Learning a new language is never easy, but speaking the local language can help you integrate. Here’s a look at some of the language institutes that offer Dutch courses.
A Dutch course at TU Delft. (Photo: Hans Stakelbeek)
Delftse Methode, TU Delft
The Institute for Languages and Academic Skills at TU Delft offers language classes in Dutch, Italian, Chinese and more. “Professor Sciarone and his colleagues devised the now famous Delftse method, a new approach to learn foreign languages. The method, used only for Dutch classes, is very practical and focuses on the languages most frequently used words,” explained Astrid van Laar, Coordinator of the Dutch for Foreigners programme. The course is also open to people not affiliated with the university. “For the first level, Elementary 1, students can pre-enrol on Blackboard but they need to do a placement test before they will be admitted to the course,” said Van Laar.
Where: TU Delft
dm.tudelft.nl
Volksuniversiteit Delft
The Volksuniversiteit Delft was founded in 1964 and offers adults a range of courses in language, art, culture, creative and social courses. Though they have beginners’ classes, “If the students have a little knowledge of our language they can start with Course 2, after a talk with the teacher on our information evening,” said Anton Galjé, the chairman of the school. Open to everyone, each class has 18-20 students. Courses begin at around €200. Language courses here include Dutch German, Italian, French, Japanese and other languages.
Where: Stanislascollege, Westplantsoen 71, 2613 GK Delft
vudelft.nl
‘During the courses, we also organise various activities, such as visiting museums, hiking and so on’
Language on Its Own Strength: Dutch Municipality Course
Started by the Gemeente Delft, the Language on Its Own Strength enables non-profit foundations and associations to set up language programmes. The Gemeente steps in with advice and financial supported when needed. “We are the first team that worked with the project and we have students from Delft Mama, OIZD, Stuurvrouwen project and others in our network,” said Nushaba Mirzazade, one of the organisers. The course lasts six months and is held twice a week. “We charge a small monthly fee. During the course, we also organise various activities with students, such as visiting museums, hiking and so on. We do not have a website, but are always accessible by phone,” she added.
Contact: Manijeh Karimhani, 06-12266992
Kottman Taal en Verhaal
A small private school established in 2008, Kottman Taal en Verhaal “specializes in courses for fast learners and students with a higher education” said Petra Kottman. Group courses are usually in the evening, once a week, and a class has a maximum of eight students. “Reading, writing and listening are skills you can develop without the presence of a teacher, with the right (e-learning) materials, which is why during the lessons we focus on speaking. We use CodePlus most of the time, as the TU already offers the Delftse Method.” The fee for this course is €349 plus the books and e-learning materials.
Where: Westvest 149, 2611 AZ Delft
kottman.info
ROC Mondriaan
A regional training centre, Mondriaan offers a number of vocational training and adult education courses. Different categories are open to skilled migrants and students of TU Delft and courses cost around €30 per year plus materials. “Students from TU Delft need enough time to go to the course during the evening. They have told us that the courses give them the confidence to speak in Dutch as our teachers don’t speak English during the course,” said Jolanda Wanningen, a teacher. They have courses structured in three categories- literacy for beginners, learning to read and write and speaking better Dutch.
Where: Brasserskade 1, 2612CA Delft
rocmondriaan.nl
This is an updated version of a previous Survival Guide article.
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