Whilst I enjoyed the course content I was dismayed by our tutor referring to Australia Day as…read moreInvasion Day at our first tutorial. I understand differing views of this public holiday but it remains officially Australia Day and should be recognised as such until the government endorses a name change. Language courses should not be politicised.

Well bonjour....so you want to speak the language of love? Well I don't blame you.... who couldn't…read morefall in love with a language that's so sexy and suave that just the simplest phrase could cause one to blush in an instant.... I love the French and I love their language...and for years i have been struggling to adopt being a faux francophile... but somehow whilst at Alliance I had a small experience of what it would be like to be a native speaker... Once you work out what class you're in...you're off to begin your classes... The groups are very small....and you get wonderful tutelage... all the classes are conducted in French only (WHAT? BUT I CAN'T SPEAK FRENCH!) - but don't worry...you'd be suprised how much you understand with hand gestures.... Alliance is more expensive than most other places but they have a wonderful reputation and excellent teaching standards... it's a really nurturing environment and it's the closes you can get to a l'ecole (school) in Sydney... Bonne chance

Hankerin' to do some larnin'? The WEA centre no doubt has a course for you- there are so many on…read moreoffer that reading the programme always inspires me to a bit of an "if I had more time and money" kind of fantasy. Like, "Hmmm I've always wanted to study Ancient Mandarin calligraphy and how to speak in wing-dings, maybe I'll sign up for those next year". Sadly, the courses I have partaken in have been a bit more practical- a Responsible Service of Alcohol refresher, basic Word & Excel, and a car maintenance course that I couldn't finish as I was diagnosed with whooping cough after the first class. But for most courses they offer different levels so you can go onto advanced Ancient Mandarin Calligraphy next time the programme comes out. There are venues scattered all around Sydney but the centre of it all is right in the city.

I've had the opportunity to take a watercolor class here with Fiona and really enjoyed it! Prices…read morefor the courses are affordable and I found the instructor knowledgable and helpful. I enjoyed the way each session focused on a new skill set and that the instructor provided detailed handouts and instruction throughout the course.

I did my RSA course with The Training Course Professionals about a year ago. The instructor seemed…read morepretty knowledgeable, but the course material was quite limited... They emailed me my certificate of competence about 20 minutes before my course started, obviously they felt pretty confident in my RSA knowledge despite my not having ever completed a NSW RSA course! It wasn't a huge surprise that they read out the answers to everyone at the end. I'm sure most people would think it's great and accept that everyone probably breezes through these courses, but I'm a little disappointed that a course designed to keep people in the know about the laws that directly affect them and their jobs can be so blatantly abused for profit. They had around 40 people in the room the night I did my RSA, with 15 waiting outside incase someone didn't show up, no shortage of students wanting RSA cards... I have since found out that the maximum number of students permitted to be in any given training session by OLGR is 25. I would have to assume that being an RTO regulated (theoretically) by ASQA and the OLGR, they would know that issuing statements of attainment before their overpacked room of students, most of whom barely speak English, might cause a slight noncompliance issue. But profit is profit and I suppose more is better than legal!

Hi there. I was a…read morebit skeptical after reading reviews on TCP Training but they have affordable courses and location + availability suited me most so I decided to book Cocktail and Bar skills courses to gain confidence in working behind the bar in one of Sydney's busiest bar. I have to say that I had so much fun. Courses weren't too long (about 4h each) and trainer was really friendly and approachable but professional. Courses were hands on focused so each participant can try it itself. I felt confident after these couple sessions and I's coming back to do Barista course soon :) Personally, value for money guaranteed. p.s. try to book with friend or family member. Great course for bonding :) Zana

I'm a host. In Sydney. I've got the pleasure (not) of an…read moreopportunistic 34 year old student of English with EF in Sydney. I don't know what this crowd was thinking. And I don't know what I was thinking signing up to it. EF expects hosts to provide 16 meals a week to students, for a seriously meagre payment. To then have an entitled young person come into my home and try to coerce me into adapting the situation as he wants it (girlfriend visits, better bedroom, run of the kitchen, cooking, his own food selection etc. etc.) I feel completely ripped off. I have worked out I earned, after meals, about $10-12 per day. I have hosted students before and to be honest, the EF Homestay program is slave labour. And way too much trouble. Don't do it.

One of Sydney's newest art spaces. Sew Make Create has been around for almost a couple of months…read morenow. The owner, top Sydney designer Melissa Tan-Lu and Sew Make Create's resident dog Pepper are just adorable. The whole shop is quite funky :) I was fortunate to have been invited (through another blog) to experience their beginners crochet course with Bronwen. I arrived on a Wednesday night at 7pm a little tired yet eager as anything to learn, and learn heaps. My manual dexterity skills deflated me for a while, yet I was amazed with the crochet stitch and getting into a granny square so soon with confidence. The class sizes are rather small which is great. Lindt chocolate balls were provided with water as stunning refreshments, as well as biscuits and tea. This course is also available on selected weekends. Sew Make Create also run a variety of other craft courses. After the beginners crochet course, if you wish to take things further, then the crochet clinic is for you. Instead of yarn, turn that yarn into 'plarn' with a plastic bag crochet course. Sew Make Create is a dynamic arts space that also rents out sewing machines, and hence provides ample working space to design some pretty clothes. Sew Make Create also sell sewing machines and craft supplies. Sew Make Create (from the request of many parents) have put together a fantastic course schedule for the kids school holidays coming up, as at the time of writing this. Beginners crochet is also covered, and kids can also learn cupcake decorating and also learn how to make these adorable felt brooches. Located in Chippendale right near the Broadway Shopping Centre. If you're curious (in more detail) as to how my beginners crochet experience went recently, then follow this link: http://www.weekendnotes.com/crochet-for-beginners-sew-make-create/ For more information on the various courses put on especially for kids these school holidays, then follow this link: http://www.weekendnotes.com/crafty-school-holiday-activities-sew-make-create/ With many initiatives to ensuring that Sydney is an arts and crafts focused city, when is now a better time to learn a new craft? Go on, unleash the craft master within!

From the owner: Sew Make Create aims to encourage learning and creativity through providing the right environment,…read moreassistance and facilities