Transparency: This post is part of my non-paid partnership with vhs stuttgart.

Daniele, what is the idea behind Dinner & Dialogue?

Stuttgart is becoming more and more international. Bringing people from all walks of life together to cook and enjoy tasty food and having them discuss important topics of our times is our way to highlight the beauty and complexity of such diversity.

Margaret, what makes these events special?

The warm and welcoming atmosphere. That’s what happens when you have hosts that have lots of energy and so much love for people that create positive vibes and set the right tone for the discussions. Also, the sense of community and connection created through conversation and cooking together is almost magical. Who knew chopping onions and tomatoes with complete strangers could be so much fun?

Daniele, what topics have you covered in the Dinner & Dialogue meetings so far? 

We have dealt with up-to-date topics that have an impact on our lives and those who live around us. “Fake News, Information and Democracy” was the topic of our premiere during the Birthday Week of vhs stuttgart. “Identity, Stereotypes and Clichés” was the topic of our second night.

There is a huge Summer Festival Dinner & Dialogue coming up on July 30. Margaret, tell us more about it! What can we expect?

The upcoming event on 30^th July is going to be a blast because we are celebrating 100 years of Volkshochschule Stuttgart. There will be good food (big barbecue!) and…food for thought! Not only are we going to eat and have good conversations but there is going to be a Pop Up Choir too. We are going to sing together and enjoy the beautiful summer evening. And guess what, it’s free! 

Daniele & Margaret, thank you very much for your time and see you on July 30!

More information

Dinner and Dialogue Summer Festival 2019

Picture credit title photo: vhs stuttgart

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[This article is part of my non-paid cooperation with vhs stuttgart]

Rachel, you’ve moved to Stuttgart in 2012. What was difficult for you at the beginning?

Everything! From public transportation, shopping, buying groceries to finding a flat to getting hooked on with the internet. But that was the great and exciting thing about moving to Stuttgart. I’ve never lived in Europe so it was such a big change. But I have to say, it was so interesting, new, exciting and eye-opening all at the same time.

You even gave birth to your first child here in Stuttgart. How was it being pregnant in a foreign country? Did you find all the information about pregnancy and giving birth in Stuttgart that you needed?

I think I was more nervous than I should have been. In the end, moms get pregnant everywhere and it was my first time, so everything was new to me anyway. Perhaps it was tricky because I didn’t have much friends who were already pregnant and who could help me out with their insights and wisdom, but I’ve learned along the way through various channels, including websites, my doctors, hospital staff and even nurses. But yes, I’m thinking it did take a bit more time and effort to get all the info I needed.

You will be teaching the course Living in Stuttgart for International Women at vhs stuttgart this July. What motivated you to do so?

I love sharing my experiences and thoughts on everything, I think it comes from my journalist background or maybe I’m just nosy. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share my experiences as an expat and a woman, from childbirth, pregnancy, shopping and all those little details you face while starting a new life in this city. Moving to a foreign place is overwhelming already as it is, and since this course will be in English, I thought it could be a breath of fresh air and also act as a safe haven for everyone.

What awaits women in your course?

Everything and anything you want to know! This course is technically based on my experience and knowledge but anyone who has better ideas or suggestions can participate. Moving to a foreign country or city is not just a physical move, it’s about learning and adapting to a new environment, and I hope we all get to share the best of our knowledge and experiences beyond age, occupation and interests. I really do think everyone will be able to leave the course with ideas and inspiration, and hopefully use this as a fuel to further adapt themselves to their new lives in this wonderful city.

What would you consider as the most important advice for women who are new to Stuttgart? What would you have loved to know at the beginning?

Such a difficult question. To be open is important. Open to new ideas, new cultures and new people. Stuttgart is becoming more and more international and that means you are exposed to different ideas, cultures and people. There is in fact no “correct” or “right” way to adapt to Stuttgart, you need to find your own way. This course will hopefully guide you a bit, offer you shortcuts and help you discover your own way of adapting. I would have loved to know some useful shortcuts or insights on some aspects, like where to buy the best flowers or where to go when you need some good comfort food from wherever you are.

