Bridge clubs
- Amsterdamse Bridge Kring is always open to new members of all nationalities.
Chess
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There are a few clubs throughout the Netherlands - most require initial contact in Dutch, so if you are a serious player then check this site for details.
Cooking classes
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Moederskeuken (mother's kitchen) offers workshops and classes that will help you to master Dutch and international cuisines.
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The Kushi Institute offers a variety of educational programs and workshops related to macrobiotic cooking.
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Try your hand at bread making with expat-oriented workshops held at Baking Lab. Relieve some stress at the kneading table, and even bring your children.
Drawing and painting workshops
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Kunstinzicht has traditional drawing and painting classes as well as some experimental art classes.
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MK24 offers a range of courses and workshops in the field of visual arts and multimedia. The teachers can give the courses simultaneously in Dutch and English.
Film screenings
- The Eye Film Museum and independent cinemas Filmhallen, Cinecenter and The Movies all offer regular screenings of foreign language films sub-titled in English.
Music, singing lessons and practice studios
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A quick internet search for 'muzieklessen Amsterdam' will yield numerous results. Although the website Muziekles Amsterdam is in Dutch, you should be able to find a teacher for your preferred instrument that can deliver lessons in English.
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JoySing is a social singing group aimed at helping people to develop their language skills by singing along to Dutch songs.
- Check the CREA website for regular courses of singing and music lessons and courses Cultural centre CREA offers.
- The WesterHarmonie orchestra is looking for amateur players with at least 2 years playing experience to join their Friday evening practices and performances on a membership basis.
Photography
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The FotoFactory offers both digital and film photography courses, and they range from a few days to a full three-year course.
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CREA offers a 12-week workshop for those wanting to get started in digital photography.
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For those already confident in photography then you may like to take part in a Foam Amsterdam, photography activity. Centred around a common theme, photographers can head out from the museum and meet back after to share and discuss.
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Amsterdam Photo Club is a photography society for internationals and locals. They organise regular meetings, courses, workshops, exhibitions and photo excursions.
Speech, performance and drama
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Love public speaking, or want to become more proficient? Join Toastmasters Amsterdam; they meet twice a month.
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Easylaughs run weekend and weekday evening improvisation comedy classes. Are you the new improv stage sensation?
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Amsterdam’s Frascati theatre offers an adventurous programme which includes English-language shows. Check out their agenda to see what’s coming up.
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In Players is Amsterdam's oldest English-language theatre company and welcomes anyone with an interest in theatre. The group distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to a broad repertoire. Email: in.players.amsterdam@gmail.com.
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The Orange Tea Theatre Company is a group of local theatre enthusiasts performing in English. As well as the possibility of joining in with their performances, they are continuously on the look out for new writing talent.
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Rotary Club Amsterdam International is the English-speaking Rotary Club for the Amsterdam Region. Weekly dinner meetings take place every Monday at 18:30 at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel. All Rotarians are welcome to attend. Website: www.rcai.nl.
Wine and beverage tasting
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Het Wijninstituut hosts regular English-language wine courses on winemaking, varietal wines, food pairing, terroir, wine presentation, storage and tasting.
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Screaming Beans offer coffee barista workshops at their stylish 9 streets location.
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The Wynand Fockink distillery in the heart of Amsterdam has been producing Dutch spirits for over 300 years. Join a workshop and learn the ins and outs of the profession.
Language courses
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UvA Talen, the language centre at the University of Amsterdam, offers language courses in French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, Swedish and Arabic.
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Spanish Lessons Amsterdam offer 'fun and feel-good' group lessons for all levels and abilities.
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Molinos de Viento teaches beginner level Spanish in English, with higher levels available for Dutch speakers.
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L’école de Français is run by native French speakers that teach the language in English.
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Casa di Dante is all about informal Italian lessons that focus on social conversations, shopping, ordering food and other holiday tips
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Elisabeth Schlager offers her expertise in teaching German to English speakers, especially for business purposes.
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Korean School of Amsterdam teaches Korean language and culture-related workshops to adults and children. The classes are held on Saturdays and are generally taught in English, although some teachers also speak Dutch.
Woodwork, metalwork, glasswork and DIY
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The Amsterdam-East Public Works Center offers a number of English-language courses, including woodworking, metalworking, stained glass and DIY workshops. You can also hire work benches and spaces for your own projects.
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Espenaer is an Amsterdam-based woodworking atelier that offers artisanal woodworking courses for all levels that focus on traditional skills, techniques, and hand tools.