Fun Classes for Expats Living in Penang
Summary: One of the best ways to get settled after a move is to get out there and do something. Enhance your experience in Penang by joining classes that are great for meeting people and adapting to life abroad.
Penang, is a vibrant hub for expats and digital nomads, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and educational opportunities. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, learn new skills, or simply enjoy a social setting, there are numerous classes available that cater to English-speaking adults. From mastering the art of Malaysian cuisine to delving into the world of fine arts, these classes provide a fantastic way to get involved in the community, meet like-minded individuals, and enhance your stay in Penang. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your expertise, there's something for everyone in this diverse educational landscape.
Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School
Type of Class(es): Malaysian Cooking Classes
Location: Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang
At the Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School, you can learn the secrets of Malaysian cuisine surrounded by the lush greenery of one of Southeast Asia's leading spice gardens. Classes are designed for all skill levels and focus on traditional recipes that you can recreate at home. The hands-on experience is not only educational but also a delightful sensory journey.
Penang Global Tourism - Cultural Workshops
Type of Class(es): Traditional Malaysian Craft and Culture Workshops
Location: 8B, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang
Penang Global Tourism offers a variety of cultural workshops that allow expats and digital nomads to dive into the rich heritage of Malaysia. From batik painting to traditional Malay music classes, these workshops are conducted in English and provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about the local culture in a friendly and interactive setting.
My Language Exchange Penang
Type of Class(es): Language Exchange Meetups
Location: Various locations in Penang
My Language Exchange Penang is a community-driven initiative that brings together locals and expats for language exchange meetups. While not a formal class, these gatherings are perfect for those who wish to practice and improve their conversational skills in Bahasa Malaysia or other languages in an informal, social environment.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Courses - Straits Wine Company
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Education
Location: Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Website: www.wsetglobal.com
The Straits Wine Company in Penang offers WSET courses for wine enthusiasts of all levels. These internationally recognized classes cover wine tasting, pairing, and the intricacies of different wine regions. It's an excellent way for adults to expand their palate and knowledge of wines in a structured yet enjoyable setting.
Penang Art District - Art Workshops
Type of Class(es): Painting, Drawing, and Mixed Media Art Classes
Location: Various locations in Penang
Website: www.penangartdistrict.com
The Penang Art District is the heart of the local art scene, offering workshops and classes for those interested in exploring their creative side. With a range of classes from beginner to advanced levels, participants can learn various techniques in painting, drawing, and other forms of visual art from experienced artists.
Penang Japanese Language Society
Type of Class(es): Japanese Language Courses
Location: 18B, Jalan Nagor, George Town, Penang
Website: www.pjls.org
For those interested in learning Japanese, the Penang Japanese Language Society offers comprehensive courses for all levels. The society provides a supportive environment to learn and practice the language, making it accessible even for those who are still mastering English or Bahasa Malaysia.
Penang Photography Classes
Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: Various locations in Penang
Penang's picturesque landscapes and vibrant street life make it an ideal place for photography enthusiasts. Photography classes and workshops are available for all skill levels, teaching techniques such as composition, lighting, and post-processing to help you capture the essence of Penang through your lens.
Delicious Cooking Class Penang
Type of Class(es): Asian and Western Cooking Classes
Location: 11, Lebuh Acheh, George Town, Penang
Website: www.deliciouscookingclass.com
Delicious Cooking Class Penang offers a variety of cooking classes that cater to different tastes, including both Asian and Western cuisines. These classes are perfect for expats looking to expand their culinary skills and learn to prepare a range of dishes in a fun, hands-on environment.
Penang House of Music - Music Classes
Type of Class(es): Traditional and Contemporary Music Classes
Location: Level 4, KOMTAR, Jalan Penang, George Town, Penang
Website: www.penanghouseofmusic.com
At the Penang House of Music, adults can explore the rich musical heritage of Malaysia through various classes and workshops. Whether you're interested in traditional instruments or contemporary music production, the House of Music offers a unique educational experience for all music lovers.
Penang Teochew Association - Teochew Language Classes
Type of Class(es): Teochew Language Courses
Location: 127, Chulia Street, George Town, Penang
The Penang Teochew Association provides language classes for those interested in learning Teochew, one of the Chinese dialects spoken in Penang. These classes are a great way to connect with the local Teochew community and understand more about their culture and traditions.
Yin's Sourdough Bakery and Cafe - Baking Workshops
Type of Class(es): Sourdough and Artisanal Baking Classes
Location: 11, Pesara Claimant, George Town, Penang
Website: www.yinssourdough.com
Yin's Sourdough Bakery and Cafe is not only a place to enjoy delicious baked goods but also a venue for learning the art of sourdough and artisanal baking. Their workshops are suitable for beginners and provide all the knowledge needed to start baking your own bread at home.
Penang Story - History and Culture Talks
Type of Class(es): Educational Talks and Seminars
Location: Various locations in Penang
Penang Story offers a series of talks and seminars that delve into the history and culture of Penang. These sessions are conducted in English and are an excellent opportunity for expats and digital nomads to gain a deeper understanding of their new home's past and present.
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.