I’m sure that I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the reasons I love summers in New York City is that everyone seems to be in constant relaxation mode. The subways are lighter since more people are spending more time outside, and the mood always seems happier when the weather is warm and inviting. Don’t get me wrong – July can be an intense month when it comes to the heat and the power of the sun, so I have to stress how important it is to be safe and protect your skin. Hydrate often, and be prepared with sunscreen.

With that sad, there are always a ton of activities available in New York City in the summer, and July is no exception. With the 4^th of July holiday early in the month, you might notice that traffic and general population is quite light this week, as most people disappear to other pockets of the country to celebrate the holiday. (This is another reason why I love this month in the city – it feels like I have the entire place to myself!)

Given the friendly vibe that this weather gives to people, this is a great time to put your English-speaking skills to use with those around you, whether they’re your friends or even strangers. The summer is also a time that attracts tourists from all over the world, so keep an open mind because you never know who you might meet!

1. Waterfront Day, July 13^th

Honestly, what better way to enjoy the sun AND the water than spending some time in Manhattan’s Seaport District? With tons of activities to participate in and plenty of scenic views to remind you that you live in the greatest city in the world, you can easily spend all day in this area. Due to the increase of tropical storms and rising seas, you’ll also be able to learn about how you and your community can help to preserve the area. Pick up brochures to practice your English reading skills, check out social to see what everyone else is saying and help with the written conversation, and engage with other event-goers to find out what other activities they participated in so you can use your English-speaking skills!

2. Ozy Fest, July 20^th and 21^st, Central Park

If you plan enough ahead for this one, this is a can’t-miss event. Dubbed as the most interactive New York City festival, you’ll be able to watch cooking demonstrations from well-known TV personalities, listen to some of the most popular musical acts, and be a part of many live discussions with many other famous personalities. With tons of international food options and the ability to meet tons of people, this is an opportune moment for you to practice your English skills with the hundreds of attendees around you. It’s the best of both worlds, so gather your friends and gear up for an exciting summer weekend in Central Park!

3. Restaurant Week, July 22^nd – August 16^th

I’ve written about this event before, but it’s too good to not repeat. If the summer heat is dragging you down and you need some relief, this is a great opportunity for you to try out some eateries that you haven’t gotten around to trying at discounted prices. The menus will offer you options that you may not have otherwise been able to try due to your budget, so this timing is a great time to try something new. And as always, this is a great opportunity for you to practice your English skills – from reading the menu to communicating with your waiter, you’ll be able to walk away from dinner happy that you tried something new and with a sense of relief from the summer heat.

Whether summer is your favorite season or one that you prefer to spend indoors, New York City has endless options for you to take advantage of everything that the city has to offer. With tons of outdoor activities and plenty of indoor things to do to escape the heat, you’ll never be bored during the month of June. With so many people being out of town this month, you’ll definitely want to explore pockets that you haven’t seen before. Plus, you’re surrounded with plenty of opportunities to give your English skills some practice and real-world use, so keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. Happy Summer!

These days, it’s more helpful than ever to know more than just one language. As our various cultures merge more and more due to technology and the integration of social media into our everyday lives, you never know when you may come across the need to understand a foreign language. Luckily, with that very technology and advancement in communication, there are so many ways to acclimate yourself with these other cultures and diverse experiences.

Because of this, there’s also a growing interest in learning new languages from others in a classroom setting. This enables better human interaction, immersion into the very culture that holds that language originally, and the ability learn from credited experts. If you’re interested in this kind of program, the New York English Academy is one of the first to offer this course with emphasis on American English. If you’re thinking of exploring this as a future option for yourself, keep reading to find out how others have benefitted from this program and how its location in New York City can practically be a second classroom for you.

1. Combining two practices

Teaching can often be considered a two-fold occupation. Since a teacher must not only be a master of his or her specific discipline or subject, but the art of teaching must also be mastered. These days, teaching is no longer just lecturing and grading exams. Studies show that implementing other teaching and learning strategies have longer and better effects on students.

New York English Academy’s TESOL program combines both of these divisions of mastery within the curriculum. Not only will you become a master of the American English language, but the actual act of teaching will also be included in your learnings. From creating sample syllabi to holding mock lessons, you’ll be able to incorporate the unique ability to teach American English to other students.

2. New York City as a teacher

One of the most amazing benefits of this program is its location. Nestled in the heart of downtown Manhattan, you’ll be immersed in all different kinds of cultures and backgrounds. New York City is known for being a massive melting pot, a place where people from all over the world come to live, work, and thrive. Because of this, you’ll be able to interact with thousands of people, allowing you to put your classroom skills to use in the real world. Engage with people as they’re going about their everyday lives, and you’ll be surprised at just how much you can retain without overthinking it.

On top of that, you may find that your skills and learnings might help others out. Because so many come to New York City to visit, so many will simply not be familiar with English, so if they find that you seem comfortable with the language, they might ask you for help. In this instance, this is a great way to utilize your English teaching skills with others in the real world. What better way to put those learned practices to use than in the streets of Manhattan!

3. Practical pricing structures

Advancing your education or qualifications might make you feel uncertain as it relates to your finances and time. While the benefits of getting your certification are obvious, the means of acquiring it can often be tedious. The New York English Academy understands these trepidations, as they’ve crafted reasonable course periods and pricing structures so that your life (or your wallet) won’t be majorly disrupted.

If you’re already a teacher, they’ve designed a program over the summer to cater to your demanding schedule so that you won’t have to miss any work time, and you can complete the program in a short yet intensive two-week period. If you’re in college, there’s a program that works with your schedule as well so that your classes won’t be disrupted, and you’ll still be able to find your own personal balance.

Considering the magnitude of what is instructed in these programs and the real, hands-on experience you’ll be getting from your English-speaking professor, the programs are radically reasonable in price, meaning that your wallet won’t be taking a beating from choosing to further qualify yourself and your future.

Ultimately, choosing to look into the TESOL program at the New York English Academy can help you further your career and better advance your qualifications so you can more easily set yourself up for success. Not to mention – you’ll be living in one of the greatest cities in the world!