What motivated you to team up with vhs stuttgart and join their new English-speaking program?

The new English-speaking program proves how international this city has become and is becoming and, of course, I jumped on the opportunity. vhs international – English Program offers so many courses and events at a fair price. It doesn’t matter if you want to do sports, learn to cook or go to a business workshop – there is always something for everyone. I wish there was something like this when I first came here!

More information about Rachel’s course:

If you want to learn from Rachel’s experiences you can enroll here for her course Living in Stuttgart for International Women:

More information about Rachel:

Expat interview with Rachel

rachelsanghee.com

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English speaking courses at vhs Stuttgart – my personal highlights

Hand lettering for kids (April 6, 2019)

vhs stuttgart also offers courses for kids. One of them is Hand lettering where the little students design their own greeting card.

more about Hand lettering for kids

Swabian Humor for Beginners (April 11, 2019)

This is a course I am looking forward to in particular. I know that most people think Germans don’t get the concept of humor. And this prejudice is even worse when it comes to us Swabians 🙂 But this course will proof them all wrong. The event will be held by Christiane M., trainer and comedian, who will introduce you to odd habits and the hidden humor of an ancient funny German culture.

more about Swabian Humor for Beginners

Yoga (May 7, 2019)

When you love Yoga prefer to be taught in English this is your class. Practice classical Hatha-Yoga in an international and relaxing atmosphere at vhs stuttgart.

more about Yoga

Whisky Tasting (May 17, 2019)

Why do some single malts taste smoky? Why do others taste of vanilla and honey? Enjoy an entertaining evening with interesting legends, facts and stories about our six selected Single Malt Whiskys and enjoy pictures and music from Scotland in a sociable environment.

more about Whisky Tasting

Qigong (between June 25. and July 23, 2019)

If you need something to bring you down, relax you and make you more focused, Qigong is your thing. It comprises slow movements that are integrated with conscious breathing and focused attention

more about Qigong

Empower yourself by Thinking like a Drag Queen (July 7, 2019)

This is another course I can’t wait to join. It offers you a practical guide to grow by learning lessons taught by drag queens. You will learn five keys to channel your inner queen: creating the person you always wanted to be, power dressing and -posing, how to quiet inner and outer critics and why it’s important to start taking small risks to boost yourself to taking even bigger ones. Shouldn’t we all be a bit more drag?!

more about Empower Yourself by Thinking Like a Drag Queen

Stuttgart for women (July 10, 2019)

Moving to a new city in a different country can sometimes be a daunting experience. This class will help you settle in as it will focus on a range of important topics such as transportation, housing, school system and more.

more about Stuttgart for women

Handmade Ravioli (July 22, 2019)

Who doesn’t like pasta?! In this course you will learn how to prepare handmade pasta. A glass of wine and some nice antipasti might also come into play… 🙂

more about Handmade Ravioli

Watercolor painting (July 20, 2019)

Watercolor painting is not just for small children. It’s actually an art in itself. In this course you will get to know most watercolor techniques, materials as well as some basics of color theory, drawing, perspective and composition.

more about Watercolor painting

Sommerspektakel: Dinner & Dialogue (July 30, 2019)

Summer in the city! As part of the 100 years of vhs summer week celebrations, the last Dinner and Dialogue will take place at the Ökostation, the vhs’s department for environmental classes. Join us for an end-of-semester talk around the barbecue in the public gardens in the north of the city!

more about Sommerspektakel: Dinner & Dialogue

More information about the English speaking courses at vhs stuttgart

For more information about all English speaking courses at vhs stuttgart visit vhs-stuttgart.de or download the brochure here (PDF)

Transparency: This post is part of my non-paid partnership with vhs stuttgart. The opinion and recommendations shared here are my own.

Title picture: canva.com

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