Fun Classes for Expats Living in Rotterdam
Summary: Once you've arrived in Rotterdam, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
Rotterdam, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city in the Netherlands, offers a plethora of opportunities for expats and digital nomads to immerse themselves in new experiences and expand their skill sets. Whether you're looking to dive into the local culture, pick up a new hobby, or simply meet like-minded individuals, attending classes is a fantastic way to achieve these goals. From cooking workshops that tantalize your taste buds to language courses that help you navigate daily life, and from creative arts to wine appreciation sessions, there's something for everyone. Here's a curated list of English-speaking classes in Rotterdam that are perfect for those still mastering the Dutch language but eager to learn and engage.
Kookstudio Mix
Type of Class(es): Cooking Workshops
Location: Noordplein 1, Rotterdam
Kookstudio Mix offers a variety of cooking workshops where you can learn to prepare dishes from around the world. The classes are designed for all skill levels and are a great way to learn new culinary techniques while meeting fellow food enthusiasts.
Rotterdam Language Cafe
Type of Class(es): Language Exchange and Practice
Location: Various locations in Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Language Cafe hosts regular meetups for those interested in practicing and improving their language skills, including Dutch and English. It's an informal setting that's perfect for making new friends and learning in a relaxed environment.
Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) at WijnInstituut
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Education
Location: Various locations in Rotterdam
WSET courses at WijnInstituut are ideal for wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge. The courses are offered in English and cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, with a focus on wine tasting and understanding.
SKVR (Stichting Kunstzinnige Vorming Rotterdam)
Type of Class(es): Art, Photography, and Music
Location: Aert van Nesstraat 45, Rotterdam
SKVR provides a wide range of creative classes, including painting, drawing, photography, and music. These courses are designed to cater to English speakers and are a fantastic way to explore your artistic side.
Rotterdam Expat Centre
Type of Class(es): Dutch Language Courses
Location: Schiedamsedijk 95a, Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Expat Centre offers Dutch language courses specifically tailored for expats. These courses focus on practical language skills that can help you navigate everyday life in the Netherlands.
Rotterdamse Volksuniversiteit
Type of Class(es): Language and Cultural Courses
Location: Heemraadssingel 275, Rotterdam
Rotterdamse Volksuniversiteit provides a variety of courses, including language learning and cultural classes. They offer a welcoming environment for expats and have options for English speakers.
Boijmans Van Beuningen
Type of Class(es): Art Appreciation and History
Location: Museumpark 18, Rotterdam
Boijmans Van Beuningen, one of Rotterdam's premier museums, offers classes and workshops in art appreciation and history. These are often available in English and provide a deep dive into the world of art.
Rotterdam Cooks
Type of Class(es): International Cooking Classes
Location: Various locations in Rotterdam
Rotterdam Cooks specializes in international cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare dishes from different cuisines. The classes are conducted in English and are a fun way to explore global flavors.
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Type of Class(es): Professional Development and Personal Interest
Location: Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam
Erasmus University offers a range of courses for professional development and personal interest, many of which are available in English. These classes are ideal for those looking to enhance their career skills or explore new academic interests.
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Type of Class(es): Music Appreciation and History
Location: Kruisstraat 2, Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra provides opportunities to learn about music history and appreciation through workshops and lectures, often available in English for the international community.
Cucina Casalinga
Type of Class(es): Italian Cooking Classes
Location: Various locations in Rotterdam
Cucina Casalinga offers Italian cooking classes in English, where you can learn the secrets of Italian cuisine from experienced chefs. It's a delicious way to immerse yourself in Italian culture without leaving Rotterdam.
Rotterdam Centre for Theatre
Type of Class(es): Acting and Theatre Workshops
Location: Mathenesserdijk 293, Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Centre for Theatre provides acting and theatre workshops in English. These classes are perfect for those interested in the performing arts and looking to connect with the local theatre scene.
Atelier Proef
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing Workshops
Location: Various locations in Rotterdam
Atelier Proef offers workshops in painting and drawing for all skill levels. Conducted in English, these classes are a great way to express your creativity and meet fellow art enthusiasts.
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:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Rotterdam
- Driving in Rotterdam
- Cost of Living in Rotterdam
- Health Care in Rotterdam
- The Essential Guide to Rotterdam
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Netherlands
- Best Places to Live in Netherlands
- Real Estate in Netherlands
- Pros & Cons of Living in Netherlands
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in The Netherlands
- Pros and Cons of Living in Netherlands 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Netherlands