The Empire State Building. Rockefeller Center. The Brooklyn Bridge. The Statue of Liberty. All of these are must-see locations for anyone that visits New York. And all of these can be seen by every study abroad student studying in New York.
New York is a must-see state for any student making a study abroad USA trip:
A study in New York summer study abroad program should include a trip on the New York Skyride. Located on the second floor of the Empire State Building, this amazing helicopter tour lets visitors see over 30 of New York’s most famous sites in about half an hour!
If you study in New York for a semester abroad you should definitely take the time to visit where New York all began…Ellis Island. This island, where over 12 million immigrants entered the USA from 1892 to 1954, now boasts an Ellis Island Immigration Museum and is a short distance from the Statue of Liberty.
Joining a study abroad New York program is the perfect way to learn about U.S. culture and to see exactly why New York is a great place to get a top-notch education.
Best Universities in New York
New York has always been known for its tall buildings and busy traffic. But it’s also known for its unique variety of secondary education programs.
Students interested in High-Definition digital filmmaking won’t want to miss out on the New York Film Academy. Founded in 1992 with campuses in Los Angeles and London, this school offers both film and acting classes and is close to every major Broadway show in New York.
For those international students who want to express themselves through design, the New York School of Interior Design is the perfect place to do this. One of the only fully-accredited interior design schools in all of the United States, this school offers classes in not only interior design, but also in the history of art, philosophy, theory and communications.
Study abroad students interested in enjoying all that New York has to offer might want to study in Columbia University. The oldest higher learning institution in New York, this school offers programs in architecture, education, law, social work and more, and is located in a neighborhood in Manhattan that is overflowing with nice restaurants and bookstores.
Students hoping to learn the English language can take courses at the English Language Institute, which is a part of the New York Institute of Technology. Courses include beginner through advanced English, reading and writing, American Culture, technical English and more. There’s even a computer language lab that students can use in their spare time.
Other top rated universities in New York include:
• Manhattan College
• Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music
• Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Guide to Studying in NYC
Scholarships
If you need ideas to help pay for your trip you can visit our financial aid for study abroad and study abroad scholarships, grants and fellowships pages.
Modes of Transportation in New York
New York is the third most populated state in the U.S., which means that there are a lot of people who travel to and from work every day. Depending on your preference, you can choose from a variety of ways to get from one place to another:
The New York subway system, which has been completely renovated, is one of the most popular and safe ways to travel in New York. You can use either a token or a Metrocard to get on board, both of which cost about $2.00 per ride. With over 4.3 million people riding the subway every day, you can’t help but want to see what it’s all about!
New York also has one of the largest bus fleets in the world. Bus rides cost about $2.00, and just like subways, tokens and Metrocards are accepted. The only problem is that buses may get crowded, and with stops at every two blocks, it might take a while to get to your destination.
The infamous taxi cab in New York can be a curse or a savior for people wanting to travel. Even though there are plenty of cabs in New York, hailing one down and not getting stuck in traffic may be a difficult task. It’s always best to try and ride with more than one person to split the fare because cab rides can be expensive.
For just $8 you can take a roundtrip ride on the Ellis Island/Liberty Island Ferry and see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Other available ferries include the Staten Island Ferry and ferries that tour the New York Waterway.
Cars can be rented in New York, but it’s not advised. Parking is just too hard to find, and with so much traffic you’re better off just paying $2 for a bus or subway ride.
You can choose any method you want when studying in New York, but just be sure to follow study abroad health and safety guidelines in case of any unexpected accidents.
Currency Exchange Rates for New York
U.S. currency is known as the dollar.
Here’s what you need to know about the American dollar:
Coins = 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents
Bills = $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
You can use a universal currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of international currency against the U.S. dollar.
Travel and Free Time
New York is truly one of the most exciting and animated places that anyone can visit in the U.S. There is literally always something to do for everyone, and you often have to ask yourself if you have enough time to see it all.
Some other Study Abroad New York Locations:
Want to see your favorite celebrity in person? Okay, maybe not in person, but how about in wax? You can see everyone from Brad Pitt and Madonna to Oprah and Derek Jeter at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in New York City.
Discover beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Not only is this cathedral surrounded by beautiful gardens, but it’s also the world’s largest cathedral.
Students who love to shop in between classes and on the weekend should visit NoLita and SoHo, two of New York’s hottest neighborhoods. With boutiques and trendy restaurant scattered throughout, these shopping districts are the perfect place to find something that represents New York.
You can’t visit New York without a stop in Central Park, which was named as a National Historic Landmark in 1963. This huge park in the urban area of New York City comes complete with skating ponds, a zoo, gardens, woods and an outdoor theater!
No matter where you study in New York you will always find something fun, educational and unique.
Important Study Abroad New York Information
You should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need.