Gluten Free Baking

Start baking your own gluten free baked goods! Students will learn to make a gluten free sourdough starter and use applesauce as an egg replacement for various recipes. Bake along or learn tips and tricks for baking gluten free cookies, cinnamon rolls, naan, muffins and scones.

Home Improvement for Sellers

Add value in the right place to sell faster for more money! Learn how to evaluate what improvements are necessary and find the fastest way to improve your curb appeal based on best practices in real estate, remodeling, and home staging.

Food Freedom

During this 6-week course, you will learn all about the macro and micronutrients that provide nourishment to your body. Which foods to eat and which to avoid for optimal health, the importance of digestion and how to improve it, Which fats improve your health, how to balance your blood sugar, how to read food labels. How to eat healthy on a budget. We will discuss different types of diets and how to determine which is right for you. Your instructor, Karen Davis, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and is passionate about all things nutrition. Learn in a judgement-free, interactive style class.

Reiki Level 1

Are you curious about energy healing? Come learn this Japanese healing technique in a welcoming and fun environment! The intention is to create deep relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing. Workshop will include a Reiki 1 attunement and a Reiki 1 certificate.

Barre Fusion

Enjoy a low impact, high energy, music-driven movement experience that blends the best of Dance, Pilates and Yoga. Strengthen and stretch the whole body with standing exercises using a barre (or chair back) and mat-based Pilates moves.

Collage from Your Junk Drawer

Recombine pieces of paper, photographs, fabric and other ephemera — both 2D and 3D — onto one surface to create an original image. Explore how collage can be a tool of visual expression, formal beauty or used for story-telling.

The Personal is Political: Art and Social Justice

Explore Portland through the protest art that local artists are currently making. Via mini-lectures, discussion, and your own experiments, we investigate what makes an artwork political, relevant and effective. Everyone is welcome.

Yoga in French and English

Yoga and French? Body and Mind? Let’s flow together! Enjoy Iyengar/Vinyasa yoga and learn some French. Taught by a native French speaker and longtime yoga teacher. All levels of French and yoga students are welcome.

History of Persia and Modern Day Iran

Learn about the fascinating history of the Persian Empire and modern-day Iran. This course explores the evolution of Persian civilization, including art, culture and historical events that influenced the course of Persian/Iranian history.

Improved Self Talk With Less Conflict

Is your self-talk full of conflicts and criticisms? Have you tried to “think positively” without a lasting effect? Discover tools and strategies to shift your thoughts quickly, resolve internal conflicts and take new perspectives on old conflicts.

Research shows that can do so much for the brain and for our social experience. Not only does learning a language help you expand your mind, but it also opens up new communities where you can connect with potential new acquaintances and friends. It makes work, travel, and your social life more enriching, while also keeping our minds active at the same time.

However, many people are daunted by the often lifelong process of language learning when there are manageable steps you can take at any time. Whether you grew up speaking a language and are out of practice, are brand new to a language community, or need to be able to speak to new friends in Portland but don’t have the English language proficiency yet, the programs at PCC Community Ed will help you connect with the language community and get a jumpstart on the goals that you have.

Types of Language Courses Available

You’ll be able to reach a variety of goals in learning a new language using coursework from PCC, from prepping for a short jaunt to another country to communicating with your new coworkers to really pushing yourself to full proficiency or even fluency over time. Use different courses for different goals so that you don’t end up working intensely on elements of the language that you don’t intend to put into practice. These courses are also great ways to build on and supplement prior knowledge of languages, from learning as a child and forgetting some, to taking classes in high school years ago.

Conversation Classes

While some learners are focused on the ability to read or write in a new language, many of us are focused on the benefits that come with increased conversational fluency. Conversation/introductory classes are available in a wide variety of languages, including Latin, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Swedish, Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. These courses help you move beyond studying in a book to be able to talk with fellow speakers of the language and use these skills in your personal or professional life, whether you travel or interact with international populations here in the Portland, Oregon area.

American Sign Language

We offer a variety of levels of American Sign Language, a language used in both deaf and hearing communities, and as a bridge between different forms of linguistic expression. You can start from scratch or build on past knowledge of both ASL and deaf culture in order to better communicate with those around you.

