NYpa

Embassy New York New Student Arrival Guide

Embassy English in New York City This is Embassy English, at the crossroads of the world, where learning English becomes an adventure filled with not only a new language, but authentic New York City classroom encounters. It is where simply walking to your lesson becomes a lesson in architecture, culture and culinary delights. Not far from the famous Fashion Institute of Technology, legendary Madison Square Garden, and world famous Times Square, the English Embassy Centre is located at 328 7th Avenue (between 28th and 29th Streets) on the 6th floor. It is here where you will advance through your studies while having the opportunity to meet new people and find new adventures almost daily. New York is a fast paced, bustling metropolis, and at Embassy English there are talented, friendly professionals always available to help and guide you along. Welcome to a whole new way of making language learning a hands-on, real-time and overall amazing experience. We are delighted that you chose to come here, to New York, where you are certain to have a rewarding and exciting journey!. Please remember to keep this guide handy as it contains a host of information that will be helpful to achieving a successful trip to Embassy English New York.

Contents 1 What to pack

2 Emergency numbers

3 Arriving in New York

4 Map

5 Your first day

6 Meet the team

7 Living in the USA

8 City information

9 Social activities

Contact Address:

Embassy New York

328 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor

New York

NY10001

USA

Phone: +1 212 629 7300

Fax: +1 212 736 7950

Emergency phone number (USA)

+1 888 881 5415

Emergency phone number (Abroad)

+1 610 906 3462

Website: www.embassyenglish.com

1

New York Study Centre

What to pack Clothing Comfortable, casual clothes are recommended for school. We also recommend that you bring proper clothes for evenings out, meals and social events. Consider also bringing more formal attire for nicer occasions. From December to March New York City can be very cold. From June to September it can be very hot, so pack accordingly.

Toiletries You must bring your own supplies such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. Of course New York has plenty of stores that carry these types of items if you should need to purchase them while here.

Stationery Embassy English supplies you with all of the required course materials and books; however it is recommended that you should bring pens, pencils and paper for note taking.

Electrical appliances The standard voltage in the US is 110 volts/60 hertz; if you bring appliances such as hair dryers you will need adaptors. Wi-Fi is freely available for students in all Embassy English schools and residences.

Prescription medication We advise that if you have any prescriptions, make sure you pack a sufficient amount for your stay. It is important to pack your medicine carefully in the original packaging in case you are questioned about these items at Customs. A note from your doctor indicating that these prescriptions are required is recommended

Emergency information Always make sure important numbers and contact details are entered into your mobile phone and are kept written down in your purse or wallet. A credit card sized cut out of important numbers can be found below for your use.

Hand luggage We recommend that you pack the items listed below in your carry-on luggage during your travel to New York - as they may be needed en route:

Passport

Student Visa

Medical Insurance documents

Travel Insurance documents

Money

2


Emergency numbers Below are all the useful contact details you will need. We recommend that you provide a copy of this to your parent or guardian, or another contact at home should they need to get in touch with you at the school. You should keep a copy of this page with you at all times. Additional copies will be provided to you upon your arrival at the Centre.

School contact Address 6

th Floor, 328 Seventh Avenue, New York,

NY10001, USA.

Reception +1 212 629 7300

Fax +1 212 736 7950

24 hour Emergency number

Within US: +1 888 881 5415 From outside the US: +1 610 906 3462

Web www.embassyenglish.com

Airport numbers John F Kennedy International Airport +1 (718) 244 4444 Newark +1 (973) 961600 LaGuardia Airport +1 (718) 533 3400

Useful telephone numbers Local Doctors +1 212 352 2600 Local Dentist +1 212 998 9800

Cut me out and keep me safe This card size information sheet is for students to keep in their purse or wallet in case of emergency.

Embassy New York

6th Floor, 328 Seventh Avenue, New York

NY10001, USA

Reception +1 212 629 7300

Emergency number (USA) +1 888 881 5415

Emergency number (Abroad) +1 610 906 3462

Emergency service number (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911

3


Arriving in New York If you have booked a transfer If you have booked a taxi/airport transfer, a representative driver from Embassy will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals hall, and will be carrying a sign with your family name on it. The driver will take you to the school residence or host family. If you have not booked a transfer but would like to, please get in contact with your student enrollment advisor. If you have not booked a transfer but would like to, please get in contact with your student enrolment advisor.

