Fun Classes for Expats Living in Boston
Summary: Once you've arrived in Boston, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
Boston, a city rich in culture and history, offers a plethora of classes for English-speaking adults, including expats and digital nomads. Whether you're looking to hone a new skill, dive into a hobby, or simply meet new people, Boston's diverse range of classes provides something for everyone. From cooking workshops that tantalize your taste buds to language courses that help you communicate better, and from wine tasting sessions that refine your palate to creative arts that unleash your inner artist, the city is a hub for lifelong learning and community engagement. Here's a curated list of classes that are perfect for those still mastering the local language but eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant Boston scene.
Boston Center for Adult Education
Type of Class(es): Cooking, Language, Art, and More
Location: 122 Arlington Street, Boston
Website: www.bcae.org
The Boston Center for Adult Education offers a wide array of classes, including cooking, language learning, and various arts. Their cooking classes, for instance, range from regional cuisines to specific cooking techniques, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Language courses are also available for those looking to improve their English or pick up a new language, while art classes offer a creative outlet in mediums like painting and photography.
Cambridge Center for Adult Education
Type of Class(es): Cooking, Languages, Arts & Crafts
Location: 42 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA
Website: www.ccae.org
Located just across the Charles River in Cambridge, this center provides a variety of classes including international cooking, language courses, and arts & crafts. Their hands-on cooking classes are a great way to learn new recipes and techniques, while their language offerings help students to improve their English or start learning a new language in a supportive environment.
The Boston Language Institute
Type of Class(es): Language Courses
Location: 648 Beacon Street, Boston
Website: www.bostonlanguage.com
For those looking to improve their English or learn a new language, The Boston Language Institute offers intensive and part-time courses in over a dozen languages. Their TEFL Certificate program is also popular among expats who wish to teach English abroad or in the U.S.
The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
Website: www.cambridgeculinary.com
Offering recreational cooking classes for all skill levels, The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts is a great place for food enthusiasts to learn new techniques, explore world cuisines, and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience.
The Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts
Type of Class(es): Art, Crafts, and Woodworking
Location: 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
Website: www.eliotschool.org
At The Eliot School, adults can take classes in fine arts, crafts, and woodworking. Whether you're interested in painting, drawing, sewing, or furniture making, the school offers a range of courses for all levels of experience.
GrubStreet
Type of Class(es): Writing Workshops
Location: 50 Liberty Drive, Suite 500, Boston
Website: www.grubstreet.org
GrubStreet is one of the nation's leading creative writing centers, offering workshops, seminars, and events for writers of all levels. Their classes cover topics from fiction to memoir, poetry, and more, providing a supportive community for writers to develop their craft.
Boston Wine School
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Education
Location: Various locations in and around Boston
Website: www.bostonwineschool.com
For wine enthusiasts or those curious about oenology, the Boston Wine School offers classes that teach the art of wine tasting, pairing, and appreciation. Their classes are designed to be informative yet approachable, making wine education accessible to all levels of learners.
Brookline Adult & Community Education
Type of Class(es): Cooking, Art, Languages, and More
Location: 2 Clark Road, Brookline, MA
Website: www.brooklineadulted.org
Brookline Adult & Community Education offers a wide range of classes, including international cooking, art workshops, and language courses. Their programs are designed to foster personal growth and community involvement, making it a great place to learn new skills and meet people.
New England School of Photography
Type of Class(es): Photography Classes
Location: 274 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
Website: www.nesop.edu
For those with a passion for photography, the New England School of Photography offers courses ranging from the basics to advanced techniques. Their workshops and certificate programs cater to both hobbyists and professional photographers alike.
Stir Boston
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: 102 Waltham Street, Boston
Stir is a demonstration kitchen and cookbook store that provides intimate cooking classes for food lovers. Classes are demonstration-based, allowing you to relax, watch, and learn as the chefs prepare seasonal dishes. It's a perfect setting for those who enjoy gourmet cuisine and want to learn more about the culinary arts.
Please note that class availability, locations, and offerings may change, so it's always best to check with the individual institutions for the most up-to-date information.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Best Markets in Boston
- Retire in Boston Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Boston
- Pros & Cons of Living in Boston
- Driving in Boston
- Cost of Living in Boston
- Health Care in Boston
- The Insider's Guide to Boston
- 9 Best Places to Live in Boston
- Healthcare in Boston
- Top 5 Tips For Moving to Boston
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Massachusetts
- Real Estate in Massachusetts
- Top 5 Tips For Moving to Boston