Do you want to study English as a second language in America?

New Orleans

Overview:

+ Mardi Gras, Jazz, The French Quarter
- I can't think of any. I loved it.

There isn't much public transportation, but the city is small enough that I was able to walk wherever I wanted to go. After a week of walking though, I was pretty tired of it. There are buses and street cars, but I've never taken one.

I only spent one week in New Orleans. It was around the end of February/beginning of March, when the city is dominated by Mardi Gras. If you don't know much about Mardi Gras, think of it as a huge party that involves most of the city and attracts tourists from all over the US and the world.

I think it would be best to have finished your English course before Mardi Gras, and think of Mardi Gras as a chance to practice your English with people from all over. If you try to study English during Mardi Gras, I think you will get distracted from your classes.

Of course, one possibility would be to study English in another city and visit New Orleans only for Mardi Gras. Just remember to book a hotel room well in advance. I didn't and I ended up sleeping in my car; the hotels will be full. You may want to read more about Mardi Gras becuase it's not for everyone.

New Orleans has (what we call in New York) a southern accent but most students prefer the accents found in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York.

For more information about New Orleans, New Orlean Lonely Planet is a good place to start.

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