Fun Classes for Expats Living in Seattle
Summary: One of the best ways to get settled after a move is to get out there and do something. Enhance your experience in Seattle by joining classes that are great for meeting people and adapting to life abroad.
Seattle, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and diverse population, offers a plethora of classes for English-speaking adults, including expats and digital nomads. Whether you're looking to expand your culinary skills, dive into the local art scene, or enhance your language proficiency, Seattle's educational landscape is brimming with opportunities. Engaging in these classes is not only a fantastic way to learn something new but also an excellent avenue for socializing and networking with fellow enthusiasts. Below is a curated list of classes that cater to a variety of interests, ensuring that you'll find something that piques your curiosity and helps you feel more connected to the Emerald City.
The Pantry
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: 1417 NW 70th Street, Seattle
Website: thepantryseattle.com
The Pantry is a beloved culinary hub where both beginners and seasoned cooks can explore the world of food. Their classes cover a wide range of cuisines and techniques, from handmade pasta to artisanal bread baking. The intimate setting and hands-on approach make for an enjoyable and educational experience, perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their kitchen skills.
Seattle Central College - Continuing Education
Type of Class(es): Language Courses, Creative Writing, Photography
Location: 1701 Broadway, Seattle
Website: learnatcentral.org
Seattle Central College offers a variety of non-credit continuing education courses that cater to a wide array of interests. Their language courses are particularly suited for those still mastering English, while creative writing and photography classes provide a creative outlet and the chance to explore Seattle's picturesque landscapes through a new lens.
Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Winemaking
Location: 6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle
Website: nwwineacademy.com
For wine enthusiasts, the Northwest Wine Academy is the perfect place to deepen your understanding of viticulture and enology. Their wine tasting classes will help you refine your palate, while winemaking courses offer a hands-on approach to the wine production process.
Gage Academy of Art
Type of Class(es): Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
Location: 1501 10th Avenue East, Seattle
Website: gageacademy.org
Gage Academy of Art is a dynamic art school offering classes for all skill levels. Whether you're interested in traditional drawing techniques, contemporary painting styles, or sculpting, Gage provides a supportive environment to explore your artistic potential.
Seattle Glassblowing Studio
Type of Class(es): Glassblowing Workshops
Location: 2227 5th Avenue, Seattle
Website: seattleglassblowing.com
Experience the unique art of glassblowing at Seattle Glassblowing Studio. Their workshops are designed for all levels, allowing you to create your own glass masterpiece under the guidance of skilled artisans. It's a mesmerizing and hands-on way to engage with one of Seattle's most famous art forms.
Book Larder
Type of Class(es): Cooking Demonstrations and Author Events
Location: 4252 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle
Website: booklarder.com
Book Larder combines the love for literature and cooking by hosting a variety of cooking demonstrations and events with authors. It's a culinary bookshop where you can learn new recipes and techniques while engaging with fellow foodies and renowned chefs.
Pratt Fine Arts Center
Type of Class(es): Jewelry Making, Printmaking, Blacksmithing
Location: 1902 South Main Street, Seattle
Website: pratt.org
Pratt Fine Arts Center offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of fine arts and crafts. With classes in jewelry making, printmaking, and even blacksmithing, you can learn a new trade or hone an existing skill in a supportive and well-equipped environment.
Seattle Language Academy
Type of Class(es): ESL and Foreign Language Courses
Location: Various locations in Seattle
Website: seattlelanguages.com
Seattle Language Academy caters to both English learners and those interested in learning a new language. Their ESL courses are designed to improve proficiency and confidence in English, while their foreign language classes offer a range of options from Spanish to Japanese.
Seattle Central Library
Type of Class(es): Writing Workshops, Tech Classes
Location: 1000 Fourth Ave, Seattle
Website: spl.org
The Seattle Central Library is more than just a place for books; it's a community hub for learning and creativity. They offer free writing workshops and technology classes, perfect for those looking to improve their digital skills or find their literary voice.
Hot Stove Society
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: 2000 4th Avenue, Seattle
Website: hotstovesociety.com
Run by Tom Douglas, a renowned Seattle chef and restaurateur, Hot Stove Society offers a variety of cooking classes that are both informative and entertaining. From global cuisines to baking and cocktail making, there's a class for every taste and interest.
Third Place Commons
Type of Class(es): Language Conversation Groups, Chess Club
Location: 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA
Website: thirdplacecommons.org
Third Place Commons is a community space that hosts a variety of free events and classes, including language conversation groups where you can practice and improve your language skills in a casual setting. Their chess club also offers a strategic way to meet new people and challenge your mind.
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.
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