Members can choose from a wide array of programs at the International Center. These opportunities encourage members to feel comfortable speaking English, to make new friends, practice new skills, and to introduce them to American culture and the cultures of other members. Our Programs include: 

Discussion and Lecture Classes
Members can attend our 30-35 Discussion and Lecture classes, which meet each week for one to three hours and are led by volunteers. Classes are open to members on a walk-in basis, and are limited to the number of seats available. Lessons led by volunteers and staff cover various English skills, including pronunciation, grammar, idioms, vocabulary, and TOEFL. Other classes address topical subjects such as U.S. history and politics, American culture, music, and literature, as well as a selection of classes on American culture. For a look at our discussion class schedule, click here.

Practical and Training Workshops
Workshops focus on the skills members need to succeed in the United States. Career skills workshops offer resume and cover letter writing, interviewing and networking. Practical workshops include computer and Internet training, math, art , and education. To explore new interests, members can participate in drawing, photography, or dance instruction. The How to Survive in New York series offers such information as getting a driver's license, banking and budgeting, applying for college, and health care. Members are also encouraged to volunteer for staff at the Center or at other agencies, depending on their interest, with teams of members participating in larger volunteer projects. 

Cultural and Social Programs 
Cultural and Social Programs include art exhibits, movies, restaurant trips, and events featuring music, art, and dance from around the world, and cultural celebrations. Also provided are guided trips and tours to places of historic, cultural, and popular interest in the New York area and beyond. 

One-To-One Partnerships
In each of the one-to-one partnerships, a member meets for a total of twelve hours with a trained volunteer tutor. The cost for each partnership is $150. In most cases, members can choose the day and time for these lessons. There are seven different partnerships available:  

  • Conversation Partnerships 
  • Advanced English Partnerships 
  • Writing Partnerships 
  • Pronunciation Partnerships
  • Professional Mentoring Partnerships 
  • Citizenship Partnerships
  • Partnership opportunities in neighborhoods near you through our Collaborative Programs

    The Conversation Partnership helps members practice conversation, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and writing. It also helps build confidence in speaking and provides support in adjusting to life in New York. You can find suggestions for questions and activities that will facilitate communication between individuals of different languages and cultures at our Conversation Topics page.

    The Advanced English Partnership assists members at the advanced level with readings on contemporary topics, study of college-level vocabulary, idioms and American values and culture. The textbook, American Ways, which you can purchase at the Information Desk, is $20. Homework will be assigned.  

    The Writing Partnership matches a member with a volunteer who is trained to assist with essays, resumes, letters, business statements, college term papers, the writing segment of the TOEFL, and creative writing. 

    The Pronunciation Partnership helps  members improve their speech clarity and listening comprehension in English. With the aid of a textbook, Pronunciation Pairs, volunteers work with members on sound pronunciation, stress, rhythm and intonation.

    Career Skills Partnership helps members to improve their resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills. Volunteers share their experiences and offer professional advice to their partners. 

    The Citizenship Partnership prepares members for the U.S. Citizenship exam by using lessons in American history, 100 test questions, and videotaped interviews. Members can also consult a volunteer lawyer for advice on their application for U.S. citizenship.

Members also have access to information resources that provide information and referrals for jobs, job search skills, educational programs and Universities, general immigration referrals, health, housing, legal issues, translators, and personal concerns. 

Members can also use the English as a Second Language Library and Listening Lab, equipped with workbooks, audio and videotapes, and a new multimedia ESOL computer available at any time during our operating hours.

SAMPLE TITLES OF AVAILABLE ESL BOOKS AND TAPES: 

America Past & Present, three volumes 

The American Ways 

Citizenship Made Simple: An easy to read guide to the U.S. Citizenship process 

Dictionary of American Idioms 

The Electric Elephant and Other Stories 

Focus on Grammar 

Grammar in Use 

Internationally Yours: Two Hundred Topics and Activities for English Conversation Practice 

Longman Dictionary of American English 

New American Streamline: An intensive American English series 

Pronunciation Contrasts in English 

Pronunciation Drills 

Spotlight on the USA 

Talk About It 

Talk About TRIVIA: 1001 Questions 

Talk Your Head Off 

Tapestry: A Writing Course in 4 Volumes 

TOEFL preparation books by Barron and Longman 

True Stories in the News 

Vocabulary in Use 

What A Life! 3 Volumes 

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