Fun Classes for Expats Living in Colombo
Summary: Once you've arrived in Colombo, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, offers a vibrant expat and digital nomad community with a plethora of opportunities to learn new skills, indulge in local culture, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you're looking to master the art of Sri Lankan cooking, dive into the local language, or unleash your creativity through art, Colombo has a class for you. Engaging in these classes not only enhances your stay in this beautiful city but also provides a fantastic avenue to meet people and integrate into the local community. Below is a curated list of classes that cater to English-speaking adults, ensuring that language is not a barrier to your learning and enjoyment.
Prana Lounge Colombo
Type of Class(es): Yoga, Meditation, and Holistic Workshops
Location: 60 Horton Place, Colombo 07
Prana Lounge offers a serene environment where expats and digital nomads can engage in yoga and meditation classes. They also host various holistic workshops that can help you find balance and wellness in your daily life. The classes are taught in English and are suitable for all levels, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Colombo Cooking Class
Type of Class(es): Sri Lankan Cooking
Location: Various locations in Colombo
Colombo Cooking Class invites you to learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine. These hands-on cooking classes are conducted in English and are perfect for those who are still mastering the local language. You'll get to prepare traditional dishes and enjoy the fruits of your labor with fellow food enthusiasts.
British Council Sri Lanka
Type of Class(es): English Language Courses
Location: 49 Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 03
Website: www.britishcouncil.lk
The British Council in Sri Lanka offers a range of English language courses for adults, from beginner to advanced levels. These classes are ideal for expats and digital nomads looking to improve their English proficiency while living in Colombo. The British Council also provides a cultural exchange environment where you can meet locals and other expats.
Green Path Art Gallery
Type of Class(es): Painting and Art Workshops
Location: Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07
Green Path Art Gallery is not only a place to admire local art but also a venue where you can unleash your own creativity. They offer painting and art workshops in English, allowing you to explore your artistic side. These classes are a great way to relax and connect with the local art scene.
Academy of Design (AOD)
Type of Class(es): Design and Fashion
Location: 29 Lauries Road, Colombo 04
Website: www.aod.lk
AOD provides a range of design and fashion-related courses for those interested in exploring the creative industries. With classes conducted in English, expats and digital nomads can easily join and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Wine World Sri Lanka
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Appreciation
Location: Various locations in Colombo
Website: wineworld.lk
Wine World offers wine tasting and appreciation classes for those interested in learning more about the world of wines. These sessions are a great way to socialize with other wine enthusiasts and are conducted in English, making them accessible to non-native speakers.
Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka
Type of Class(es): German Language Courses
Location: 39 Gregory's Road, Colombo 07
Website: www.goethe.de/ins/lk/en/index.html
For those interested in learning German, the Goethe-Institut offers a range of language courses from beginner to advanced levels. While the focus is on German, these classes are taught in English to accommodate those still learning the language.
Colombo School of Arts and Sciences (CSAS)
Type of Class(es): Creative Writing and Literature
Location: 7 Jawatte Avenue, Colombo 05
CSAS provides courses in creative writing and literature for those looking to hone their writing skills or delve into the world of literary arts. These classes are conducted in English and are perfect for expats and digital nomads with a passion for writing and reading.
Musicmatters
Type of Class(es): Music Lessons and Workshops
Location: 92/1A, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07
Website: musicmatterssrilanka.com
Musicmatters is a unique space for musicians and music enthusiasts to learn and collaborate. They offer music lessons and workshops in various instruments and styles, all conducted in English. It's a great place to connect with the local music community and enhance your musical talents.
Colombo Language School
Type of Class(es): Sinhala and Tamil Language Courses
Location: 6B St. Alban's Place, Colombo 04
For those looking to learn the local languages, Colombo Language School offers Sinhala and Tamil courses. These classes are tailored for English speakers, making it easier for expats and digital nomads to pick up the basics and gradually improve their proficiency.
Good Market
Type of Class(es): Sustainable Living Workshops
Location: 14 Philip Gunawardena Mawatha, Colombo 07
Website: goodmarket.global
Good Market is not just a place to shop for organic and sustainable products; they also offer workshops on sustainable living. These classes are designed to help you lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle and are conducted in English for wider accessibility.
Colombo Fort Café
Type of Class(es): Culinary Workshops
Location: No 31, Hospital Street, Colombo 01
Colombo Fort Café occasionally hosts culinary workshops where you can learn to make international dishes as well as local favorites. These workshops are a fun way to improve your cooking skills and meet other foodies in the city.
Please note that while we strive to provide accurate information, class availability and locations may change. It is recommended to contact the respective institutions for the most up-to-date information on their offerings.
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.