Language, Culture & Travel   

Expressing differing opinions, arguing, and talking about conflicting ideas are all normal and necessary social behaviors. But often, broaching difficult topics in a clear and honest way is so anxiety-inducing, we choose not to do it at all.

This course aims to examine a more positive side of conflict. We will learn and practice different debating styles from impromptu speech to Lincoln Douglass debate, find out how to spot fallacies and how to engage with them, and practice emotional moderation when a debate doesn’t go our way.

This class is for anyone who struggles to express their opinions, feels uncomfortable with argument, or simply wants to brush up on their debate skills! In this class, students can expect to sharpen their speaking, reasoning, and argument skills in a fun and low-stakes environment. We will learn the most popular debate styles, practice them in mock-debate, and debrief after each session.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will gain a heightened understanding of, and appreciation for, conflicting ideas and your ability to express your own.

Designed for language enthusiasts, future travelers to Latin America, and educators, this introductory Spanish course focuses on building practical communication skills with no prior experience necessary!

The course emphasizes essential grammar, including the present indicative tense and an introduction to expressing the future tense using (be + going to + verb). This course will cover key verbs such as ser, estar, tener, gustar, and vivir, along with other common daily routine verbs to form the foundation for communication.

Students will also develop vocabulary to describe colors, size, taste, and age. Through integrated practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, students will gain confidence using Spanish in everyday situations.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to introduce themselves, describe their interests and routines, and talk about people, places, food, clothing, and entertainment.

This course provides a foundational introduction to Taiwanese phonics, with particular emphasis on the distinctions from Chinese phonetic systems to enhance linguistic accuracy and comprehension.

Participants will examine the structural principles and writing methods of Mandarin characters, as well as the meanings they convey, complemented by basic sentence formation for practical application. Cultural components are integrated throughout the curriculum, offering a contextual exploration of Taiwan’s historical evolution and contemporary society. Although the time allotted is limited, every effort will be made to incorporate relevant cultural discourse that enriches the learning experience.

The curriculum is designed to cultivate essential language skills while fostering a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s unique cultural identity.

Start learning Taiwanese Mandarin in this beginner-friendly class! Explore basic pronunciation, simple conversation, and essential reading and writing skills while building confidence in everyday communication.

No prior experience needed, just curiosity and enthusiasm!

This course is offered in partnership with North Seattle College Continuing Education.

This class will review your phonics (bopomofo) from Level 1 for better pronunciations. Participants will use a textbook to start a some simple sentence and grammar while the instructor helps keep pronunciations in a right rail with bopomofo and tones.

In this class, the instructor will take time to ensure participants are able to communicate with Taiwanese. We will also continue the cultural and habits talking about Taiwan.

Required textbook: 
Practical Audio-Visual Chinese-1 by the National Taiwan Normal University (Taiwan)
IBSN: 978-9570917895

This course is offered in partnership with North Seattle College Continuing Education.

Whether you're interested in Japanese culture, anime and manga, travel, or language learning, these conversational Japanese courses offer a welcoming introduction to the language and culture of Japan. Using a conversation-first approach, students build practical speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while gaining confidence in everyday communication. Students will also begin learning the Japanese kana, which includes hiragana and katakana, the two foundational Japanese writing systems. Beginners and continuing learners are welcome.

Books are required for this class: 

1. Japanese for Busy People Book 1: Romanized** ISBN 978-1568366197
2. Japanese for Busy People Book 1: The Workbook ISBN 978-1568366210
3. Japanese for Busy People Kana Workbook. ISBN 978-1568366227

This workshop has two parts and a celebration. 

In the first half, participants will enjoy reading three ancient tales on the theme of “Search and Find” (titles below). We will analyze core tenets of story-telling, choose one of the tales as Our Plot, rewrite it, and then illustrate it collectively to produce a 35-page picture book.

In the second half, we will each write and illustrate our own story. (Illustrations may involve drawing, making collages, or altering an existing book).

In the last class, we will share our work and celebrate our achievements!

Learning outcomes include: improved fluency in reading aloud, ability to identify narrative structures and genres, courage and persistence to craft an original illustrated book, improved writing and editing skills in English. The instructor plans to join in and write her own book too. A good time will be had by all!

This course is designed for adults (18+) who seek greater confidence in writing and narration, and who are curious to see what stories they have inside!

Tales we’ll read include: "Bluebeard" by Charles Perrault (1697); "A Little Matter of Marriage" by Patrick Chamoiseau (1988); and "The Buried Moon" by Sharon Blackie (2016).

This is a new, adult version of a workshop offered to children since 2012. For info on how it works, see: https://jdouthwa.wixsite.com/writeyourstory1

This course introduces the major forces shaping Latin America today, from inequality and urbanization to migration and economic change. Rather than focusing on individual countries, the course explores the region through five key lenses: gender, inequality, informality, urbanization, and sovereignty. We examine how history—especially colonialism, economic policy, and foreign influence—continues to shape everyday life across the region.

The course emphasizes clarity, discussion, and real-world relevance over memorization or technical background. No prior knowledge is required.

Dreaming of a solo adventure? Looking to travel more confidently on your own? This course is designed to empower women to explore the world with greater independence, confidence, and peace of mind.

Drawing on more than 30 years of travel industry experience, Janelle will guide through three core pillars of successful solo travel: Safety, Confidence, and Discovery. Participants will learn practical strategies for staying safe while traveling, protecting personal belongings, and navigating unfamiliar destinations with greater ease and awareness.

The course also explores how the right small-group travel experiences can help solo travelers build confidence, form meaningful connections, and enjoy the freedom of independent travel without feeling alone. Through destination insights, curated recommendations, and real-world travel stories, attendees will discover inspiring experiences and locations that are especially well suited to independent women travelers.

Along the way, knowledge will be gained on the tools needed to travel with purpose, embrace new opportunities, and navigate the world with confidence.

Whether you're planning your very first solo journey or preparing for your next great adventure, this course will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and self-assurance to create meaningful travel experiences that foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and unforgettable memories.

This course aims to examine and learn basic yogic principles from the advent of the practice to its modern-day iterations in order to help students create a self-specific yoga practice all their own.

A critical analysis of for-profit yoga alongside a deep dive into the free and accessible practice of meditation will be assessed in order to learn: What does it truly mean to practice yoga?

Students will learn yoga theory, yoga techniques, and movement safety in order to create their own yogic practice that best aligns with their own bodies, minds, and spiritual practices.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to practice the type of yoga that best suits you, alone or in a class setting, with a holistic and consent-based approach. 

This course covers fighting theory through the modern era and back to 600BCE, with a special emphasis on deconstructing the main components of different fighting forms in order to understand the 'why'—so we can learn the 'how'!

Each class will include a deep dive into the cultural aspects of unique fighting forms, alongside practical technique instruction and partner-based skill practice. Yes, you will try some moves yourself! Class will include discussions on consent and safety prior to practical applications.

Fall and early winter are a rich time for the world of birds in the Puget Sound region. Waterfowl return to sheltered waters of the sound. Winter residents take up territories in the forests. Individual species group together in mixed feeding flocks. Learn how to identify species, appreciate behaviors and discover the best places to bird throughout the Puget Sound lowlands during this optimal season. This class includes a field trip to practice your new birding skills. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field trips. Additional details will be given by your instructor.

A Zoom link will be sent to your email on file no less than 24 hours before the start of the course. Please check your spam & junk folders or call us at 206 934 5339 for assistance.

This course is offered in partnership with North Seattle College Continuing Education.