Scroll down this page to find out how you - as a local, as an employer, or as an organization or community in the region - can help internationals learn Dutch.
And at the bottom of this page are sources of help for internationals themselves!
For locals
As a local Dutch resident, you might be surprised to hear that internationals learning the language need your help practicing their new skills! Since nearly 95% of Dutch people also speak English, they often – with good intentions – switch to English when they hear a foreign accent! But that means that it can be hard for internationals to find the opportunity to practice speaking Dutch regularly.
We have therefore created Praat Nederlands Met Me buttons which internationals can wear. These buttons let you know that the person wants to speak Dutch with you.
We have also partnered with Spiekkleding, a company that produces a range of cheat-sheet items which remind learners of key phrases. If you see someone with one of our buttons, bags, scarves, or umbrellas, know that they want to speak Dutch with you!
Watch the videos below to hear directly from internationals themselves!
Praat Nederlands Met Me!
Ryan - makkelijker als de Nederlanders spreken Nederlands met mij
Kateryna - wissel niet naar Engels
Carolina - wil oefenen meer met Nederlanders
Sampurna - wil graag Nederlands praten
For employers of internationals
If you are interested in offering your employees support for learning Dutch, contact us for information on our promotional items and other initiatives.
Also check out our language program - Employer-led approach to Dutch for internationals - an initiative from the Municipality of Eindhoven, in partnership with Holland Expat Center South and Brainport voor Elkaar. This program aims to ensure that internationals and their families integrate more successfully in terms of language. It has been specially developed for employers in the Southeast Brabant regional labor market who want to contribute to this joint mission and provide optimal support for their international employees.
For other organizations and communities
We can share details of any non-profit events or news/announcements that offer learners of Dutch the opportunity to improve their language skills. If you would like us to share your event/news item, first view our Submission Guidelines and then go to either Submit your event or Submit your news item.
Also contact us if you are interested in using some of our promotional items for your Dutch language activities.
For internationals
Below are a range of initiatives, tips, and suggestions for improving your Dutch. From a list of handy Dutch words and phrases to buttons and cheat-sheet items to encourage locals to speak Dutch with you, from tips for ways to learn Dutch to opportunities to practice your new skills, and from non-profit support organizations to reliable commercial language schools, we aim to make learning the language fun and accessible.
Check out our news page and events calendar for more opportunities to learn the language!
More initiatives, programs, and tips from Holland Expat Center South
