‘Learning a language is a great way to step out of your bubble.’

Our language expert and NT2 teacher Andrea de Vries explains how international employees can learn Dutch more quickly – and how learning together with colleagues can help.

Andrea, many expats work and live in international environments where English is often the main language. How can you learn Dutch in such an environment?

‘To learn a language well, you need to have a lot of contact with the language. That can be difficult for people who work in organisations where mainly English is spoken. What makes it even more difficult is that Dutch people tend to switch to English quickly when they hear an accent. My tip: actively seek out Dutch in your daily life. For example, go to a language café, wear a button that says, "Speak Dutch with me", or invite Dutch-speaking colleagues or neighbours for a chat.'

How does Taalcentrum-VU help expats to learn Dutch?

‘The language training courses at Taalcentrum-VU are always tailored to the needs of the students. The trainer incorporates practical experiences from the daily lives of the students into the lesson and lets them practise with these. They also receive tasks that they can do at work during their break. For example, ask your colleague in Dutch how their weekend was. Our trainer also considers what employees of a specific organisation need: is it sector-specific terminology, customer conversations or informal conversations at the coffee machine? This way, you learn exactly the language you need to function in your work environment.'

What does a training session look like?

“People often think that language lessons are serious, but in our courses, there is plenty of opportunity for interaction and a relaxed atmosphere. You learn together, but you also have fun together. It's a training course, but also a form of team building, precisely because you meet each other weekly outside the usual work context.”

What are the advantages of a training course with your colleagues?

‘By taking a language course with your colleagues, you get to know each other in a whole new way. That can be refreshing for the collaboration. For example, if you're in a group with your manager, you'll find that you have totally different conversations than you would have on the work floor. Another advantage is that colleagues understand each other's work environment better. You both know what kind of company you work for, what language is needed to communicate well and what topics are important.'

So, a language training course is about more than just language?

‘Yes, a course can also bring colleagues with different cultural backgrounds closer together. They work together towards a common goal: getting to know the Dutch language and culture. There is also an opportunity to practise with Dutch-speaking colleagues, which fosters a stronger connection. This allows you to get to know each other's cultural context better and grow in mutual understanding. Learning a language is therefore a great way to step out of your bubble and get closer to others.'