Travel Courses

Many of our language groups include a course for travelers or those who would like to travel in the future. These courses focus your efforts on learning the elements of language that will be most useful when visiting a new country, from interacting with restaurant staff, hotel staff, and shopkeepers to asking for directions or other forms of help as you navigate a new place. These courses can be a fun way to daydream and build anticipation for a future trip, but be warned: you might be bitten by the language bug and want to keep learning the language further!

Accelerated Spanish Classes

Spanish is one of our more popular course offerings, and for those who want to become better at Spanish quickly or who have some background but need a quick-pace refresher, we offer classes that designate as ‘fast-paced’ or ‘intensive.’ Choose these courses to get better quickly and feel the immersive benefit of a high-energy learning experience.

Workplace and Medical Language Courses

We offer focused courses in both English and Spanish that help with professional skills you may need, either with a course specifically on the language needed in the workplace or with the language needed in medical fields. People who learn medical terminology in another language can begin the process of becoming a medical translator, a lucrative and much-needed career path. With almost 10% of the population in Oregon speaking Spanish, it’s key that medical and workplace services be accessible in each person’s needed language, and these courses can help you get started!

1-on-1 Instruction

As mentioned above, Spanish is a key need in the Portland, Oregon area and beyond. We’ve set up the ability to take 1-on-1 Spanish classes, which tailor to your needs and help you push your understanding and skill in a highly individualized format. Whether you want to use one of these lesson packages to push yourself through a particularly challenging element of the Spanish language or are interested in pushing past proficiency toward fluency after taking all our other Spanish coursework, this kind of instruction is very helpful for digging deep and making your Spanish as strong as possible.

No matter the language you’ve set about learning, PCC offers coursework that helps you advance your knowledge in the direction you seek. Learn more and check out all the levels and styles available for learning a new language!

Note – language classes may vary from term to term

Thailand

[March 1 – 10, 2020] A Taste of Thailand: This small-group tour explores the cultural and culinary diversity of Thailand, a country shaped by many influences. Visit temples, markets, and the Grand Palace in Bangkok; explore the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai; take a boat to the Golden Triangle and enjoy exclusive cooking demonstrations by renowned local instructors. Deposit due date: December 1, 2019

India

[March 3 – 12, 2020] Holi Hai: Explore the highlights of North India, including vibrant markets, majestic forts, dazzling palaces, and the iconic Taj Mahal! Enjoy an exclusive safari to view the Bengal Tigers in Ranthambore National Park and celebrate the colorful Holi festival with a local family in the Pink City of Jaipur. Deposit due date: December 3, 2019. 

Oaxaca

[October 27 – November 4, 2020] This special journey highlights the culture and indigenous spiritual roots of the Oaxacan Day of the Dead. The celebrations take place over several days with most activities taking place October 31st to November 2nd. Our journey compliments these activities by exploring what takes place before and after these dates. Meet with educators, human rights activists, farmers, artists and tradespeople to get a more intimate understanding of Mexico’s past and present. Visit important historical and archeological sites during our time together to learn about the ancient history of the indigenous cultures of MesoAmerica. Learn why Día de Muertos is such a significant celebration for the people of Oaxaca. Experience the bustling market culture where everyone goes to buy the things they need. Indulge in the special foods that are prepared at this time of year, like chocolate, tamales, and black moles. Deposit Due Date: July 23, 2020

Greece

[September 13 – 27, 2020] Discover the magnificent ruins of ancient Greece in their tranquil Mediterranean settings. This comprehensive journey explores Greece’s most important ancient monuments, like the famed Temple of Zeus, archeological site of Olympia and ancient artifacts of Delphi. Explore Athens your way – choose a tour of the incredible Acropolis, or embark on a walking tour of some of the city’s hidden gems. Visit a local farm in the countryside to see how olive oil and wine are produced. Learn how to cook traditional Mediterranean cuisine during a cooking demonstration. Wander the winding streets, vineyards, marketplaces and beaches of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the excavations of the ancient city at Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. In Athens, enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and entertainment at a family-owned taverna in the lively Plaka district. Learn the history of this fascinating country from local experts on guided tours of Athens, Meteora, Delphi, and Olympia. Deposit Due Date: March 6, 2020

Peru, Greece, Costa Rica, or Thailand?