What to do if you cannot find your transfer It is very unlikely that you will not find the representative, but if this happens go to the airport information desk and ask the staff to make an announcement. Give them your name and the name of the Embassy School. Stay at the information desk so the representative can find you. If after some time you are still unable to find the representative, please dont panic. Call the 24 hour emergency number which can be found on the front page of this document and someone there will be able to help you. If you have booked a transfer, the Embassy representative will know the address you are going to and he/she will have been paid in advance. DO NOT get into a taxi with someone who does not know where you are going, or who asks you for money. If you are uncertain, the help desk in the airport will be able to advise you.

If you have not booked a transfer For students who have not booked a transfer. The most convenient option is to take a taxi. Transit Times by car: JFK to Residences: 35 minutes with no traffic Newark to Residences: 30 minutes with no traffic LaGuardia to Residences: 20 minutes with no traffic Transit Times by public transport: JFK to Residences: 1 to 2 hours estimate Newark to Residences: about 1 hour estimate LaGuardia to Residences: 1 to 1 1/2 hours estimate

Travel in New York Public transportation is a convenient and cost effective way to get around New York and taxis are readily available 24 hours a day. You can find timetables and travel routes for New Yorks public transportation on the following websites:

www.mta.info

www.njtransit.com

4


Map

How to find us Walking directions from the station The New York Centre is located in the middle of Chelsea - which is about a five minute walk from Penn Station. Penn Station is a central transportation hub where students can take the Amtrak train; the 1, 2, 3 and A, C, E subway lines; and the LIRR - which is the train to and from Long Island. Madison Square Garden (sport and concert stadium) is built right on top of Penn Station as well. Note: the #1 train subway line stops right at 28th Street which is at the foot of the school.

Got a smartphone? Just scan this QR code to see this Google map on your phone

5


Your first day What to expect from your first day at school On your first day of school you will begin at 8.30 am, starting with your initial exam. This test will measure your English abilities and ensure you are placed in a class with people whose level of English is similar to yours. After the test you will have an assembly representative introducing you to life at the school. Topics typically covered include:

Medical, dental and other support services

Advice on opening bank accounts

School rules

Library facilities

Computer facilities

Study care insurance information

Introduction to the Embassy English staff

Getting to know your fellow students In the afternoon you will break for lunch with the other students. If the weather is nice, you will also be taken on a local tour, showing you restaurants and other areas of interest.

Your course Depending on your class level you will start your course on either Tuesday morning or Tuesday afternoon. Learning plans devised by our professionally trained English instructors are given to you week-to-week along with course books and other learning materials (both paper-based and digital). Progress tests will be given in class every few weeks and you will receive a report on your development. This will record and assess how you are advancing. In addition you will have tutorials with your teacher or academic director to discuss your course and achievements.

Looking after you All Embassy English Centres have dedicated Student Services support staff available to provide you with any needed assistance during your time session. They can help you with:

Travel details and planning

Opening a bank account

Local services

Visas and immigration regulations

Accommodation matters

Counselling for personal problems

Academic counselling

Post, fax and email facilities

Emergencies

6


Meet the staff

Aaron Sisson

Centre Director Zachary Piper Student Services Manager

Robert Runyon Associate Center Academic Manager

Marc Mejia Student Services Representative

Elyse Gonzalez Student Services Representative

Sharon Kim Housing Coordinator

7


Living in the USA Getting used to America America is a large nation and every state has its unique qualities making each one almost like its own small country. There are many exciting, interesting and educational sights to see along with various communities that offer many different foods, arts and so much more. Difficulty with language and unique cultures may seem like a challenge at first, but if you keep an open mind and your sense of humor throughout it all you will be just fine. Many of you will be away from home for the first time and it is not uncommon to miss your family and friends. Our team at Embassy English is here to help and provide you comfort and support beyond learning the language and our Student Services are always happy to help you with any challenges you may have.

Doctors and Dentists Student Services will be able to help you to register with local doctors. Details of how to access this information will be in the induction assembly.

Drinking If you are 21 years or older, you may drink alcoholic beverages in the United States. You must bring photo identification to show proof of age as you may not be allowed into a bar or a pub without it (for example, your passport is photo ID although something less important is recommended). NOTE: It is against the law to drink alcohol and drive a car; drink alcohol in a public place (such as a park or on the street); or buy alcohol for anyone younger than 21 years old.

