megdean

Not sure if this is appropriate for a Fodor topic, but my 24 year-old daughter is going to be visiting friends in Singapore for three months this Fall. The friends will be working during the day, so she is looking for some activities to take advantage of while she is there, such as taking one or two short-term classes, like language, cooking, history etc. Does anyone have advice on how to start such a search?

Also, are there organizations in Singapore where young foreigners can meet in a safe environment?

Thank you.

Kathie

Frankly, I can't think of any place in Singapore that is unsafe. She'll be safer there than in her home town!

Singapore has lots to see and do, so she'll have plenty to keep her interested. Singapore is also ideally located fro some weekend trips to interesting places.

In terms of finding classes, she should start by asking her friends. There are cooking classes oriented toward very short term visitors, but she might want something more in depth. The internet is another valuable resource. Google "Cooking Classes Singapore" for instance.

marmot

She will be spoiled for choices in Singapore as there are tons of organizations and activities.

If your daughter is interested in meeting young working people she should join AmCham's Young Professional Group (even if she's not American).
http://www.amcham.org.sg/2010_06_17-...4Pa38Ta38Lbxr0

The AWA (American Women's Association) sponsors all kinds of activities -- language, cultural, social. Other nationalities have similar groups. Just Google Australian Women's, European Women's etc. These are aimed toward trailing spouses, but I everyone is welcome.

http://www.awasingapore.org/

Guenmai

I have stayed at the YMCA International House Hotel at 1, Orchard Road (MRT-metro Dhoby Gaut) for many years and they have some really great programs going on. I've known one of the managers there for some years and we have talked about the various programs. I've seen the transformation of the place since 1998. They've really grown and they are quite youth and also senior citizen geared. They have an auditorium, at the hotel, where they have dance classes and other classes.

Just drop by and get their schedules. Plus, they have a nice language program. Sometimes the brochures, for the various languages classes, from Bahasa Malay to Thai and everything else, are in a stand at the front door of the place.

There's also a YWCA nearby although I've never walked over to it. The YMCA is unisex. Happy Travels!

megdean

This is great information, exactly what she is looking for. In the past, she has been involved with dance, so that is cool. We will check out the options mentioned. Thank you!

lcuy

My daughter was involved with a dance group in S'Pore. Hip hop, most likely. If that would interest your daughter, i'll find out details.

megdean

I looked up dance classes on the internet, and found the website Angloinfo Singapore, which seems to provide a LOT of information. This will keep her busy for a while. I will ask her about the hip hop dance class - she has previously only been into ballet. Thx.

marilyn160

For cooking classes I recommend At-sunrice Academy in Ft Canning Park. It is affiliated with Johnson and Wales and in addition to professional studies, it offers 1-day hands-on cooking classes in different ethnic foods. I took the Thai food class there and learned how to make Pad Thai, Ruby Red and a Beef and Spicy Basil stir fry. The class ended with a lunch of what we'd made. The class was diverse in age and ethnicity and the teacher was clear.
I also enjoyed yoga classes at the Iyengar Studio in Chinatown.
There is a Craig's List for Singapore and your daughter might explore that site as well.