PCC Community Ed Travel is excited to announce our full, 2020 trip schedule.

With so many wonderful options, it can be hard to choose! Join us for our annual Travel Fair on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 10am-2pm at the CLIMB Center (1626 SE Water Ave) to get detailed itineraries for each trip, have all your questions answered, and decide which trip(s) are best for you. A detailed agenda of the Travel Fair 2020 schedule can be found below.

Every Info Session in One Place
Although we are happy to offer info sessions year round, the Travel Fair allows for you to conveniently attend info sessions for any trip that interests you in just a few hours. The following schedule can help you plan your day in advance.

RSVP – Register with Ease
Registering for the 2020 Travel Fair is easy and free. If you are familiar with Community Education’s registration process and have taken a class within the past four years, simply log into your MyPCC and register using CRN 48122.

You can always be directly connected with PCC Community Ed. Travel by calling 971.722.5303. We are happy to assist with our registration process.

2020 Travel Fair Schedule: Discover Your Next Adventure

Language is the key to life, and being able to communicate properly is crucial. The more you know how to communicate with others, the better. That’s why it may be beneficial to learn a foreign language.

Did you know there are over 2,700 languages, with over 7,000 individual dialects, spoken around the world? Some of the most common languages are:

1. English

While only about 360 million people are native English speakers, 1.5 billion people worldwide can speak English. Latin in origin, it is well established as the world’s lingua franca, or common language. English comes from the “Angles,” a Germanic people who settled in Britain in the first millennium A.D. The vocabulary and sentence structure of English is closest to modern languages like German and Dutch, but it is heavily influenced by other languages.

Fun fact: Did you know that 50% of the words used in the English language come from the French? Words such as joyful, parenthood, jellyfish, killjoy and veneer all have French origins.

2. Mandarin Chinese

Over 1.1 billion people speak Mandarin, but Chinese is not a single language. Actually, it’s a group of related languages, where Mandarin is the largest. Mandarin is also the official language of the People’s Republic of China; the Republic of China, which is also called Taiwan; and Singapore. The native name for Mandarin is Putonghua, which means “common speech.”

3. Hindustani

Over 544 million people speak Hindustani, which is the collective name for Hindi and Urdu, two dialects of the same language. The name Hindustani comes from Hindustan, a historical term for the north/northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. Hindi is spoken in Northern and central India, and is the official language of the Indian government. Urdu is primarily spoken in Pakistan.

While Hindi and Urdu have differences in vocabulary and pronunciation, speakers of either language can easily communicate with each other. There are differences in the writing systems of both, as Hindi is usually written in Devanagari script, and Urdu is written right-to-left with a script that’s closely related to the Arabic alphabet.

4. Spanish

Spanish is spoken by over 572 million people, of which 437 million are native speakers. It’s the second largest native language in the world, only behind Mandarin. By total speakers, it’s at number four. Spanish originated in the Castile region of Spain. It’s referred to as Castilian, or castellano, in the language. Spanish explorers and conquistadors have spread their language all around the world. Spoken all across South and Central America and the Caribbean, there are also pockets of speakers in Southeast Asia and Africa.

Spanish is also the second most-common language in the United States, with the U.S. being the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, only behind Mexico. It is now predicted that it will overtake Mexico and become the largest population of Spanish-speaking people.

Benefits of Language Learning

Learning a second language can improve your intelligence, as it affects your brain; improves cognitive skills not related to language; and shields against diseases such as dementia as you grow older. It’s also an added benefit to jobs, travel and life. Most importantly, it helps to break down barriers in communication, allowing you to connect with people in their native language.

To start your language learning journey, explore the foreign language courses offered by PCC Community Ed. From Arabic and French to Spanish and Portuguese, you will develop the skills you need to speak and listen in your preferred language as well as learn the key features of the culture.

