Language Schools New York: your gateway to fluency and cultural immersion
The vibrant and bustling city of New York, known for its iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and infinite opportunities, is the ideal place to learn English as an international student.
In this blog post, we explore some of the different areas of New York and how to choose the best borough - and the best institute - for your goals and needs.
Table of Contents
What are the benefits of going to a language school?
How to choose a language school
How long does it take to learn a language?
What are the benefits of going to a language school?
When it comes to learning English as a second language (ESL), there are few better ways to improve your skills than attending a language school.
The benefits are numerous; with expert teachers, modern resources, and immersion in a supportive community of learners, you'll have ample opportunities to gain confidence and mastery of the language.
Language schools provide structured and guided learning, tailored to your level, needs, and goals, as well as regular assessments to track your progress.
Additionally, you'll gain exposure to different accents, cultures, and customs, broadening your horizons and enhancing your communication skills.
By enrolling in a language school in the USA, you'll be surrounded by individuals from different countries around the world. Whether they hail from European countries like France, Germany and Italy, Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan, or any number of other nations, you'll quickly discover common ground with your peers through mutual experiences and a shared ambition to enhance your English language proficiency.
How to choose a language school
Choosing a language school can be a daunting task, especially if you're looking to study English in a large American city like New York, or NYC as it's also known. One of the most important things to consider is the quality of the school's language program and its accreditation. Additionally, take into account the school's location and the accessibility of public transportation. A good language center goes beyond just teaching the language; it also fosters a supportive and culturally diverse learning environment.
Here, we look in more detail at the aspects to consider when you are choosing your school.
Accreditation
For both students and language schools alike, accreditation is critical to ensuring a high-quality education. Accreditation bodies provide a level of confidence that schools are meeting or exceeding specific standards of excellence, such as maintaining experienced and knowledgeable faculty, offering comprehensive curriculum, and providing a safe and supportive learning environment.
In the world of English-language learning, accreditation bodies like the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) are recognized leaders in the field and offer a benchmark of quality assurance for language schools globally. Ultimately, accreditation is an investment for both students and language schools, as it enhances the reputation and credibility of schools, while simultaneously providing students with peace of mind that they are receiving a worthwhile and valuable education.
Instructors' qualifications
One of the most valuable contributions to a student's language skills is having qualified TESOL instructors who are experienced in teaching English. They offer a wealth of knowledge, practical tips and mentorship that fast-tracks the language learning journey. However, identifying a qualified and experienced instructor can be challenging, especially when taking English lessons in a language school. One way to research and evaluate instructor qualifications is to check the school's qualification requirements.
Teaching methods
As a student of English in a language school, you may have encountered several teaching methods, each with its own strengths and limitations. From more traditional lectures to group discussions, small-group activities, and personal tutoring, it's important to consider which teaching method resonates with your unique learning style.
Perhaps you prefer hands-on experience and benefit most from project-based learning or group collaboration. Alternatively, you may be more effective when receiving individualized attention and extensive practice. By exploring the different teaching methods available, you can develop a better understanding of your learning style and ultimately maximize your English language learning experience.
Program offerings
When choosing a language school, it is crucial to investigate the program offerings to ensure that they meet your needs. Are you looking for a general English course, such as an intensive English program, or are you interested in a more specialized course, such as one to improve your Business English skills, or even to learn English for a specific career or area of study, such as Art and Design or Fashion? If you need assistance with exam preparation for tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, look for an exam English program. Investigating the program offerings available at each school of interest will definitely help narrow down the best match for your language learning needs.
Facilities and resources
When researching potential language schools, it’s always a good idea to look at the types of facilities and resources on offer, particularly if you have a specific type of setting in mind. Many language schools can provide comfortable, modern classrooms and communal areas with free wifi. Most now also offer integrated technology such as interactive whiteboards, and some even offer things like computer labs and libraries.
If, however, it’s also important to you to have access to leisure facilities such as sports equipment, cafes or restaurants, as well as on-site accommodation, you’re search will be narrowed down substantially to schools such as Kings New York, which is located on the beautiful campus of the University of Mount Saint Vincent.
Cultural immersion opportunities
Learning a language is more than just memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules learned in English classes; it's also about immersing yourself in the culture. Language schools that offer extracurricular activities and community engagement opportunities recognize that language learning is not just about the classroom.
