Fun Classes for Expats Living in Tijuana
Summary: One of the best ways to get settled after a move is to get out there and do something. Enhance your experience in Tijuana by joining classes that are great for meeting people and adapting to life abroad.
For expats and digital nomads in Tijuana, finding engaging activities that cater to English speakers can be a delightful way to immerse in the local culture while meeting new people. Whether you're interested in honing your culinary skills, learning Spanish, appreciating fine wines, or expressing yourself through art, Tijuana offers a variety of classes that can enrich your stay. These classes not only provide valuable learning experiences but also serve as social hubs where you can connect with fellow expats and locals alike. Below is a curated list of classes that are perfect for English-speaking adults looking to expand their horizons in this vibrant city.
La Cocina Que Canta
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, B.C., Mexico
La Cocina Que Canta offers cooking classes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. While the classes are conducted in Spanish, the visual nature of cooking and the hands-on experience make it enjoyable even for those still mastering the language. Plus, the instructors are accustomed to having English speakers in their classes, making it a welcoming environment for all.
Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT)
Type of Class(es): Art Workshops, Cultural Seminars
Location: Paseo de los Heroes No. 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana
The Tijuana Cultural Center offers a variety of workshops and seminars that delve into the arts and culture. While some classes may be in Spanish, the visual arts workshops are particularly accessible to non-Spanish speakers. The center is a hub for cultural exchange and provides a great opportunity to learn and interact with the local community.
Baja Language School
Type of Class(es): Spanish Language Courses
Location: Calle Cuarta 10187, Zona Centro, Tijuana
Baja Language School offers Spanish courses tailored to English speakers. With a focus on conversational Spanish, these classes are ideal for expats and digital nomads looking to improve their language skills in a supportive environment. The school's methodology is designed to get you speaking Spanish quickly, which is essential for fully enjoying life in Tijuana.
Vinos de la Ruta
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting Classes
Location: Various locations in Tijuana and Baja California's wine country
Vinos de la Ruta provides wine tasting classes that explore the diverse and rich wine culture of the Baja California region. The classes are often led by bilingual instructors, making them accessible to English speakers. It's a fantastic way to learn about local wines and meet other oenophiles in the area.
Arte Estudio
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing Classes
Location: Av. Revolución, Zona Centro, Tijuana
Arte Estudio offers art classes in various mediums, including painting and drawing. These classes are typically hands-on and require minimal Spanish proficiency, as art is a universal language. It's a great way to express creativity and connect with fellow artists in the community.
Casa de la Cultura Tijuana
Type of Class(es): Cultural Workshops, Music, and Dance Classes
Location: Calle Paris 5, Colonia Altamira, Tijuana
Casa de la Cultura Tijuana is a cultural hub offering a wide range of workshops and classes, from traditional Mexican dance to music. While these classes may be conducted in Spanish, the nature of dance and music makes them relatively easy to follow along for non-Spanish speakers. It's a lively way to experience Mexican culture firsthand.
Tijuana Innovadora
Type of Class(es): Innovation and Entrepreneurship Workshops
Location: Av. Paseo de los Heroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana
Tijuana Innovadora provides workshops and seminars focused on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Many of these are offered in English or have bilingual speakers, catering to the diverse international community in Tijuana. It's an excellent resource for digital nomads and expats looking to network and develop their professional skills.
El Lugar del Nopal
Type of Class(es): Cultural Events and Workshops
Location: Privada 5 de Mayo 1328, Zona Centro, Tijuana
El Lugar del Nopal is a cultural center that hosts a variety of events and workshops, including poetry readings, music performances, and art exhibitions. Many events are bilingual or feature English-speaking artists, making it a welcoming space for expats to enjoy and participate in Tijuana's cultural scene.
La Casa del Tunel
Type of Class(es): Art and Cultural Workshops
Location: Chapo Marquez 133, Colonia Federal, Tijuana
La Casa del Tunel is an art center that offers workshops and classes in a variety of creative disciplines. The center is known for its inclusive atmosphere and often hosts events that are accessible to English speakers. It's a unique venue where art and history intersect, providing a rich learning experience.
Escuela de Artes Musicales UABC
Type of Class(es): Music Classes
Location: Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Tijuana
The School of Musical Arts at UABC offers music classes for various instruments and skill levels. While the instruction is primarily in Spanish, music is a language of its own, and the instructors are often able to accommodate English-speaking students. It's a great place to develop musical skills and connect with local musicians.
Please note that while these classes and locations are tailored to English-speaking adults, it's always a good idea to reach out directly to the institutions for the most up-to-date information on language accommodations and class availability.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Retire in Tijuana Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Tijuana
- Pros & Cons of Living in Tijuana
- Tips for Expats Driving in Tijuana
- Cost of Living in Tijuana
- Health Care in Tijuana
- The Insider's Guide to Tijuana
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Real Estate in Mexico
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Mexico (Plus, Itineraries)
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico