Fun Classes for Expats Living in Bucaramanga
Summary: Once you've arrived in Bucaramanga, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
For expats and digital nomads in Bucaramanga, finding engaging activities that cater to English-speaking residents can be a delightful way to immerse oneself in the local culture while also meeting new people. Whether you're interested in honing your culinary skills, learning the nuances of the Spanish language, or exploring your creative side through art, Bucaramanga offers a variety of classes that can enrich your expat experience. These classes not only provide valuable learning opportunities but also serve as social gateways to connect with both locals and fellow expatriates. Below is a curated list of classes that are suitable for English-speaking adults who are still navigating their way through the Spanish language.
Escuela Gastronomica de Antioquia - Bucaramanga Branch
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes
Location: Carrera 27 # 5-23, Bucaramanga
At the Escuela Gastronomica de Antioquia's Bucaramanga branch, you can dive into the world of Colombian cuisine and beyond. The school offers a range of cooking classes that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks. The hands-on approach ensures that even those with limited Spanish proficiency can follow along and enjoy the experience.
Universidad Industrial de Santander - Language Institute
Type of Class(es): Spanish Language Courses
Location: Carrera 27, Calle 9, Bucaramanga
The Language Institute at Universidad Industrial de Santander provides Spanish language courses tailored to non-native speakers. These courses are designed to help you improve your language skills in a structured academic environment, making it easier to navigate daily life in Bucaramanga and engage with the community.
Bucaramanga Social Club - Wine Tasting Events
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting
Location: Various locations in Bucaramanga
The Bucaramanga Social Club hosts wine tasting events that are perfect for oenophiles and novices alike. These events are often conducted in English or with bilingual guides, allowing you to learn about wine in a relaxed, social setting while mingling with other expats and locals.
Arte y Diseño Taller de Pintura
Type of Class(es): Painting Workshops
Location: Calle 36 # 26-16, Bucaramanga
Arte y Diseño offers painting workshops for all levels, providing a creative outlet for those looking to express themselves through art. The workshops are typically led by local artists who are accustomed to working with expats, ensuring a welcoming environment for English speakers.
Centro Cultural del Oriente Colombiano
Type of Class(es): Cultural Workshops and Events
Location: Calle 37 # 26-16, Bucaramanga
The Centro Cultural del Oriente Colombiano is a hub for cultural activities, offering workshops and events that showcase the region's rich heritage. From traditional dance to local crafts, these activities provide a unique insight into Colombian culture and are often accessible to those with limited Spanish.
Alianza Francesa de Bucaramanga
Type of Class(es): French Language and Culture Courses
Location: Calle 42 # 37-19, Bucaramanga
For those interested in expanding their language repertoire beyond Spanish, the Alianza Francesa de Bucaramanga offers French language courses and cultural activities. The institution often caters to a diverse international community, making it a great place for English speakers to learn and socialize.
Club de Fotografia de Bucaramanga
Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: Various locations in Bucaramanga
The Club de Fotografia de Bucaramanga conducts workshops for photography enthusiasts of all levels. These workshops focus on both the technical and artistic aspects of photography, and the club's activities often include outings to picturesque locations in and around the city.
La Casa del Libro Total
Type of Class(es): Literature and Writing Workshops
Location: Calle 35 # 9-81, Bucaramanga
La Casa del Libro Total is a cultural center that offers workshops on literature and writing, often featuring guest authors and speakers. While these workshops are typically in Spanish, they are designed to be inclusive and can be a great way for literature enthusiasts to practice their language skills in a literary context.
Academia de Artes Guerrero - Bucaramanga Branch
Type of Class(es): Art and Design Courses
Location: Carrera 27 # 5-23, Bucaramanga
The Academia de Artes Guerrero provides a variety of art and design courses, from drawing and painting to digital design. The courses are structured to accommodate students of varying skill levels, and the academy's inclusive environment is conducive to learning and creativity for non-native Spanish speakers.
El Taller de la Abuela
Type of Class(es): Cooking and Baking Workshops
Location: Carrera 33 # 52-77, Bucaramanga
El Taller de la Abuela offers intimate cooking and baking workshops that focus on traditional Colombian recipes as well as international cuisine. The small class sizes and hands-on instruction make it easy for English speakers to follow along and participate fully in the culinary experience.
Please note that while these classes and institutions are recommended for English-speaking adults, it's always a good idea to reach out directly to confirm language accommodations and current class schedules.
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.