Kingston, a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry, offers a plethora of classes for English-speaking expats and digital nomads looking to immerse themselves in new experiences. Whether you’re interested in honing your culinary skills, mastering the local patois, exploring your artistic side, or savoring the subtleties of fine wine, Kingston has a class for you. Engaging in these classes is not only a fantastic way to learn and enjoy but also an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and become a part of the local community. Below is a curated list of classes that cater to a variety of interests and skill levels.
The Institute of Culinary Education
Type of Class(es): Cooking for Beginners and Experts
Location: 225 Liberty Street in Battery Park
At The Institute of Culinary Education, both novice cooks and seasoned chefs can find classes to expand their culinary repertoire. The school offers a range of courses from basic cooking techniques to specialized cuisines, all taught by experienced chefs. It’s a perfect setting to learn the art of Jamaican cooking or to refine your skills in international cuisine.
Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts
Type of Class(es): Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Drama
Location: 1 Arthur Wint Drive, Kingston
Edna Manley College is the premier institution for arts education in the Caribbean. English-speaking adults can enroll in various classes, including painting, sculpture, music, dance, and drama. These courses are designed to cater to different levels of expertise and are taught by accomplished artists and performers.
Kingston Language Institute
Type of Class(es): Patois for Beginners, English as a Second Language
Location: New Kingston area
The Kingston Language Institute offers language courses tailored to help expats and digital nomads acclimate to the local dialect. Their Patois for Beginners class is particularly helpful for those looking to navigate daily life in Jamaica more comfortably. They also provide ESL classes for non-native English speakers.
Uncorked: Wine Tasting Adventures
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Appreciation
Location: Shop 2, Sovereign North, 29 Barbican Road, Kingston
Uncorked offers wine enthusiasts the chance to explore and appreciate fine wines from around the world. Their wine tasting classes are both educational and social, making them a great way to meet fellow wine lovers and learn about wine pairing, tasting techniques, and the subtleties of different varietals.
Island Art & Framing
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing
Location: Barbican Centre, 29 East Kings House Road, Kingston
Island Art & Framing provides a creative outlet for those looking to express themselves through visual art. Their painting and drawing classes are suitable for all levels and are a great way to unwind, learn new skills, and create your own artwork under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Bookophilia
Type of Class(es): Creative Writing Workshops
Location: 92 Hope Road, Kingston 6
Bookophilia is not just a bookstore but a cultural hub for literary enthusiasts. They host creative writing workshops that offer a supportive environment for writers to hone their craft, receive feedback, and engage with the local literary community.
Things Jamaican Cooking Classes
Type of Class(es): Jamaican Cuisine
Location: Devon House, 26 Hope Road, Kingston 10
Things Jamaican offers cooking classes that teach the secrets of authentic Jamaican cuisine. From jerk seasoning to ackee and saltfish, these classes are a delicious way to dive into the local culture and learn dishes you can recreate at home.
Caribbean Institute of Wine & Spirits
Type of Class(es): Wine and Spirits Education
Location: Kingston
The Caribbean Institute of Wine & Spirits provides comprehensive courses for those interested in the wine and spirits industry or simply looking to deepen their knowledge. Their classes cover a wide range of topics, including the history, production, and tasting of various wines and spirits.
Studio 174
Type of Class(es): Community Art Workshops
Location: 174 Harbour Street, Downtown Kingston
Studio 174 offers community art workshops that focus on using art for social change. These workshops are open to all, regardless of artistic ability, and provide a space for creative expression and community engagement.
Kingston Creative Exchange
Type of Class(es): Entrepreneurship and Creative Business
Location: Downtown Kingston
Kingston Creative Exchange offers classes and workshops for creative entrepreneurs looking to turn their passions into sustainable businesses. These sessions cover various aspects of creative business, including branding, marketing, and financial management.
Altamont Court Hotel Cooking Classes
Type of Class(es): International and Caribbean Cuisine
Location: 1-5 Altamont Terrace, Kingston 5
Altamont Court Hotel hosts cooking classes that allow participants to explore both international and Caribbean flavors. These classes are interactive and provide hands-on experience in preparing a variety of dishes under the guidance of professional chefs.
Jamaica School of Drama
Type of Class(es): Acting and Theatre Production
Location: 1 Arthur Wint Drive, Kingston
The Jamaica School of Drama offers courses in acting and theatre production for those interested in the performing arts. These classes are designed to develop skills in voice, movement, and character development, as well as the technical aspects of theatre production.
Kingston Bookshop Learning Centre
Type of Class(es): Personal Development and Computer Skills
Location: Various locations in Kingston
Kingston Bookshop Learning Centre provides a range of classes aimed at personal and professional development, including computer literacy, time management, and communication skills. These classes are ideal for expats and digital nomads looking to enhance their skill set.