We all experience a bit of Irish culture during the “Green Season” of March. Many people are familiar with the river of green dye in Chicago, or the marches in New York City – or the accent – warmly attempted by experts and neophytes alike. We see Irish culture reflected in pop culture film classics like the Quiet Man, or through musical groups like U2, The Pogues or The Chieftains. But did you know there are organizations in Portland that meet regularly and dig a little deeper into Irish culture?

St. Patrick’s Day festivities are often hosted by local Irish cultural organizations like the Mícheál Ó Domhnaill branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the All Ireland Cultural Society, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The lilt of traditional Irish music is common place in the many, many informal music sessions hosted by pubs like T. C. O’Leary’s and Kells. PCC Community Ed also offers three Irish related courses—two levels of Irish Gaelic and a new course exploring 12,000 years of Irish traditional music. Forget Planxty and Van Morrison – this course takes you on a musical journey through the way-way-way-back machine!

These 10-week, non-credit Irish courses are offered through PCC Community Ed and commence during the first week of each term. Please join us!

Irish Level 1.
Irish Gaelic has been the native language of Ireland for over two millennia. It has produced the oldest vernacular literature in Europe outside of Latin and Greek. Explore its unique features and cultural traditions. Register today.

Irish Level 2.
A continuation of Irish Gaelic 1, this class will explore new vocabulary and verb usage to facilitate everyday conversation focusing on likes, dislikes, pastimes, weather, travel, food, etc. Rules of grammar, spelling and pronunciation will be presented. Register today.

Irish Traditional Music: Explore the Living Tradition.
Explore over 12,000 years of Ireland’s musical history, dating from the earliest archaeological discoveries of 10,000 BCE to the revival of traditional music in the early 20th century to present. Folkloric material and archival recordings will be used to illustrate Ireland’s rich musical legacy.  Register today.

About the Instructor.
Brian Ó hAirt is an advocate of minority languages and cultures. His particular affinity to his Irish heritage has inspired his research of folk practices and customs relating to Ireland’s music, language, handicrafts, and environment. He is also a noted musician, dancer, and teacher currently engaged as a singing mentor for the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program in the states of Ohio and Oregon. Brian teaches Irish Gaelic at language intensives throughout the United States and continues to develop non-conventional techniques for language learning through his non-profit Language Hunters. He is the Irish language officer from the Western US Region of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ)–a world-wide Irish cultural organization–and is a board member of the local CCÉ branch here in Portland where he helps develop curriculum for teaching Irish music, song, and dance to people of all ages.  Brian is humorous and approachable, and aims at make lifelong learners of his students through inquiry, research, and (most importantly) play.

1. Mandarin

Did you know that , or roughly one billion people, speak Mandarin? Even the number of multinational companies looking for executives who speak Mandarin has risen by 35% from previous years. That means that learning Mandarin provides a lot of opportunity for career growth.

In Chinese Conversation: Level 1 Mandarin, you can learn the foundations of Mandarin, as well as the basics of speaking and listening to the ancient language. By completion, you will be able to begin holding conversations with native speakers.

2. Italian

Italian is a beautiful and intricate language, and it’s probably the language most linked to the world of art and culture. In Italian Conversation: Level 1, you will pick up fundamental conversational skills to discuss the food, wine, fashion and art of the Italian culture. Take it a step further with Italian Conversation: Level 2, which will help you expand your ability to use Italian in practical situations by learning more grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and conversation phrases.

3. Irish

Irish Gaelic is the native language of Ireland. An astonishing living in the United States claim Irish heritage, and report some Irish ancestry.

Learning this language is a great way to build relationships with the Irish and Irish Americans in your community. In Irish Gaelic: Level 1, you can explore its unique features and cultural traditions while learning the language that produced the oldest vernacular literature in Europe outside of Latin and Greek.

4. German

Learning German isn’t nearly as hard as you may think, and it’s the most widely spoken language in Europe – allowing you to connect with about 120 million native speakers around the world. The German Conversation: Level 1 class introduces you to the German language in a supportive environment to develop basic listening and speaking skills. German Conversation: Level 2 helps you continue to enhance your basic skills – improving conversation and vocabulary while building language skills through classroom discussions and other activities.

