One of the best ways for international knowledge workers and their families to settle quickly and easily into life in the Netherlands is to learn the language. However, this is not always easy to do. Holland Expat Center South’s Praat Nederlands Met Me (Talk Dutch With Me) campaign helps internationals master the Dutch language.
Their website offers a range of initiatives, tips, and suggestions to help internationals improve their Dutch. From a list of handy Dutch words and phrases to buttons and cheat-sheet items to encourage the use of Dutch, from tips for ways to learn Dutch to opportunities to practice the language, and from non-profit support organizations to reliable commercial language schools, Holland Expat Center South aims to make learning the language fun and accessible.
Lowering the barrier to speak Dutch
Many learners are afraid of making mistakes and this, coupled with the high level of English among Dutch residents, often results in the tendency for people to speak in English. But that means that it can be hard for internationals to find the opportunity to practice speaking Dutch regularly.
Holland Expat Center South has therefore created Praat Nederlands Met Me buttons which internationals can wear to encourage locals to speak Dutch with them. They have also partnered with Spiekkleding, a design studio that produces a range of cheat-sheet items which remind learners of key phrases, helping internationals to gain confidence in speaking Dutch. If you see someone with one of these buttons, bags, scarves or umbrellas, know that they want to speak Dutch with you!
Watch the videos on the website to hear directly from internationals themselves.
For employers of internationals
Proficiency in Dutch makes work easier for internationals and also strengthens the bond with colleagues, the local community and society. Employers of internationals who are interested in offering their employees support for learning Dutch, can contact Holland Expat Center South for information on promotional items and other initiatives.
Employers should also check out the language program – Employer-led approach to Dutch for internationals – which offers subsidized Dutch lessons for international knowledge workers, their income-dependent partners and EU labour migrants. 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 labour market who want to contribute to this joint mission and provide optimal support for their international employees.
For more information visit
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