Last updated 4 days ago
Depending on which country you are from, American culture may seem quite different from the culture to which you are accustomed. To help you feel comfortable while taking ESL classes in America, here is a brief introduction to the important aspects of American culture that you need to know:
- Forms of Address – If you find yourself in a formal situation (such as a job interview or a meeting with a professor), address a person by his or her title. Titles include “Doctor” for both medical doctors and scholars with PhDs, “Mister” for men, “Missus” for married women, and “Miss” for unmarried women. In casual meetings, Americans generally refer to each other by their first names only. When in doubt, ask a person by what name he or she would prefer to be called.
- Small Talk - “Small talk” is the phrase used to describe conversation between two people who don’t know each other very well. Good topics of small talk include the weather, classes you are taking, movies that you have seen, and music that you like. Religion, politics, and other controversial subjects are generally off-limits until two people know each other very well.
- Handshakes – In America, people generally shake hands when they meet one another for the first time. Handshakes may also be used to express gratitude. When shaking hands, avoid gripping the other person’s hand too tightly, but don’t make your hand too limp—a firm handshake is best.
- Holidays – The federal government recognizes 11 days each year, on which it gives non-essential employees a day off and does not conduct business. Federal holidays include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Refer to your school calendar to see if your ESL classes will be held on these days.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, the Institute of American Language and Culture at Fordham University in New York can help you develop your English language skills and prepare for study in an American university classroom. To learn how our ESL classes can help you improve your English, call (866) 859-4961.
Last updated 8 days ago
Navigating the New York subway system can be a challenge even for native New Yorkers. With so many different rail lines and subway stations throughout the city, getting from point A to B can be quite confusing if you’re new to the city. Fortunately, the New York Subway app helps you navigate the complexities of the city’s vast subway network. Simply enter your destination and the app will automatically find the best route using the subway. There is even a bookmark feature that allows you to save your favorite stations and routes for future use.
Photo Credit: iTunes
Students from all over the world travel to New York to attend ESL classes at the Institute of American Language and Culture at Fordham University. The Institute of American Language and Culture prepares non-native English speaking students to study in an American university classroom. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will help you improve your English language skills in an optimal amount of time. For additional information about our ESL classes, call (866) 859-4961.
Last updated 22 days ago
Depending on which country you are from, American culture may seem quite different from the culture to which you are accustomed. To help you feel comfortable while taking ESL classes in America, here is a brief introduction to the important aspects of American culture that you need to know:
- Forms of Address – If you find yourself in a formal situation (such as a job interview or a meeting with a professor), address a person by his or her title. Titles include “Doctor” for both medical doctors and scholars with PhDs, “Mister” for men, “Missus” for married women, and “Miss” for unmarried women. In casual meetings, Americans generally refer to each other by their first names only. When in doubt, ask a person by what name he or she would prefer to be called.
- Small Talk – “Small talk” is the phrase used to describe conversation between two people who don’t know each other very well. Good topics of small talk include the weather, classes you are taking, movies that you have seen, and music that you like. Religion, politics, and other controversial subjects are generally off-limits until two people know each other very well.
- Handshakes – In America, people generally shake hands when they meet one another for the first time. Handshakes may also be used to express gratitude. When shaking hands, avoid gripping the other person’s hand too tightly, but don’t make your hand too limp—a firm handshake is best.
- Holidays – The federal government recognizes 11 days each year, on which it gives non-essential employees a day off and does not conduct business. Federal holidays include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Refer to your school calendar to see if your ESL classes will be held on these days.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, the Institute of American Language and Culture at Fordham University in New York can help you develop your English language skills and prepare for study in an American university classroom. To learn how our ESL classes can help you improve your English, call (866) 859-4961.
Last updated 29 days ago
For more information about learning ESL as a foreign student at an American university, explore the information provided below. If you would like to talk to one of our ESL education experts, call the Institute of American Language and Culture at Fordham University at (866) 859-4961.
- Frankfurt International School offers helpful advice on learning English vocabulary.
- For useful information about growth in the number of foreign students studying at American universities, read this article from USA Today.
- If you are an international student considering coming to the U.S. for college, read this guide to applying for your student visa.
- To learn more about the TOEFL test, read this guide from the Educational Testing Service.
