10 inspiring classes around the world
There's more to appreciating a country than getting dreads and wearing Thai wrap pants. Enroll in one of these courses across the globe to get an up close cultural experience.
1. Manga drawing, Fukuoka, Japan
WAHAHA may sound like an awkward transition from crying to laughing, but it’s actually the name of a short-term study school in Fukuoka, Japan.
The school’s two-week manga course includes two hours of manga drawing and three hours of Japanese language lessons, per day.
Students come away with the skills to make their own manga comic, learning how to develop stories, characters, render onomatopoeia, draw backgrounds and more.
The two-week course costs ¥79,000 (US$1,025).
WAHAHA Japanese Language School, Maizuru 4th floor, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Japan; +81 92 737 2288; http://www.wahahanihongo.com
More on CNNGo: Mumbai's top 8 cultural courses
2. Cheese making, Wisconsin, United States
It's still always good to show up high-brow cheese name-droppers. You can stay ready by taking a course in the real, undefeated cheese champion capital of the world -- Wisconsin, U.S.A.
An authentic, all-American homemade cheese experience in Edam Eden waits wannabe churners at The Cheese Maker, located in the cozy home of Steve and Mary Shapson in Mequon, Wisconsin.
The Shapsons' hands-on, three-day courses teach lovers of edible bacteria the craft of making and understanding Camembert, baby Brie, bleu, chevre, mozzarella, ricotta and feta.
Days consist of cheese workshops, wine and cheese socials and an all-inclusive lunch and gourmet dinner. The three-day course costs US$279, cheese kits, wine and cheese included.
The Cheese Maker, 11611 N. Grace Court, Mequon, Wisconsin, United States; +1 414 745 5483; www.thecheesemaker.com
More on CNNGo: World's 15 weirdest museums
3. Flamenco, Seville, Spain
Throw out the cassette and clap/stomp to a live flamenco guitarist.
In one of the most vibrant areas of Seville, the Taller Flamenco school provides instruction in different rhythms of flamenco, including seguiriyas, soleá, soleá por bulerías, alegrías and more.
Students are locals and tourists, beginners and professionals.
Because flamenco is such an important part of the local culture, students are encouraged to visit local flamenco dance and music shows.
The seven-day course costs £259 (US$408) per person and includes five two-hour sessions.
For more information visit www.tallerflamenco.com
More on CNNGo: World's happiest countries
4. Jungle survival, Guyana
Isolate yourself in an Amazonian rainforest to test your mental and physical stamina and -- most importantly –- your gag reflex with a Bushmasters Full Survival course.
An initial “training phase” takes place at your shelter where you'll be sleeping in a hammock for the next week. Here, you learn basic survival skills: finding water, making shelter, lighting a fire and finding a meal (including tasty bugs and fishing for Piranha).
Then comes the “isolation phase” where you’ll be separated into singles or pairs, and learn to survive in the jungle -- with nothing but the clothes off your back, a machete, bow and arrow and belt kit.
Bushmasters Full Survival two week course, £1600 (US$2,521), www.bushmasters.co.uk; For 2012 dates and other courses visit www.bushmasters.co.uk/dates
More on CNNGo: 5 most scenic spots in Hangzhou
5. Ceramics workshop, Plan du Four, France
Why buy French pottery when you can make it yourself in the South of France?
A typical five-day “hand-building” course at Dragon Ceramic teaches classic ceramics techniques, glazing, Raku firing, and includes visits to ceramics studios and inspiring afternoon walks in the stunning Pont du Gard.
Hand building is a wheel-less pottery method that creates one-of-a-kind shapes.
A typical, five-day program costs €475 (US$639) and includes transportation from the airport.
Dragon Ceramic, Plan du Four, Vallabrix, France; +33 (0)4 66 75 03 85; www.dragonceramic.com
More on CNNGo: World's best tourists