5. Spanish

Spanish is one of the fastest growing languages in the U.S. And with as a native language, it’s the second most spoken language in the United States behind English.

Spanish Conversation: Level 1 is a conversation class that introduces reading and writing, with a focus on speaking, listening and culture. Spanish Conversation: Level 1 Fast-Paced is designed for those with prior knowledge but want to brush up on their Spanish skills. Spanish Conversation: Level 2 teaches you how to speak confidently in practical situations by learning more grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and conversational phrases. Spanish Conversation: Level 2 Fast-Paced puts you on the fast track to conversing in different tenses.

6. Portuguese

Portuguese is the second most widely spoken Romance language, and it’s great for anyone who works with people who speak Portuguese or travel anywhere Portuguese is spoken, like Portugal or Brazil. Portuguese Conversation: Level 1 teaches you the basics of Brazilian Portuguese. In Portuguese Conversation: Level 2, classroom lessons and activities reinforce the skills learned in Level 1.

7. Arabic

Arab culture is rich and interesting, and learning Arabic can help you better appreciate the region’s unique way of life, cuisine, literature, music and art. Arabic Conversation: Level 1 immerses you into this expansive and beautiful language, which is one of the oldest and most widely spoken languages in the world. Arabic Conversation: Level 2 is a continuation on the journey, introducing you to conversational dialogue.

8. Russian

Similar to learning other foreign languages, understanding Russian opens doors to new friendships, job opportunities and cultures. Furthermore, it’s the behind English and Spanish.

In Russian Conversation: Level 1, you can discover the historic Russian language within the context of rich Russian culture. The class covers language, the alphabet, numbers and travel terminology. The Russian Conversation: Level 2 class further develops your language skills to help you gain insight into culture and daily life in Russia.

9. French

Learning French is ideal for world travelers, as the language is spoken on five continents and it’s the official language in 29 countries, including Belgium, Haiti, Switzerland, Senegal, Canada and more.

The French Conversation: Level 1 class is perfect for students with no prior experience who wish to learn “the world’s most beautiful language.” French Conversation: Level 2 teaches grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and conversational phrases to help you speak French confidently in everyday situations.

10. Japanese

By learning Japanese, you gain access to new job opportunities, friendships, cultures and experiences. The Japanese Conversation: Level 1 class is a solid introduction to speaking Japanese, covering basic speaking and listening skills. Japanese Conversation: Level 2 enhances your ability to have conversations in Japanese by boosting your vocabulary and teaching basic phrases.

Learning a new language through instructor-led classes can help boost language skills by immersing yourself in culture and conversation. Visit the PCC language classes page to elevate your foreign language skills in 2019.

PCC Community Ed Travel is excited to announce our full, 2019 trip schedule. View all of our offerings at the Travel homepage.

With so many wonderful options, it can be hard to choose! Join us for our annual Travel Fair on Saturday, September 22 from 10am-2pm at the CLIMB Center (1626 SE Water Ave) to get detailed itineraries for each trip, have all your questions answered, and decide which trip(s) are best for you. A detailed agenda of the Travel Fair 2019 schedule can be found below.

Every Info Session in One Place

Although we are happy to offer info sessions year round, the Travel Fair allows for you to conveniently attend info sessions for any trip that interests you in just a few hours. The above schedule can help you plan your day in advance.

Please note that a few info sessions have been added and do not appear on the above schedule. They are as follows:

• Costa Rica Sea Turtle Adventure in CLIMB 201 from 12-12:20pm and 1:30-1:50pm
• Treasures of Jordan in CLIMB 307 from 11-11:20am, 12-12:20pm, and 1-1:20pm
• Classic Spain in CLIMB 307 from 11:30-11:50am, 12:30-12:50pm, and 1:30-1:50pm

A finalized agenda with all the info sessions in one place will be available at the Fair.

Register with Ease

Registering for the 2019 Travel Fair is easy and free. If you are familiar with Community Education’s registration process and have taken a class within the past four years, simply log into your MyPCC and register using CRN 46132.