International Students
Resources for International Students
Adjusting to life in New York and at NYU can be a challenge. The city itself can be overwhelming--more so when you’re new. Know that you’re not alone. Students from both within and outside of the US can feel the stress of adjusting to New York. Keep these resources in mind so you can grow as you move through your transition to NYU.
Prior to Arriving at NYU
Your first and best source of information is the NYU Office of Global Services.
Writing Academically in English
We prioritize a student’s thesis statement or main idea, their sub-claims and how they are supported by evidence (whether quantitative or qualitative), the overall structure and organization of the paper, and the clarity and significance of all claims, subclaims, and evidence
American Language Institute – 7 E. 12th St.
Courses in English - semester-long or short courses to improve English
If you’re in an ALI course, there is a tutoring center and you can also see their faculty for help
NYU Writing Center – 411 Lafayette, 4th floor
Can make up to 6 appointments per semester
Is not for editing grammar or proofreading – it’s to help you with structure and organization
They also take walk-in appointments depending on availability
Online resources here
Academic Resource Center – 18 Washington Place
Although primarily geared toward undergraduates, there are services open to all students, including academic skills workshops for reading strategies, note-taking, and presentation skills
Purdue Online Writing Lab
Dave’s ESL Café - Grammar lessons, idioms, verbs, and slang
Take popular movies and uses summaries and idioms to discuss the English language
Other Tips
Read a lot in English from diverse sources – books, magazines, brochures, reports – not just to learn about new topics but to improve your understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and technical jargon. Underline new terms, verbs, and idioms you encounter so you can look them up in a dictionary or grammar reference later
Build a personalized dictionary, writing down idiomatic expressions, niche jargon, irregular verbs and writing style notes to revise later. Write these down during your reading sessions and consult it when reading and writing.
Ask a native English speaker to review your work and give you constructive criticism – especially for grammar, spelling, tone and style. Find a peer or tutor that can help you with this!
Improving Speaking in English
English Conversation Groups for Graduate Students
Informal groups facilitated by NYU faculty, staff or graduate students
Free, no registration required, offered weekly for all NYU graduate students
Volunteers help students gain confidence in English and meet new friends
Conversation Partner Program, language courses, and workshops
HowJSay - Online pronunciation dictionary
Feeling Connected to the US, NYC, and NYU
GoWorldWise
Once you log into NYUHome, take a look at the “NYU Life” tab
Click on GoWorldWise to access tools on cultural competency and getting best practices for communicating, living, or working in another country or city, including New York
Wasserman Center – 133 E. 13th St.
Help international students navigate the US work environment, prepare for their job search and handle visa questions
PREP (Professional Readiness Education Program) for sophomore undergraduates or 1st year graduate students with no work experience
Enhances international student life in the residence halls at NYU
One To World fosters intercultural understanding by creating experiences among communities
Office of Global Services – 383 Lafayette (Student Link)
Resource for immigration and visa regulations and questions
Monthly newsletters with tips and resources