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This summer the Emerald Isle saw another spike in J1 activity compared to 2011, with several hundred newcomers to these shores coming into both our Queens and Bronx offices for assistance and advice.

Most pressing, as usual, was the need for accommodation and employment. It is a tough market out there for everyone, although we had several loyal Irish entrepreneurs and businesses who reached out to the students with jobs, as well as landlords and others who came forward with available accommodation. Both the EIIC and the students who they helped are truly grateful to these individuals and organizations for all of their assistance. Hopefully their experiences this summer will whet their appetite for another bite of the Big Apple in the near future.

Support for our J1 program was provided by many staff within EIIC, however most of the day to day activities were handled by Patrick Collins. Patrick just graduated from DCU and his work was a credit to the Center. On top of his J1 duties he spoke to the Washington Ireland Program on behalf of the EIIC and attended numerous events as well as helping out in both the Queens and Bronx offices. Thanks for all your hard work, Patrick.

Additional J1 support was ably provided by two IWP participants, Muireach Shankey (Dublin) who is filling the Development/Coordinator position until November 2012 and Caroline Reilly (Mayo) on reception.

EIIC staff are delighted that our Irish language teacher Naomi McCooe was a recipient of a 2012 Gaeltacht Summer Award from the Ireland-United States Commission for Education Exchange. Naomi is currently in Ireland and classes resume at the center on Monday, September 17.Congratulations, Naomi.

It’s that time of year again- the EIIC’s Annual Dinner Dance is almost upon us.

Please join us this October 26^th, when the EIIC will be honoring three individuals who typify the spirit of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center and acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the Irish Community.

It will be held in the Astoria World Manor, New York at 7:00 p.m. So be sure to save the date and we’ll see you to raise a glass in October.

The EIIC welcomes the return of the BX34 bus service, which will resume in Woodlawn this October. The return of this route will be a huge help to our Saturday clients. Our thanks to Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and New York City Council Member Oliver Koppell (D-Bronx), whose hard work, coupled with the tireless efforts of the larger community, brought this change about.

Some of you may have heard about the shocking incident which occurred in the Bronx in the early hours of Saturday morning, July 14th. A 20 year old J1 student was walking home with her friend from a pub on Katonah Avenue. With only a few blocks to walk to her door, the two girls were approached by an unknown male and one was attacked with a cement block causing serious injuries to her head. The sudden and shocking assault left her in need of immediate hospitalization.

The full story is available to read here.

It was also reported on by CBS News.

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center would like to remind all J1s to remain extremely cautious when out in New York, particularly at night. This incident, though horrifying, is unfortunately not an isolated occurrence.

We cannot stress how important it is to exercise extreme caution when walking the streets at night. Please only take well lit, and well populated routes and ensure that you have your mobile phone on you at all times. When leaving bars and restaurants always use a reputable cab company and try to use a cab at night time where possible. It is the safest option.

Don’t engage with suspicious strangers, even if they ask you a direct question. Just keep walking speedily and take out your phone and call a friend so you are in communication with someone you know. New York is a massive city, and so, for every great experience there is to be had here, there is also an equal possibility of something unfortunate taking place. No one wants a repeat of what happened last weekend to happen to them. Being informed and alert can make all the difference.

If any student needs to contact the Emerald Isle please do so on 718-324-3039 (Woodlawn office) and 718-478-5502 (Woodside Office)

Look after yourself and your friends,

Keep safe and enjoy the rest of the summer.