As an expat or digital nomad living in Sao Paulo, immersing yourself in the local culture and community is a fantastic way to enrich your experience. One of the best ways to do this is by taking classes that not only help you learn new skills but also allow you to meet like-minded individuals. Whether you’re interested in honing your culinary prowess, mastering the Portuguese language, or exploring your artistic side, Sao Paulo offers a variety of classes that cater to English-speaking adults. Here’s a curated list of classes that are perfect for those still getting to grips with Portuguese or for those who prefer instruction in English.
EAT Brasil
Type of Class(es): Brazilian Cooking Classes
Location: Various locations in Sao Paulo
EAT Brasil offers cooking classes that focus on traditional Brazilian cuisine. These classes are designed for both beginners and experienced cooks who want to delve into the flavors of Brazil. With English-speaking chefs, you’ll learn how to prepare classic dishes and gain insights into the country’s culinary heritage.
Goethe-Institut São Paulo
Type of Class(es): German Language and Culture
Location: Rua Lisboa, 974 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP
The Goethe-Institut is renowned for its high-quality German language courses, which are also available in Sao Paulo. While the primary focus is on German, they often offer cultural events and workshops that can be enjoyed without fluency in the language, providing a taste of German culture in the heart of Brazil.
Aliança Francesa de São Paulo
Type of Class(es): French Language and Culture
Location: Several locations across Sao Paulo
Aliança Francesa de São Paulo is a hub for French language learning and cultural activities. They offer a range of French classes, from beginner to advanced levels, and host cultural events that are often accessible to non-fluent speakers, such as film screenings and art exhibitions.
Atelier Travessia
Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing
Location: Rua Harmonia, 255 – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP
Atelier Travessia provides a creative space for those interested in visual arts. Their painting and drawing classes are suitable for all levels, and the instructors are accustomed to working with English-speaking students. It’s a great place to unleash your creativity and connect with the local art scene.
Escola Wilma Kövesi de Cozinha
Type of Class(es): Various Cooking Classes
Location: Rua Cristiano Viana, 224 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP
Named after the renowned Brazilian chef, this cooking school offers a variety of classes that cover different aspects of cooking, from basic techniques to international cuisines. While the classes are primarily in Portuguese, they are hands-on and visual, making them enjoyable for those still learning the language.
Centro Cultural São Paulo
Type of Class(es): Art, Theatre, Music, and Literature
Location: Rua Vergueiro, 1000 – Paraíso, São Paulo – SP
The Centro Cultural São Paulo is a dynamic space that offers a wide range of cultural classes and workshops. Many of their offerings include activities that don’t require fluency in Portuguese, such as art exhibitions, musical performances, and theatre productions, providing a rich cultural experience for English speakers.
Academia Internacional de Cinema (AIC)
Type of Class(es): Film and Cinema
Location: Rua Dr. Gabriel dos Santos, 142 – Higienópolis, São Paulo – SP
The AIC is a film school that offers courses in filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, and more. While most courses are in Portuguese, the visual nature of film and the international language of cinema make it possible for non-fluent speakers to participate and learn effectively.
St. Paul’s Pub
Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting and Appreciation
Location: Rua dos Pinheiros, 518 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP
St. Paul’s Pub is not only a place to enjoy a good glass of wine but also to learn about it. They offer wine tasting classes in English, where you can learn about different wine regions, grape varieties, and tasting techniques, all while socializing with fellow wine enthusiasts.
Casa Makers
Type of Class(es): DIY and Craft Workshops
Location: Rua Fradique Coutinho, 1208 – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP
Casa Makers is a creative space that offers workshops in various DIY crafts and artisanal techniques. The workshops are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of language proficiency, and provide a fun way to learn new skills and meet people with similar interests.
Escola São Paulo
Type of Class(es): Fashion, Design, and Visual Arts
Location: Rua Augusta, 2239 – Cerqueira César, São Paulo – SP
Escola São Paulo is a contemporary school that focuses on creative industries such as fashion, design, and visual arts. They offer a range of workshops and courses, some of which are taught in English or are practical enough for those with limited Portuguese to enjoy.
