Learning Dutch - DUTCH LANGUAGE COURSES.

Are you interested in learning Dutch? It is a good idea if you are being relocated to the Netherlands as learing the learning Dutch will increases the opportunities for employment and study. Most imporantly however, learning Dutch will help to build an easy life as a foreigner in Holland and establish relocationships with the locals.

Learning Dutch will help you gain insight into the Dutch customs, culture, history and current events. Speaking Dutch will also make it easier to meet local people and make friends. Acquiring even an elementary level of Dutch will make your life easier and make you feel more at home.

Amsterdam offers many schools and courses to learn Dutch.

There are many different types of Dutch language course and institutions, using different techniques. It goes without saying that different course at different lengths, cost different prices. Some Dutch language courses focus on business and intensive courses for professionals. Others schools offer intensive and extensive Dutch language training with additional lessons in Dutch culture and social life. make sure the institutes were you plan to follow your Dutch course is CEDEO certified.

Examination system - NT2 diploma

The Dutch government developed an examination system known as the NT2. Upon successful completion of the exam course, you will be awareded with an offical recognized diploma. The advantage of such an official Dutch language diploma, is the fact that it serves as proof that you have achieved a good command of the Dutch language. It depends on your residence status and your professional goals whether or not sucg a recognised Dutch language course may be subsidised in your integration process. You can aks the ministry of Justice for more information regarding the Integration Bill.

Upon arrival in Holland, you could look for a Dutch language courses for foreigners, known as NT2. NT2 Dutch language courses can be taken at the Volks Universiteit Amsterdam. NT2 classes are not all that expensive, but teachers are certified and enthusiastic. Your fellow Dutch languauge students will be adult students from around the world, which makes it an excellent way to make friends and social contacts. You will have to go through an intake-interview with a teacher, in order to assess your level. Contact details are: Volks Universiteit Amsterdam, Rapenburgerstraat 73, Tel: +31(0)20 626 16 26

University of Amsterdam.

Other Dutch courses can be followed at the University of Amsterdam. Most of these Dutch courses are intended for students, but eqaully much many offer courses to the general public. You could have a look at the Institute for Dutch as a Second Language (INTT) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). This particular Instutie for Dutch offers Dutch language courses at various levels for students, foreigners on the NT2 stream and expats. If you enroll into this institue, you will also be allowed access to the UvA language lab. You will be able to use various media and computer programmes to complete your homework. Or use the Dutch language lab to work on your pronunciation and improve your Dutch listening skills. Contact details are: University of Amsterdam, Binnengasthuisstraat 9, 1012 ZA Amsterdam, Tel: +31 (0)20 525 8080.

International Schools

International schools and some of the Dutch high schools often give Dutch language courses for adults. You need to check with each individual school for the able Dutch language courses.

Private language institutes

There are many language institutes which offer different types of courses at varying rates. Courses are often tailored to specific groups, individuals or purposes.

A few quick Dutch words:

Yes = Ja (Yah)
No = Nee (Nay)
Thanks = Bedankt (Bdunked)
Please = Graag (hkrahk)
Excuse me: pardon (pardon)
Hello, I am John = Hallo, ik ben John
How are you? = Hoe gaat het?
Good morning = Goedemorgen
Good afternoon = Goedemiddag
Good evening = Goedenavond
Nice = lekker

Learning a local language fast and easy can save you a lot of time, energy and hassle. However, until you're fluent in Dutch, you might want to follow the Dutch news by reading: