EC New York English Language School

We know that international students come to New York because it has so many attractions. Bearing this in mind, EC New York has developed a social activity program which will help you make the most of your time in the ‘Big Apple’. A great way to make new friends, practise your English and explore this great city, our social program was created with you in mind.

This Month’s Activity Calendar - March 2010 in New York City

Welcome to March, 2010! EC New York has some great after school activities planned for you this month! Remember, all activities in ORANGE are lead by an EC New York teacher or staff member. You’ll need to sign up at the front desk for those. We need at least 5 students to attend to go, so please sign up early! Space is limited.

Did you know? March brings us St. Patricks Day, and everyone in New York City is Irish that day. Don’t forget starting this month, we will have pub night ever Monday at Rudy’s. Cheap beer and free hot dogs! Join Michael and other staff members and welcome our new students.

Every Monday Night is Pub Night, produced by EC New York - the #1 English Language School in Times Square. We hold Pub Night at Rudy’s Bar and Grill on 9th Ave, right in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. What a great place for international students to get together for a fun night out. Rudy’s has pitchers of beer for $10 or less, and you can find a pint for just $2.50! Free Hot Dogs are served all night, and for the EC Group, our favorite bartender Joe served up some free pizza. What a great time! They even have happy hour.

Are you new to the USA? Here is some helpful information about going to a bar in New York. First of all, you need to be 21 years old or over. The bouncer will check you ID on at the front door. Once you are checked, you are in!

I know in some countries there is a menu at the bar. In NYC, more expensive bars and night clubs have menus. In your local gin joint, you won’t find a menu. Just walk up to the bar and order a drink. If the bar is crowded, you can catch the bartender’s attention by holding a bill in your hand. if you like draught beer, you can ask the bartender what kind of beer they have on tap.  You can also order a mixed drink, a cocktail, or a shot.

Vocabulary

• Happy Hour: Usually between 5 and 7pm, when a bar has discounted drinks.
• Bouncer:  The person at the front door who check your ID and helps the bartender keep order in the bar.
• Gin joint:  A old-fashioned slang expression meaning “bar”.
• Bill: Paper money
• On Tap: Beer which comes from a keg, not a bottle.

Here are some photos from our Pub Night Monday March 1. For more photos, check our our Fan Page

A great example of student work:

My grandmother’s house is my favorite place but this place doesn’t exist anymore, but in my head it still exists.

When I say that it is my favorite place, it is because my childhood was there and I have good memories. My grandmother’s house was a small house. There was one living room, one bathroom, one kitchen and two bedrooms, but my bothers and I always slept with my grandmother in the same bed. It was amazing because every night my grandmother told a story for us but never finished the story. We waited for another day, anxious to know the end of the story.

By the way, in this place there was a big space to play with red sand and we were always dirty and my grandmother got angry with us and gave us a shower with a hose and we liked it.

It was a great time in my life and I’ll never forget it because it’s the best way to remember my childhood and my grandmother without crying.

-Vania Silva, Intermediate Class

To help support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, EC New York had a talent show on Friday, February 12th, 2009. The students chose Yéle Haiti, a foundation started by Grammy-Award winning musician, producer and social entrepreneur Wyclef Jean that is changing lives in this desperately poor but optimistic nation. With the help of our talented students, teachers and staff, we raised $450 for Yéle Haiti. After the show, our star student and house DJ Frankie entertained the group with some great music and games. Here are the videos:

Nothing says “keep warm in a snow storm” like a night in a pub. Please join us tonight at Rudy’s Bar and Grill for our first ever Pub Night!

Time :6:00PM Thursday, February 11th
Location:Rudy’s Bar & Grill - 627 9th Ave near 44th Street

EC New York is proud to announce we are now able to offer our students internships in the fashion industry in New York City. EC New York has now partnered with a number of companies in the fashion industry in New York City as internship partners. These companies represent a variety of work positions including graphic design, public relations, administration, etc. for internship candidates.

Space is limited, so interns will be placed on a first come, first served basis and ultimately must meet the needs of the company partner in order to be accepted there. Check our website for complete details about the program.

Do you usually eat in, or do you like to eat out? I know I do, and New York City has over 20,000 restaurants that can satisfy all kinds of cravings. In the Big Apple, you can enjoy all sorts of cuisine from fine food to fast food and everything in between. This month, you can dine on a shoestring!

New York Restaurant Week is an amazing event for those of you who enjoy the fine art of eating out. Restaurant week is held twice a year and during this time, some of the finest restaurants in New York City offer deep discounts on fixed-price lunches and dinners. You can choose from such classic restaurants as Nobu, Fig and Olive, The Palm, River Café, The Palm Grill, Russian Tea Room, Sea Grill, and so many more!

You’ll need to make reservations,and you can do so by calling the restaurant directly, or through NYCGO, the sponsor of this event. The really good news is that Restaurant week has been extended through February 28th, making February 2010 the most delicious month of the year! 

Vocabulary:
eat in:   have a meal at home
eat out:  to have a meal at a restaurant
cravings: strong desire to have something
Big Apple: New York City’s nickname
~on a shoestring: to do ~ cheaply; without spending a lot of money

The Elementary class wrote their first memories and added images.  Take a look!

Jlenia's frog

When I was 5 or 6 years old I went to the lake and I got a frog, after I carried it home! When I was a child I didn’t fear, but now I have terror!!!!! Today I have a funny memory from the past!

Jozo's watch

When I was 10 years old. I got watch from my father. I had the only one between my friends. My teacher didn’t have a watch, then she asked me “What time is it?” I felt proud that I had this watch. I was sad when the watch broke.

Amadou's bike

I was 7 years old, my dad bought me bicycle. I felt happy. At this moment I had the only bicycle between my friends. Everyday my friends to came see my home.

Yaroslava's Cast

When I was a small girl , 2 years old , I decided to open the door and put my fingers in the door. Later a woman closed the door. My fingers were broken. I was in shock. I cried. I still feel some pain. I have a scar.

How do you practice English on the weekends? Join our Facebook Fan Page and join the discussion!