way to this amazing, pizza-filled event. With over 25 pizza makers in attendance (five are from Italy!), you’ll be sure to get as much pizza in your belly as possible. With tons of options available as well as drinks and entertainment, you won’t want to miss this amazing event. This is also a great time for you to test out your English skills with other event-goers, but if you have your translation app out, you also may want to add Italian to your rotation this weekend—surely you’ll be hearing a lot of Italian phrases, so this is a great way to test your skills in another language, too!
New York City Wine and Food Festival, Thursday, October 10th – Sunday, October 13th, various areas in Manhattan
If you’re a foodie and looking to mingle with the best of the best in the culinary world, this is your event. This is the largest food and wine festival in New York City, with over 80 spots around the city taking part in this huge event. This event is wildly popular and attracts people from all over the world, so if you’re interested, be sure to save up and plan ahead if you want to get your money’s worth. Come prepared with some of your most common English phrases, but since there will be plates from all over the world being features, it also might just be helpful to have your translation app set to multiple languages just in case!
Harvest Fest and Pumpkin Patch, Sunday, October 13th, Queens Botanical Garden
It wouldn’t be October without something to do that’s related to pumpkins! Halloween tends to take over the city for the entire month of October, but in this location, you can catch a break from the scaries and just enjoy the fresh air with the pumpkins. Take part in live music, join nature walks, and even enjoy some beer or cider in the field. It’ll give you a break from the day-to-day bustle in the city, and you’ll truly feel like it’s autumn here. Bring your friends for a day of fall, and be sure to practice your favorite English phrases about lovely weather, autumn happenings, and even questions about features the garden has to offer.
By now, you guys should know that the fall is my favorite time of the year, and there’s something so wonderful about it while in New York City. My mood is lifted, and I’m much more apt to get outdoors and experience the fresh, autumn air. Central Park is beautiful this time of year, and it’s a great opportunity for a picnic in the field or a long walk along the paths. You’ll love watching the leaves change color, and as always, the scenery is wonderfully Instagram-worthy – and what better way to practice your English than seeing what kind of clever hashtags you can include! Happy Fall, readers!
You guys have heard me talk plenty about how New York City is a location that certainly has no shortage of things to do. One of the benefits about living here is that you have the whole place at your fingertips, and you have all the time in the world to see and do what makes this city such a wonderfully exciting place to be. September is one of my favorite months here, and in general, just because the weather takes a break from the hot summer days, and it’s still comfortable enough to hit the town without pulling out your winter gear just yet.
If you’re in the process of learning English and trying to figure out how you can put your learned skills to use, all of these activities will allow you to practice your English listening, speaking, and reading skills in some way. This way, you can take your classroom learnings and apply it to real life – after all, that’s why you’re in this program! So gather your friends and pick out a few of these activities to check out for the month of September!
Wanderlust, Sunday, September 8, 2019, Prospect Park
If you’re into wellness, yoga, or even general exercise and movement, this is the event for you. Starting with a 5K run or walk, you’ll transition into a massive 90-minute yoga class with hundreds of other attendees, and then close the experience with a huge dance party and guided meditation. This is a great opportunity for you and your friends to cleanse your bodies of negativity, maybe a day of indulgence, or even just to relax and unplug for the day. It’s all about peace and mental tranquility on this day. Given the huge attendance that this event attracts, this is a great way to meet new people and put your English skills to use. Be sure to practice your “Namaste!”
Brooklyn Book Festival, Monday, September 16 – Sunday, September 22, 2019
If you’re a reader (like me!), this will really be your jam. This week’s worth of events brings together some of the most amazing current and legendary writers from across the world to talk about literature, culture, and the human experience. There are tons of things to do during this week, so this is a great opportunity for you to brush up on your English reading skills and come prepared for discussions on your favorite pieces of work, favorite writers, or to simply share some of your stories about your own experiences. It’s also a great time to mingle with other book lovers, so be open to your English-speaking skills! Everything is welcome this week, so don’t be shy! (And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes – this event has a lot of strolling and walking around Downtown Brooklyn!)
Museum Day, Saturday, September 21, 2019
One of the best parts about being in New York City is the easy access to all the wonderful museums that are timeless and attract people from all over the world. Even though we live here, however, that doesn’t mean that we frequent them as often as we’d like. But this is the day in which we should all be taking advantage – participating museums provide free entry on this day, so be sure to check out the list and design your itinerary for the day so you can hit up as many as you can. You’re certainly in for a full day of learning and cultural exposure. Given all the tours and guides, you’ll easily put your English reading and listening skills to use. Be sure to ask questions along the way so you can practice your speaking skills, too!
When September hits, you’ll notice that things seem to somewhat go back to “normal.” The kids are back in school, and the adults are done taking their summer vacations. Rush hours are full again, and the light crisp in the air might get you inspired to get excited for the upcoming fall season. For me, there’s nothing better! As I always say, there’s always something going on here in the Big Apple – all you have to do is do a little research, and you’re bound to find something that will interest you. And more than likely, you’ll find an activity that will challenge your learned English skills, and what better way to put those learned skills to use than back in the real world!
