Preparing for Fall in New York City: How to Make the Best of Your English September 8, 2020

As we’re still facing the realities of living in a pandemic, our regular routines and daily lives have shifted significantly. While we’re certainly in a better place compared to March and April, we continue to hear advisement around staying safe and the continuation of physical distancing and slow advancements. We’ve learned a lot over the past couple of months, and we’ll continue to learn more as our scientists and researchers work on a vaccine and develop learnings so that we can treat this virus and move forward stronger than ever.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve talked to you all about the benefits of living in New York City while learning English. There truly is no better place to be to immerse yourself in hundreds of other cultures and languages, not to mention – it’s the best city in the world!

Lately, I’ve shifted my tone to cater more to the immediate needs of living in New York City during this COVID-19 pandemic. While I still think New York City is the greatest place in the world, I understand that our tried-and-true methods that we’ve discussed over the years may not be as applicable. My love for the Big Apple has probably even grown after watching this great city overcome what once was the epicenter of this horrible situation into a place that is now safe and compliant to the orders of our administration.

According to the experts, we have a long way to go until we can go back to what we consider “normal.” And even then, our “normal” may be radically different than what we were used to just in January of this year. In any event, we must continue to be safe and practice our physical distancing so that we can continue on this positive trajectory.

For those of you that came to New York City to practice your English and are now currently experiencing this new life in the middle of a pandemic, we can still look to the fall and predict the best ways you can utilize your English practice in real life – without sacrificing your safety or the safety of those around you.

1. Take advantage of outdoor dining

While outdoor dining will start to slow down as the months get cooler, take advantage of this option as much as you can in the beginning of the fall. This is one of the best things to happen to New York City since the start of the pandemic, as businesses can open their doors again, the employees can start making their money again, and your friends and neighbors can enjoy the outdoor space and see the faces of their loved ones – with safety of course! This is a great time to utilize your English reading skills from the menu, practice your conversations with the waitstaff, and engage with your friends while enjoying a meal out. I always say that the best practice comes from real-world experience, so take advantage of this luxury while you can!

2. Did I mention the parks?

The parks in New York City are one of the greatest commodities that this island has to offer. Not only do you get the amazing greenery and scenery, but parks also give you the easy capability of physical distancing that you need to stay safe. Bring a large blanket, a few snacks, and be conscious of your surroundings. Everyone else around you should be practicing physical distancing as well, so you likely won’t have to ask anyone to move away. Enjoy the last remaining comfortable months outdoors, and bring a board game or a deck of cards and see how you can incorporate some English skills into it. Not only will you have fun in the fresh air, but you’ll be putting your skills to use in real time with a few laughs.

3. Simply take a walk

This is a practice that even I need to do more of – so many of us are used to being indoors so much now that even just getting outside for a walk can seem like a treat! When you’re out walking, see how well you comprehend the street signs and business names. When you pass restaurants, check out the menus they paste on the windows. Not only will you get out of your indoor space that’s probably driving you wild, but you’ll get some fresh air and get your English reading skills some action.