Fun Classes for Expats Living in Surabaya

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Once you've arrived in Surabaya, here are some classes to consider taking to help you meet people and get settled in to your new life abroad.

Surabaya, a vibrant hub in Indonesia, offers a plethora of opportunities for expats and digital nomads to immerse themselves in local culture and pick up new skills. Whether you're looking to master the art of Indonesian cooking, delve into the local language, or express yourself through art, Surabaya has a class for you. Engaging in these classes is not only a great way to learn something new but also an excellent avenue to meet like-minded individuals and integrate into the community. Here's a curated list of English-friendly classes that cater to a variety of interests.

Surabaya Cooking Class

Type of Class(es): Indonesian Cooking
Location: Multiple locations in Surabaya

Surabaya Cooking Class offers a hands-on experience in Indonesian cuisine, where you can learn to cook traditional dishes under the guidance of English-speaking chefs. The classes are designed for all skill levels and provide a delicious way to understand the local culture.

Wisma Bahasa Surabaya

Type of Class(es): Indonesian language Courses
Location: Jl. Darmokali No.60, Surabaya

Wisma Bahasa Surabaya is a reputable language school offering Indonesian language courses for foreigners. With professional instructors and a supportive environment, it's an ideal place for English-speaking adults to start learning Bahasa Indonesia at their own pace.

Surabaya Art School

Type of Class(es): Painting and Drawing
Location: Jl. Raya Darmo Permai III, Surabaya

Surabaya Art School provides a creative outlet for those interested in visual arts. Their painting and drawing classes are taught by experienced artists and are suitable for all levels, offering a serene environment to express your artistic side.

Vino Vino Bistro

Type of Class(es): Wine Tasting
Location: Jl. Raya Kupang Indah, Surabaya

Vino Vino Bistro is not just a place to enjoy a good glass of wine but also offers wine tasting classes for enthusiasts. Learn about different wine varieties, pairing tips, and tasting techniques in a relaxed and social setting.

Surabaya Photography Club

Type of Class(es): Photography Workshops
Location: Various locations in Surabaya

The Surabaya Photography Club organizes workshops for photography lovers of all levels. These workshops cover various aspects of photography, from the basics to more advanced techniques, and are a great way to explore Surabaya through your lens.

Indonesian Heritage Society Surabaya

Type of Class(es): Cultural Workshops
Location: Surabaya Heritage Track, Surabaya

The Indonesian Heritage Society Surabaya offers workshops that delve into the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. These workshops are conducted in English and cover a range of topics, from traditional crafts to local history.

Surabaya Writers Workshop

Type of Class(es): Creative Writing
Location: Various cafes and libraries in Surabaya

For those with a passion for writing, the Surabaya Writers Workshop provides a supportive community where you can hone your writing skills. The workshops are held in English and cater to writers of all genres and levels.

Surabaya Ceramic Studio

Type of Class(es): Pottery and Ceramics
Location: Jl. Ngagel Jaya Selatan, Surabaya

At Surabaya Ceramic Studio, you can get your hands dirty and learn the art of pottery. The studio offers classes in English, making it accessible for expats to learn the craft of ceramics in a friendly atmosphere.

Java Paragon Cooking Academy

Type of Class(es): International Cuisine
Location: Java Paragon Hotel & Residences, Surabaya

The Java Paragon Cooking Academy is perfect for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire beyond local dishes. The academy offers classes in various international cuisines, all taught in English by experienced chefs.

Surabaya Language Exchange Club

Type of Class(es): Language Exchange Meetups
Location: Various locations in Surabaya

The Surabaya Language Exchange Club is a great way to practice Bahasa Indonesia while helping others learn English. It's a social and educational experience where you can improve your language skills in a casual, conversational setting.

Surabaya Cultural Dance Studio

Type of Class(es): Traditional Indonesian Dance
Location: Jl. Mayjend Sungkono, Surabaya

Immerse yourself in Indonesian culture by learning traditional dance at the Surabaya Cultural Dance Studio. The classes are designed to be accessible for non-native speakers, providing a unique and enjoyable way to connect with local traditions.

Please note that while these classes are recommended for English-speaking adults, it's always a good idea to confirm the language of instruction before enrolling. Enjoy your learning journey in Surabaya!

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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