Fun Classes for Expats Living in Suzhou
Summary: Once you've arrived in Suzhou, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.
As an expat or digital nomad living in Suzhou, immersing yourself in the local culture and community is a fantastic way to enrich your experience abroad. Engaging in classes tailored to English-speaking adults can not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also provide a social platform to meet like-minded individuals. Suzhou offers a variety of classes ranging from language courses to artistic pursuits, all of which can be enjoyed even as you continue to master the local language. Below is a curated list of classes that cater to diverse interests, ensuring that you'll find something to spark your enthusiasm and help you connect with the vibrant expat community in Suzhou.
Suzhou Cooking School
Type of Class(es): Chinese Cooking Workshops
Location: Suzhou Industrial Park
At Suzhou Cooking School, expats can dive into the flavors of Chinese cuisine through hands-on cooking workshops. These classes are designed for English speakers and provide a delicious introduction to traditional Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you'll find the workshops both educational and enjoyable.
Suzhou Mandarin School
Type of Class(es): Mandarin Language Courses
Location: Multiple locations across Suzhou
Learning Mandarin can be a rewarding challenge for expats in Suzhou. Suzhou Mandarin School offers a range of language courses from beginner to advanced levels. The classes are structured to help English-speaking adults grasp the language in a supportive environment, making it easier to navigate daily life and engage with locals.
Art Space Suzhou
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing Classes
Location: Suzhou Industrial Park
Art Space Suzhou is a creative hub where expats can explore their artistic side. The center offers various painting and drawing classes, suitable for all skill levels. These classes are a great way to unwind, express creativity, and meet fellow art enthusiasts in the community.
Suzhou Wine Society
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Appreciation
Location: Downtown Suzhou
For those interested in oenology, the Suzhou Wine Society hosts wine tasting and appreciation classes. These sessions are conducted in English and are a fantastic opportunity to learn about different wine regions, tasting techniques, and pairing suggestions while socializing with other wine lovers.
Suzhou International Photography Club
Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: Various locations in Suzhou
The Suzhou International Photography Club offers workshops for photography enthusiasts of all levels. These workshops cover various aspects of photography, from the basics to more advanced techniques. It's a great way to capture the beauty of Suzhou while connecting with fellow photographers.
Suzhou Tea Culture Institute
Type of Class(es): Tea Ceremony and Culture Classes
Location: Suzhou Old Town
Experience the traditional Chinese tea culture at the Suzhou Tea Culture Institute. The institute offers classes in English on the art of the tea ceremony, history, and different types of Chinese teas. It's a serene way to appreciate an integral part of Chinese culture and meet other tea aficionados.
Suzhou Calligraphy Association
Type of Class(es): Chinese Calligraphy Workshops
Location: Suzhou Museum Area
Chinese calligraphy is not only an art form but also a meditative practice. The Suzhou Calligraphy Association provides workshops for English-speaking adults where you can learn the basics of this beautiful script. No prior knowledge of Mandarin is required, making it accessible to all learners.
Suzhou International Club
Type of Class(es): Cultural Exchange and Language Tandem
Location: Suzhou Industrial Park
The Suzhou International Club is a platform for cultural exchange, offering language tandem events where expats can practice Mandarin with native speakers who are learning English. It's a casual and friendly environment to improve language skills and make new friends.
Suzhou Pottery Workshop
Type of Class(es): Pottery and Ceramics Classes
Location: Pingjiang Road Historic District
Get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity at the Suzhou Pottery Workshop. The studio offers pottery and ceramics classes in English, catering to both beginners and those with more experience. It's a tactile and rewarding way to create your own souvenirs while mingling with other crafty individuals.
Suzhou International Folk Dance Club
Type of Class(es): Folk Dance Lessons
Location: Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre
Join the Suzhou International Folk Dance Club to learn dances from around the world. These classes are taught in English and are a fun, energetic way to stay active, learn about different cultures, and meet people from various backgrounds.
Please note that while we strive to provide accurate information, class offerings and locations may change over time. It is recommended to contact the institutions directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their courses and 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.
Additional Information:
- China Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in China
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in China
- Best Places to Live in China
- Real Estate in China
- Guide to Real Estate in China
- Pros & Cons of Living in China
- Cost of Living in China
- Pros and Cons of Living in China
- Chikungunya Disease in China
- How to Rent a Home in China
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in China
- 2024 Guide to Living in China
- Pros and Cons of Living in China 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to China