San Francisco, a melting pot of cultures and ideas, offers a plethora of classes for English-speaking adults, including expats and digital nomads. Whether you’re looking to hone a new skill, dive into the local culture, or simply find a fun and engaging way to meet new people, there’s something for everyone. From cooking classes that tantalize your taste buds to language courses that help you communicate better, and from wine tasting sessions that indulge your senses to creative art workshops that unleash your inner artist, San Francisco’s class scene is vibrant and diverse. Here’s a curated list of classes that are perfect for those still mastering the local language but eager to learn and enjoy the Californian experience.
The Institute of Culinary Education
Type of Class(es): Cooking for Beginners and Experts
Location: 225 Liberty Street in Battery Park
The Institute of Culinary Education offers a range of cooking classes that cater to both beginners and seasoned cooks. Their hands-on approach ensures that you learn by doing, which is perfect for those who are still improving their English language skills. The classes cover various cuisines and cooking techniques, and you’ll be sure to leave with a full stomach and new friends.
San Francisco Wine School
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Appreciation
Location: 415 Grand Avenue #301, South San Francisco
At the San Francisco Wine School, you can swirl, sniff, and sip your way through a variety of wine tasting classes. These sessions are designed to educate and entertain, making them ideal for English learners looking to expand their vocabulary while enjoying the rich wine culture of Northern California.
Language in Action
Type of Class(es): English Language Courses
Location: Various locations in San Francisco
Language in Action offers English language courses that are interactive and immersive, focusing on real-life communication skills. These classes are a great way to improve your English while getting to know fellow expats and locals in a supportive environment.
1AM SF (First Amendment)
Type of Class(es): Street Art and Graffiti Workshops
Location: 1000 Howard Street, San Francisco
1AM SF provides a unique opportunity to dive into the world of street art and graffiti. Their workshops are hands-on and taught by local artists, making them a perfect cultural immersion experience that doesn’t require advanced language skills.
Workshop SF
Type of Class(es): DIY and Craft Workshops
Location: 1310 Haight Street, San Francisco
Workshop SF offers a variety of DIY and craft classes, from woodworking to screen printing. These classes are great for meeting people with similar interests and learning new skills in a laid-back, English-speaking environment.
San Francisco Cooking School
Type of Class(es): Culinary Arts and Baking
Location: 690 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
The San Francisco Cooking School provides a comprehensive culinary education for all levels. Their classes are taught by professional chefs and are a fantastic way to learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques.
18 Reasons
Type of Class(es): Cooking and Nutrition Classes
Location: 3674 18th Street, San Francisco
18 Reasons is a community cooking school that offers classes focusing on healthy, sustainable eating. Their interactive classes are perfect for English speakers looking to learn more about nutrition and cooking in a community-centered environment.
San Francisco Art Institute
Type of Class(es): Art and Design Classes
Location: 800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco
The San Francisco Art Institute provides a range of art and design classes for adults. Whether you’re interested in painting, photography, or sculpture, these classes are taught in English and are a great way to express creativity and meet fellow art enthusiasts.
La Cocina
Type of Class(es): Cooking Classes with a Cultural Twist
Location: 2948 Folsom Street, San Francisco
La Cocina offers cooking classes that celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of San Francisco. These classes are not only about cooking but also about storytelling and sharing cultural heritage, making them a rich experience for English-speaking residents.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Type of Class(es): Gardening and Botany Workshops
Location: 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco
The San Francisco Botanical Garden hosts workshops on gardening and botany. These classes are a breath of fresh air for those looking to learn about plant care and sustainable gardening practices in the heart of the city.
City College of San Francisco
Type of Class(es): Continuing Education Courses
Location: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco
City College of San Francisco offers a wide range of continuing education courses in various subjects. These classes are designed for adult learners and are a great way to gain new knowledge and skills in an academic setting.
San Francisco Writers’ Grotto
Type of Class(es): Writing Workshops
Location: 490 2nd Street, Suite 200, San Francisco
The San Francisco Writers’ Grotto offers workshops for writers of all levels. These classes focus on different genres and aspects of writing and provide a supportive community for English-speaking writers to hone their craft.
San Francisco Center for the Book
Type of Class(es): Bookbinding and Letterpress Printing
Location: 375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco
At the San Francisco Center for the Book, you can learn the traditional arts of bookbinding and letterpress printing. These classes are perfect for those interested in the tactile and visual aspects of book creation.
San Francisco School of Needlework and Design
Type of Class(es): Embroidery and Needlework
Location: 360 Post Street, Suite 604, San Francisco
The San Francisco School of Needlework and Design offers classes in embroidery and needlework for all skill levels. These classes are a great way to learn a new craft while engaging in the local artisan community.
