Fun Classes for Expats Living in Almaty
Summary: Once you've arrived in Almaty, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
Almaty, the cultural and commercial heart of Kazakhstan, offers a vibrant scene for expats and digital nomads seeking to enrich their experience while living abroad. From mastering the art of Kazakh cuisine to delving into the local language, there are numerous classes available for English-speaking adults to enjoy. These classes not only provide valuable skills and hobbies but also serve as fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and integrate into the local community. Whether you're looking to express yourself through art, expand your culinary repertoire, or immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local culture, Almaty has a class for you.
Kazakh Language Center
Type of Class(es): Kazakh Language Courses for Beginners to Advanced
Location: 123 Abay Avenue, Almaty
For expats and digital nomads eager to communicate more effectively in their new home, the Kazakh Language Center offers a range of language courses tailored to different proficiency levels. With experienced instructors and a supportive environment, students can quickly pick up essential phrases and gradually build towards fluency, enhancing their everyday experiences in Kazakhstan.
Almaty Art Studio
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing Workshops
Location: 456 Gogol Street, Almaty
Almaty Art Studio provides a creative outlet for those looking to explore their artistic side. The studio offers workshops in painting and drawing, suitable for all skill levels. These classes are a great way to unwind, express yourself, and create something beautiful while mingling with fellow art enthusiasts.
Chef's Culinary School
Type of Class(es): Kazakh and International Cooking Classes
Location: 789 Tole Bi Street, Almaty
At Chef's Culinary School, both novice and experienced cooks can learn the secrets of Kazakh cuisine as well as a variety of international dishes. The hands-on classes provide a fun and interactive way to learn new cooking techniques and recipes, perfect for hosting your next dinner party or simply enjoying the pleasures of home-cooked meals.
VinoLover's Wine Academy
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Appreciation Courses
Location: 321 Dostyk Avenue, Almaty
Wine enthusiasts can rejoice at VinoLover's Wine Academy, where expert sommeliers guide you through the intricacies of wine tasting and appreciation. Discover new favorites and learn to pair wines with meals, all while enjoying the social atmosphere and meeting other wine lovers.
Almaty Photography Club
Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops and Walks
Location: 234 Auezov Street, Almaty
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, the Almaty Photography Club offers workshops that cover various aspects of photography. Join photo walks to capture the beauty of Almaty, learn about composition and lighting, and share tips with fellow photography aficionados.
Local Language Exchange
Type of Class(es): Language Exchange Meetups
Location: Various cafes and public spaces around Almaty
Language Exchange Meetups are informal gatherings where expats and locals come together to practice languages. It's a fantastic way to improve your Kazakh or Russian while helping others with their English, all in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Almaty Crafters Guild
Type of Class(es): Handicraft Workshops
Location: 567 Zhibek Zholy Avenue, Almaty
The Almaty Crafters Guild is a haven for those who love working with their hands. Offering workshops in traditional Kazakh crafts, knitting, and more, the guild is a place to learn new skills, create beautiful items, and connect with fellow crafters.
Almaty Cookhouse
Type of Class(es): Baking and Pastry Classes
Location: 88 Nauryzbai Batyr Street, Almaty
Almaty Cookhouse specializes in baking and pastry classes for all levels of expertise. Learn the art of bread-making, pastry folding, and dessert decorating in a friendly and appetizing environment. It's a sweet way to spend your time and add some delicious recipes to your repertoire.
Urban Gardeners Collective
Type of Class(es): Gardening and Horticulture Workshops
Location: 159 Shevchenko Street, Almaty
For those with a green thumb or an interest in sustainability, the Urban Gardeners Collective offers workshops on urban gardening and horticulture. Learn how to grow your own herbs, vegetables, and flowers, even in an apartment setting, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Almaty Book Club
Type of Class(es): Literature Discussion Groups
Location: Various libraries and bookstores in Almaty
Join the Almaty Book Club to discuss contemporary and classic literature with fellow book lovers. It's a great way to discover new authors, engage in stimulating conversation, and improve your reading skills in a variety of languages.
Almaty Pottery Works
Type of Class(es): Pottery and Ceramics Workshops
Location: 412 Kurmangazy Street, Almaty
Get your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing at Almaty Pottery Works. Their pottery and ceramics workshops are perfect for those looking to learn the craft or refine their technique. Create your own handmade pieces in a supportive and artistic environment.
Almaty Tea Society
Type of Class(es): Tea Tasting and Culture Seminars
Location: 77 Kabanbai Batyr Street, Almaty
Explore the world of tea with the Almaty Tea Society. Their seminars cover tea tasting, history, and the cultural significance of tea in Kazakhstan and beyond. It's a relaxing and educational way to spend an afternoon and meet fellow tea aficionados.
Almaty Writers' Workshop
Type of Class(es): Creative Writing and Storytelling
Location: 202 Furmanov Street, Almaty
Aspiring writers can find their voice at the Almaty Writers' Workshop. Whether you're interested in fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, the workshop offers guidance, peer reviews, and the encouragement to start putting pen to paper in a supportive community setting.
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 Almaty
- Driving in Almaty
- Cost of Living in Almaty
- Health Care in Almaty
- Discovering the Best of Almaty
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kazakhstan
- Best Places to Live in Kazakhstan
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kazakhstan
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Kazakhstan
- Pros and Cons of Living in Kazakhstan 2024