Fun Classes for Expats Living in Guatemala City
Summary: Once you've arrived in Guatemala City, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
Guatemala City, a vibrant hub for expats and digital nomads, offers a plethora of classes that cater to English-speaking adults looking to immerse themselves in new experiences. Whether you're interested in honing your culinary skills, mastering the Spanish language, or unleashing your inner artist, there's a class for you. Engaging in these activities is not only a fantastic way to learn something new but also an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and integrate into the local community. Below is a curated list of classes that are perfect for those still getting to grips with Spanish or for those who prefer instruction in English.
Guatemala Cooking School
Type of Class(es): Guatemalan Cooking Classes
Location: 4a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala
Guatemala Cooking School offers a hands-on experience for those looking to dive into the flavors of traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Classes are designed for all skill levels and are often led in English, making it easy for expats to follow along and enjoy the culinary journey.
Antigua Plaza Spanish School
Type of Class(es): Spanish Language Courses
Location: 5a Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala
Website: www.antiguaplaza.com
While located a short distance from Guatemala City, Antigua Plaza Spanish School offers intensive Spanish language courses with the option of private or group lessons. Their flexible approach allows expats and digital nomads to learn at their own pace, with classes available for all levels of proficiency.
La Escuela de Arte
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing Classes
Location: 6a Avenida, Zone 1, Guatemala City
La Escuela de Arte provides a creative outlet for those looking to explore the world of visual arts. With classes in painting and drawing, this school welcomes students of all levels and often has instructors who speak English to guide you through your artistic development.
Vino y Arte
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Art Classes
Location: 12 Calle, Zone 10, Guatemala City
Vino y Arte combines the love for fine wines with the passion for art. They offer wine tasting sessions paired with art classes, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for expats to socialize and learn about wine and art simultaneously.
Guatemala Spanish School
Type of Class(es): Spanish Language Courses
Location: 16 Calle, Zone 10, Guatemala City
Website: www.guatemalaspanishschool.com
Guatemala Spanish School provides a variety of Spanish courses tailored to the needs of expats and digital nomads. From beginner to advanced levels, the school offers a supportive environment with experienced teachers to help you improve your language skills.
Cooking With Clara
Type of Class(es): Guatemalan and International Cooking Classes
Location: 3a Avenida, Zone 9, Guatemala City
Cooking With Clara is a popular choice for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire. The classes cover a range of Guatemalan and international dishes, and the instructions are often available in English, making it a perfect fit for English-speaking residents.
ArteCentro Graciela Andrade de Paiz
Type of Class(es): Art Workshops and Exhibitions
Location: 9a Calle, Zone 1, Guatemala City
Website: www.artecentro.org
ArteCentro Graciela Andrade de Paiz is a cultural center offering a range of art workshops, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The center also hosts exhibitions and cultural events, providing a rich environment for artistic growth and networking.
La Bodega de la Cerveza
Type of Class(es): Craft Beer Tasting and Brewing Classes
Location: 10a Avenida, Zone 14, Guatemala City
La Bodega de la Cerveza is the go-to place for craft beer enthusiasts. They offer tasting classes where you can learn about different beer styles and brewing techniques. The classes are casual and informative, perfect for making new friends with similar interests.
El Attico Cultural Center
Type of Class(es): Art and Cultural Workshops
Location: 4a Avenida, Zone 14, Guatemala City
Website: www.elattico.org
El Attico Cultural Center is a hub for creativity and culture, offering workshops in various art forms. The center also serves as a gallery and event space, providing a platform for expats to engage with the local art scene and meet fellow creatives.
Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin
Type of Class(es): Spanish Language Courses
Location: Antigua Guatemala
Website: www.plfm.org
Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin, while based in Antigua, is worth the trip for its immersive Spanish language programs. They offer personalized instruction and cultural activities, making it an excellent choice for those serious about mastering Spanish.
La Casa del Chef
Type of Class(es): International Cooking Classes
Location: 5a Avenida, Zone 9, Guatemala City
La Casa del Chef is a culinary school that offers classes in various international cuisines. The school provides a professional yet welcoming environment for all cooking enthusiasts, with some classes available in English to cater to the expat community.
Guatemala Photo Workshops
Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: Various locations in Guatemala City
Website: www.guatemalaphotoworkshops.com
Guatemala Photo Workshops offers photography classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced photographers. The workshops focus on technical skills, creative expression, and the opportunity to capture the beauty of Guatemala through the lens.
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.