I amsterdam - Learning Dutch

Learning the local language helps one gain insight into the Dutch culture, customs, structure, current events and history, as well as making it easier to develop social contacts and assimilate. Acquiring even an elementary level of Dutch will make your life easier and make you feel more at home.

Types of Courses 

There are many different types of language institutions, each offering various courses, with different techniques and at different costs. Some programs focus on business and tailor-made intensive courses for professionals at all levels, whilst others offer intensive, semi-intensive and extensive Dutch language training with additional lessons in Dutch culture and social life. Several institutes are also CEDEO certified in regards to customer satisfaction and quality.

Examination system - NT2 diploma

The Dutch government developed an examination system known as the NT2, which will give you an officially recognized diploma upon successful completion of the exam course. It serves as proof that you have achieved a good command of the Dutch language. Depending on your residence status or goals, completion of this course may be required and may even be subsidised in your integration process. The Ministerie van Justitie (ministry of justice) has more information regarding the Integration Bill and to whom this applies.

NT2-Certification Institutions

Volksuniversiteit 
Anyone wishing to participate in a course Dutch for foreigners (NT2) should consider the classes held at the Volksuniverisiteit, an institution for adult education that provides evening courses on everything from NT2 to DIY to handcrafts to philosophy and much more. NT2 classes are generally inexpensive, teachers are certified and enthusiastic, and classes are filled with adult students from around the world - an excellent way to make friends and social contacts. An intake interview with a teacher must first take place in order to assess your level. Please phone for an appointment and/or more information from Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 16.00.  

Address: Rapenburgerstraat 73 
Tel: +31(0)20 626 16 26  
Email: secretariaat@volksuniversiteitamsterdam.nl

University of Amsterdam 
Many universities and colleges, such as the University of Amsterdam, provide courses. Although these are generally intended for students, many offer courses to the general public. For instance, the Institute for Dutch as a Second Language (INTT) at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers Dutch language courses at various levels for students, those on the NT2 stream, as well as expats. Participants are also allowed access to the UvA's Taalpractikum language lab, where they can use various media and computer programmes to complete their homework, work on pronunciation, improve your listening skills and do computer exercises. Contact the Service en Informatiecentrum (SIC) of the UvA:  

Address: Binnengasthuisstraat 9 
1012 ZA Amsterdam  
Tel: +31 (0)20 525 8080 
Fax: +31(0)20 525 29 21 
Email: info@uva.nl 

ROC network  
The ROC network of supplementary education schools provides a list of other programmes throughout the city where residents can take NT2 courses.

International Schools
International schools and some high schools (schoolgemeenschappen) often give Dutch language courses for adults.

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. Some institutes are CEDEO certified, having achieved high standards for customer satisfaction in quality.

Access has a list of various schools and organisations that offer Dutch courses.

You can also practice your Dutch with Amsterdammers through:
Gilde Amsterdam
Keizersgracht 346
1016 EZ Amsterdam
Tel: 020 4206554 (Tues-Thur 10.00–13.00)
http://www.gildeamsterdam.nl/v-samenspraak.htm

Supplemental Information 

ACCESS is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 to bridge the gap between the international community and English-speaking services available in the Netherlands. They supply free information from an extensive database, offer publications, courses, events, a professional counselling referral service and run a free helpline. 
Tel: +31 (0)20 423 3217 
Website: www.access-nl.org

 

Updated 25 August 2007