Life & Style | Education
Back to school for grown-ups
From food to fashion, beauty to business, a short course can help you learn and develop new life skills. Louise Emma Clarke highlights the UAE's best courses
- By Louise Emma Clarke, Aquarius
- Published: 00:00 January 1, 2012
INTERIORS
Principles of Interior Design by Chelsea College of Art and Design
Ideal for… Those with a passion for interior design, but lacking the confidence to get started.The experience: This practical course will give you the skills to plan, design and decorate interior spaces as a hobby or the taster of a new career. You will learn how to put together mood, concept and lighting boards, which you can take home and refer to afterwards.
The details: five-day course, £1250, (approx Dh7,100), Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates, find course dates on www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk or call 04-3772000.
If you like this, try… Introduction to Machine Sewing. This is offered at My Craftland, Town Centre, Beach Road. www.mycraftland.com or call 04-3422237.
"I won a competition to design a space at the INDEX exhibition, so enrolled on this course in October 2011 for inspiration. It was invaluable in helping me to prepare and I've since applied the skills at home, too."
Mimi Shakhashir
FOOD
How to Be Healthy and Eat Right at the University of Wollongong
Ideal for… Those who wish to change their family's diet for the better.
The experience: Over the course of five evenings, you will learn the fundamentals of healthy eating. Topics covered will include portion control, food and diet myths, fighting disease through nutrition, and how diet impacts the environment.
The details: A five-week (one evening per week) course, Dh3,000, University of Wollongong, Dubai Knowledge Village. For course dates, visit www.uowdubai.ac.ae.
If you like this, try… Sushi Master Classes at Nobu, Atlantis the Palm, www.atlantisthepalm.com or call 04-4262626.
"I joined this course in October 2011 and found it fascinating. I headed straight to the supermarket from the first session and restocked the fridge and cupboards!"
Vani Kumar
PARENTING
Group Triple P-Positive Parenting Program
Ideal for… Parents of children or teenagers who want to brush up on their parenting skills.
The experience: This scientifically researched strategy improves parenting skills and builds positive relationships with children. Over eight weeks, you will learn a variety of skills to encourage good behaviour and manage misbehaviour at home.
The details: Eight weeks (five workshops and three phone calls), per couple, kidsFIRST Medical Center, Umm Suqeim. Group courses commence February 11 and March 10. Visit www.parentingdubai.com for further details.
If you like this, try… Back to Basics First Aid for Infants and Children, locations throughout Dubai. www.backtobasicsuae.com or call 04-3918373.
"I found it hard to cope when my son hit his teenage years and the stress caused arguments with my husband, too. A friend recommended this programme and it transformed things at home. It's been worth every penny."
Miranda Flint
FASHION
Five Steps to Successful Style by The London College of Fashion
Ideal for… Those who want to gain the confidence to style themselves for day, work, or evening.
The experience: This course covers the five steps to successful style. Working in small groups, you will learn about colour, body shape and proportions, fabric and fit, posture and lingerie, and how accessories can express your individuality.
The details: One full day, £400 (approx Dh2,250), Hotel Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates. The next course starts in May. Check www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses/middle-east/ for further details.
If you like this, try… Basic Jewellery Design at Dubai British School, The Springs, Dubai, www.dssilversmith.com/courses.php or email dssilversmith@gmail.com.
"My confidence levels soared after completing this course. It was great leaving the house knowing I looked stylish, rather than guessing that I did. I would really recommend it."
Lisa Dewberry
Beauty
Self Make Up Course by ESMOD
Ideal for… Those who want to learn how to expertly apply their own makeup.
The experience: Taking place at French Fashion College ESMOD, this course will teach you how - through simple techniques - to apply your own cosmetics. Lessons focus on shape, corrective techniques, and day and evening applications - with emphasis on eyes, nose, lips, and cheeks.
The details: Two full days, Dh2,500, ESMOD Dubai, Dubai International Academic City, email admin-office@esmod-dubai.com or call 04-4291228 for forthcoming course dates.
If you like this, try… Balancing your emotions through Aromatherapy at The Holistic Institute, Jumeriah Lake Towers, Dubai. For more information, visit www.theholisticinstitute.org.
"I'd love to be a makeup artist, so enrolled on this course as a taster. I learnt some really useful tips and techniques - and it has inspired me to enrol on the Professional Fashion Make Up Programme at the college."
Fleur Smith
BUSINESS
Brilliant Body Language!
Ideal for… Those in business who want to learn useful body language tricks to help change other people's perceptions.
The experience: This course will teach you why body language is the most important part of face-to-face communication. You will see negative and positive body language in action through practical activities throughout the day. The course also covers what is acceptable body language in the Middle East.
The details: One full day, Dh1,950, Spearhead Gulf, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. February 9 and May 3 in Abu Dhabi, April 12 in Dubai. Visit www.spearhead-training.com for more details.
If you like this, try… Starting a Business Online Learning Course, with the Dubai Chamber. Visit www.dubaichamber.com for details.
"The course was interesting, entertaining, and really useful and practical. I manage a store in Abu Dhabi and use the skills I learnt every day when speaking to customers. I've also found it useful when interviewing new staff."
Jan Palmer
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