Through experiences like visiting cultural landmarks and participating in local events, students can gain a deeper understanding of the culture they are studying and develop their language skills in a more authentic context. Of course, providing homestay options for students also enhances their opportunities for cultural immersion.
Boroughs of New York
A city unlike any other, New York has five distinct boroughs. These boroughs - the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island - each have their own individual character and charm. Here, we look at all five in more detail, and explore some of the pros and cons of taking language classes at a language school there.
Manhattan
Manhattan - in particular Midtown Manhattan - boasts some of America’s most iconic landmarks, from the Empire State Building and Central Park to Times Square and Broadway.
Its bustling social scene makes it easy for students to practice their new skills outside the classroom. However, the cost of living in Manhattan can be high, making tuition fees and accommodation expenses more expensive than attending a language school in other parts of the city or the wider USA. Moreover, the fast-paced lifestyle of the city comes with numerous distractions that may hinder studying efforts! Nevertheless, if you prioritize quality language education and can manage the costs associated with it, attending an English language school in Manhattan will be a memorable and exciting experience.
Brooklyn
Known increasingly as a hub for creatives and hipsters, Brooklyn is the most populous borough of New York City . In fact, If Brooklyn were its own city (like it used to be) it would be the third-most populous in the US!
Its diverse neighborhoods offer a wide range of experiences – from artisanal shops in Williamsburg to the historic homes of Park Slope, and Brooklyn also boasts an impressive culinary scene featuring everything from traditional pizzerias to trendy new restaurants. However, like many urban areas, Brooklyn can be expensive and it can be difficult to find affordable accommodation.
Queens
Queens is the most ethnically diverse of the five boroughs, and has a unique blend of cultures, languages, and lifestyles. On the positive side, Queens is a convenient and affordable place or stay. It is home to some of the city's best museums, restaurants, and parks, as well as several universities and colleges.
However, like any other place, Queens has its downsides, such as traffic congestion and above average crime rates in certain neighborhoods. Overall, Queens is a great place to live for those who value diversity and are looking for an affordable and vibrant place to call home, even if just for a short time.
Bronx
The Bronx is a bustling borough of New York City, boasting a rich history and diverse culture. Bronx offers more affordable housing options than many of the others, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-renowned attractions such as the Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo. While the Bronx has historically been associated with higher crime rates than other parts of New York City, safety largely depends on the specific neighborhood you visit. For example, one of the Bronx's hidden gems is the neighborhood of Riverdale, home to the safe and attractive campus of University of Mount Saint Vincent, where Kings New York language school is based.
Nestled in the northwestern corner of the borough, Riverdale offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, as well as beautiful parks and luxurious homes, yet still enjoys easy access to the bustling streets of Manhattan via rail.
Staten Island
Staten Island offers a more suburban feel than many of the other New York boroughs, with ample green spaces. The island also boasts great transport links, with the Staten Island Ferry providing easy access to Manhattan.
The island gives incredible views of the harbor and city skyline, exciting nightlife, and delightful cuisine. However, the cost of living can be relatively high, and public transportation options are somewhat limited compared to other areas in New York City. Nevertheless, Staten Island's rich history, cultural attributes, and natural beauty make it a great choice for those who are looking for big-city living with suburban serenity.
How Long Does It Take to Learn a Language?
Learning a new language can be a long and challenging process, but the time needed to become proficient varies greatly depending on a number of factors.
These factors can include the learner's previous language experience, the complexity of the language being learned, and the amount of time dedicated to practice and immersion. In general, it can take several months to reach basic conversational fluency and a couple of years to achieve advanced proficiency.
Consistent practice, whether through self-study or a structured English course at a language school, is key in accelerating the learning process. Additionally, immersion in the language and culture can greatly enhance language acquisition, particularly if you live in an area with native speakers.
Find out more about your learning journey, and the levels of English, at Kings
Ready to Start Learning English in New York?
We hope that this article has helped you learn more about why New York is a great place to learn English in the US and what the different boroughs of the city can offer.
Based on the attractive campus of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, Kings New York offers the best of both worlds. A safe, green campus environment with a great range of facilities and on-site accommodation, yet fast and easy access to the sights and sounds of Manhattan.
Students who want to learn or advance their English with us there have the choice of a range of programs, from general English courses and exam preparation programs to English Plus Art, Design and Fashion. There are also university preparation programs for those interested in doing a degree in the US, and a range of programs for young learners during the summer months.
If you would like receive more detailed information about Kings and our programs, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