Smoking Cigarettes are available to anyone aged over 18. While people in America do smoke, they are discouraged to do so because of laws prohibiting smoking in public places. Also, cigarettes are heavily taxed and are prohibitively expensive. Smoking has been banned in all bars, clubs and restaurants. Smoking is illegal in many public places including buses and the subway. Some non-smokers find smoke unpleasant and uncomfortable. If you are eating or drinking with friends, especially at someone elses house, it is polite to ask before you light up your cigarette. If you are staying with a host family make sure you ask where you can and cannot smoke.

8


City information The City New York City houses approximately 8.3 million people and is the most populous city in the United States. It is

known for its status as Americas center for finance and culture and for it being the largest gateway for immigration to the United States. New York City attracts considerably more foreign visitors than any other US

city.

Visitors should try to visit NYCs must-sees attractions including:

The Empire State Building

The Statue of Liberty

Central Park

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim and The Museum of Natural History

In addition, be sure and explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters a picturesque park located in upper Manhattan, The High Line which is a scenic walk along the lower Hudson River, or one of the city s nearby boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx or a free ride to Staten Island on the Staten Island ferry.

Indulge in the bohemian shops of the East and West Village, the fine dining of the Upper West Side and the art

galleries of SoHo (which means South of Houston street - pronounced how-stun) as well as hidden galleries in the Chelsea district.

Population 8.3 million

Climate Spring in New York is lovely blossoming trees pop into reds and pinks, sunny days glimmer and even rainy

days have a lovely, cleansing feel to them. The temperatures can still dip down to a chilly 40F (4C) in early

April evenings, but average temperatures hover at around 60F (15C) creating days that are perfect for

strolling in the city. Summers can be scorching, as temperatures in July and August can climb to the 100F

(37C) mark; usually its

between 70F (21C) and 80F (26C), with occasional thunderstorms that light up the sky and cool everything

down until the sun comes out again. Winters, of course, are cold. It can be gray for days, with sleet, snow

showers and temperatures that can easily dip down into the single digits like 8F (-13C) come January.

Major local events EVENT DATE

Lunar (Chinese) New Years Festival Jan 31st

(2014)/ Feb 18th

(2015)

Fashion Week Feb.6th

Feb. 13th

(2014)

Saint Patricks Day Parade Mar. 17th

Tribeca Film Festival Apr. 16th

- Apr. 27th

(2014)

Shakespeare in the Park Performances All June

Independence Day Fireworks July 4th

Pride Week & Parade Jun. 19th

-Jun. 27th

Restaurant Week Jul 22nd

-Aug. 16th

San Gennaro Festival Sept.18th

-Sept. 28th

(2014)

Thanksgiving day Parade Nov.27th

(2014) / Nov. 26th

(2015)

Christmas Celebrations at Rockefeller Center All Dec.

New Years Eve at Times Square Dec. 31st

9


Social activities Embassy activities are a terrific way to make lifelong friends and discover the city around you. In all of our schools, we have weekly events for students to be involved in and there is always something to do and people to meet from other cultures and backgrounds. The best way to find out what activities are happening, is to contact your social activities manager. These activities can include:

Dance and fitness classes

Cinema visits

Trips to places of local interest

Sports activities such as soccer, volleyball, tennis,

Watching sporting events

Local attractions

Movie nights

Day or weekend trips Note: Some activities are free, while others require a small payment.

Attractions and excursions Embassy English occasionally offers weekend trips and excursions to places in the United States. Students must make sure they have a necessary visa for travel.

Useful websites If you would like to learn more about life at Embassy, the local area, transport and other information, be sure to browse the following websites. Embassy website: www.embassyenglish.com

Visitors Guide: NYC Go (www.nycgo.com) Arts and Events guide: TimeOut New York (www.timeout.com/newyork) US Travel Site: Discover America (www.discoveramerica.com) Information for traveling to destination and attractions around the USA

Facebook Embassy is on Facebook! You can look at our photos, ask us questions and leave messages.

You could even find the students you will be studying with and make friends before you even arrive.

Find us here: Embassy English: www.facebook.com/EmbassyEnglish Embassy New York: www.facebook.com/EmbassyNy

Documents

NYpa