CUNY - College of Staten Island - English Language Institute



CUNY - College of Staten Island: The English Language Institute (ELI) of the Center for Global Engagement has offered innovative academic programs for students learning English as a Second Language since the late 1970’s. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and ethnicity of New York City. Classes range from beginner to the advanced level.

Friday, February 24, 2023

TGIF - What does it mean?

TGIF - What does it mean?

You probably heard or read many people saying or writing TGIF. Do you know the meaning?

Meaning & background: TGIF is a phrase in the United States that means "Thank God (or) goodness it's Friday." 


According to Wikipedia, it dates back to the 1960's. The restaurant by the same name was founded in Manhattan in 1965, and there was also a 1978 movie with this name. It means to celebrate the last day of the working week (or) school week before the weekend.

You do not need to say the whole phrase, so you can just say TGIF (you should pronounce each letter).


This article was written on a Friday, so cheers and enjoy the weekend, TGIF!!!!


The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

The Met Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as The Met, in New York City, is one of the most iconic places to visit while in the city.

Founded in 1870, it offers more than 5,000 works of art such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and much more!


The Met is basically divided by regions, but there are other areas where you can enjoy photo exhibitions or events. 


Located next to Central Park, the main building is near bus and subway stops, open to the public almost all year long, to public in general and students. 


One of the advantages for some students is that they access for free as a group when taken with their teachers.

For example, students at the English Language Institute at the College of Staten Island and other CUNY students have access to the museum as part of their academic field trips, instead of paying the full amount of the ticket.


You can learn more about the history of the museum and how to visit it here.








------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in learning English? Sign up in our English program: elistudy@csi.cuny.edu / www.csi.cuny.edu/eli at the English Language Institute at the College of Staten Island/The City University of New York (CUNY). The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City. ELI offers semester and summer terms of 18 and 22 hours of class per week. Students can also join the groups that have already started the semester or summer term and study as many weeks as possible. Students have courses such as reading and writing, grammar, conversation, and TOEFL test preparation workshops with a final TOEFL ITP test, which lets students apply for any CUNY school degree. Students in our program are entitled to use all the facilities available on campus such as the pool, tennis, basketball, racquetball courts, and fitness center. Students can also attend any lectures or workshops they feel would enhance their own learning experience. We invite you to come and see our beautiful campus. Learn English while enjoying the rich culture New York City has to offer. Staten Island Staten Island is about four times the size of Manhattan and has a population of approximately 473,000. It is noted for its parks and recreational areas, in addition to several notable cultural sites. Manhattan and other "boroughs" of New York City are easily accessible by public transportation. The campus The College is set on a large campus with woodlands and open spaces in Staten Island. Its attractive facilities include technologically advanced laboratories, a Sports and Recreation Center and a Center for the Performing and Creative Arts. Campus location The College is twenty-five minutes by ferry from Manhattan. Our students have easy access to the rich cultural life of the City by way of a ferry shuttle ride located on the CSI campus. The ferry shuttle travels directly to the Staten Island ferry. ELI academic program The ELI offers intensive, comprehensive English language instruction and cultural orientation throughout the year. The program covers all aspects of spoken and written English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes are given at three levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Course content includes the proper use of English structures, fluency and accuracy of expression with acceptable pronunciation, listening and reading comprehension, and writing for personal, academic, and professional purposes. Students communicate in English from the first lesson at the beginner level. At all levels they work on integrated skills, focusing on the active, knowledgeable use of the language, rather than mere passive comprehension. ELI courses: Reading & Writing Grammar Communications (Conversation) TOEFL Workshop

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

On Thin Ice

Idioms in English - On Thin Ice

English Language Institute - College of Staten Island/CUNY


When you’re “on thin ice,” you will get in trouble if you make another mistake.

Example: After talking back to the teacher three times, Jackson realized he was skating on thin ice.




Image courtesy of dreamstime.com

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Interested in learning more idioms? Sign up in our English program: elistudy@csi.cuny.edu / www.csi.cuny.edu/eli

The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an exciting and innovative academic program for students learning English as a second language. Our course of study is designed to challenge and engage students. Students are immersed in the language, culture, and the ethnicity of New York City.

ELI offers semester and summer terms of 18 and 22 hours of class per week. Students can also join the groups that have already started the semester or summer term and study as many weeks as possible. Students have courses such as reading and writing, grammar, conversation, and TOEFL test preparation workshops with a final TOEFL ITP test, which lets students apply for any CUNY school degree.

Students in our program are entitled to use all the facilities available on campus such as the pool, tennis, basketball, racquetball courts, and fitness center. Students can also attend any lectures or workshops they feel would enhance their own learning experience. We invite you to come and see our beautiful campus. Learn English while enjoying the rich culture New York City has to offer.

Staten Island
Staten Island is about four times the size of Manhattan and has a population of approximately 473,000. It is noted for its parks and recreational areas, in addition to several notable cultural sites. Manhattan and other "boroughs" of New York City are easily accessible by public transportation.

The campus
The College is set on a large campus with woodlands and open spaces in Staten Island. Its attractive facilities include technologically advanced laboratories, a Sports and Recreation Center and a Center for the Performing and Creative Arts.

Campus location
The College is twenty-five minutes by ferry from Manhattan. Our students have easy access to the rich cultural life of the City by way of a ferry shuttle ride located on the CSI campus. The ferry shuttle travels directly to the Staten Island ferry.

ELI academic program

The ELI offers intensive, comprehensive English language instruction and cultural orientation throughout the year. The program covers all aspects of spoken and written English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes are given at three levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced. Course content includes the proper use of English structures, fluency and accuracy of expression with acceptable pronunciation, listening and reading comprehension, and writing for personal, academic, and professional purposes. Students communicate in English from the first lesson at the beginner level. At all levels they work on integrated skills, focusing on the active, knowledgeable use of the language, rather than mere passive comprehension.

ELI courses:

  • Reading & Writing
  • Grammar
  • Communications (Conversation)
  • TOEFL Workshop