Fun Classes for Expats Living in Recife

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Once you've arrived in Recife, 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 Recife, immersing yourself in the local culture and community is a fantastic way to enrich your experience abroad. Whether you're looking to pick up a new skill, dive deeper into Brazilian culture, or simply find a fun and engaging way to spend your time, there are numerous classes available that cater to English-speaking adults. From cooking traditional Brazilian dishes to learning Portuguese, and from exploring the world of wine to expressing yourself through painting, these classes not only offer valuable learning opportunities but also provide a social setting to meet like-minded individuals and locals. Here's a curated list of classes in Recife that are perfect for those still mastering the Portuguese language but eager to engage and enjoy.

Oficina de Chefs

Type of Class(es): Brazilian Cooking Classes
Location: Rua da Hora, Espinheiro, Recife

Oficina de Chefs offers cooking classes that focus on traditional Brazilian cuisine. These classes are designed for both beginners and experienced cooks who want to learn the secrets of Brazilian flavors. The hands-on approach ensures that even those with limited Portuguese can follow along and enjoy the experience.

Recife Language School

Type of Class(es): Portuguese Language Courses
Location: Boa Viagem, Recife

Recife Language School provides Portuguese classes for foreigners, with a focus on conversational skills and practical language use. Their courses are structured to help English speakers quickly adapt to the local language, making daily interactions in Recife much smoother.

Vinoteca Brasil

Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting Classes
Location: Pina, Recife

At Vinoteca Brasil, wine enthusiasts can indulge in tasting classes that explore the rich world of wines. These sessions are guided by English-speaking sommeliers, making them accessible to those still learning Portuguese. It's a great way to learn about wine pairing and Brazilian viticulture.

Arte Plural Galeria

Type of Class(es): Painting and Art Appreciation
Location: Rua da Moeda, Recife Antigo

Arte Plural Galeria offers painting classes and art appreciation workshops that cater to English-speaking residents. These classes provide a creative outlet and the chance to understand Brazilian art and culture through a hands-on approach.

Escola Pernambucana de Circo

Type of Class(es): Circus Arts and Acrobatics
Location: Avenida João de Barros, Encruzilhada, Recife

The Escola Pernambucana de Circo provides a unique opportunity to learn circus arts, including acrobatics and juggling. These classes are taught in a fun and inclusive environment, and while they are primarily in Portuguese, the physical nature of the activities makes them enjoyable for non-fluent speakers.

Centro Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos (CCBEU)

Type of Class(es): Cultural Exchange and Language Workshops
Location: Rua do Cupim, Graças, Recife

The CCBEU is a cultural center that offers a variety of workshops and events aimed at promoting cultural exchange. English speakers will find language workshops, Brazilian culture seminars, and other activities that are conducted in both English and Portuguese.

Atelier de Cerâmica

Type of Class(es): Pottery and Ceramic Art
Location: Casa Forte, Recife

Atelier de Cerâmica provides classes in pottery and ceramic art, where you can learn the craft of shaping and decorating clay. These classes are therapeutic and allow for a creative expression that transcends language barriers.

Recife Culinária Escola

Type of Class(es): International Cuisine Cooking Classes
Location: Boa Viagem, Recife

Recife Culinária Escola offers cooking classes that focus on international cuisines, providing a taste of home for many expats. The classes are interactive and often taught by chefs who speak English, making them a great place to learn and socialize.

Clube do Choro de Recife

Type of Class(es): Music Appreciation and Instrument Lessons
Location: Santo Amaro, Recife

For music lovers, Clube do Choro de Recife offers classes on Brazilian music genres like Choro and Samba. Instrument lessons are available for a variety of traditional instruments, and the universal language of music makes these classes accessible to all.

Recife Atelier de Pintura

Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing
Location: Aflitos, Recife

Recife Atelier de Pintura is a studio that provides painting and drawing classes for all skill levels. The visual nature of art makes these classes a great choice for those who are not yet fluent in Portuguese but wish to express themselves creatively.

Escola de Gastronomia Chef Joca Pontes

Type of Class(es): Gourmet Cooking Classes
Location: Parnamirim, Recife

Under the guidance of renowned Chef Joca Pontes, this school offers gourmet cooking classes that delve into sophisticated culinary techniques. The classes are often conducted in a mix of English and Portuguese, catering to a diverse group of students.

Aliança Francesa de Recife

Type of Class(es): French Language and Culture
Location: Derby, Recife

For those interested in expanding their language skills beyond Portuguese, the Aliança Francesa de Recife offers French language courses and cultural activities. The institution often hosts events that are welcoming to English speakers and provide a multicultural environment.

Recife Sailing School

Type of Class(es): Sailing Lessons
Location: Brasília Teimosa, Recife

Recife Sailing School provides sailing lessons where language is no barrier. The practical nature of sailing allows for a hands-on learning experience, and the instructors are accustomed to teaching students from various linguistic backgrounds.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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