Learning Dutch or other language in the Netherlands

Learning Dutch or English in the Netherlands can be a challenge but also an opportunity to grow in your new life or job in the Netherlands. Everyone has his or her motivations for learning Dutch or English, in the Netherlands such as increasing your chances on the job market, earning your entry ticket to an educational institute, improving your social life, acquiring a feeling of integration, feeling more empowered, wanting to understand the culture, etc. Whatever you  goals, mastering the language will prove advantageous.

Levels of learning

There are certainly many ways to reach your language goals. Self-study, e-learning, joining a group course at a commercial language school, having private lessons with a tutor, joining an Adult Education course, etc. Whichever learning environment best suits you, determine your target level of language first. When you research the various books and courses available you will see that they have a code indicating a particular level of Dutch. These codes are derived from the CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The framework describes the skill level that the student needs in the four different areas of language aptitude: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The codes range from A1, a basic level, up to C2, which implies a proficient aptitude of the language. The system helps you match various courses and exams to your personal language goals. Then you know what to aim for when learning the language.

A worthwhile time investment

Whether you are working towards a basic or advanced level of understanding, you should be prepared to invest time in studying and practising. Obviously the time investment depends a lot on people’s talent for languages. When learning Dutch from scratch allow for at least100 -150 contact hours complemented with double that amount of homework in order to be able to converse freely with sympathetic native speakers and reach a B1-level. Children will learn much faster than adults and people who have already learnt foreign languages will benefit from those skills and experiences, too.

Text from Kickstart School The Hague
Address:Laan Copes van Cattenburch 86; 2585 GE Den Haag
Phone:   +31703607860 /+31655885618
E-mail:    info@kickstartschool
Website: www.kickstartschool.nl 

For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer

Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager

If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant 

 

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