A flying start in Dutch at Regina Coeli

Even with zero knowledge of Dutch, you can reach ‘A2’ level in just two weeks. If you already have some knowledge of the language, your progression will be that much faster. And of course, if your Dutch skills are stronger than that, Regina Coeli is still the best place to take a Dutch course. That is because the language institute provides Dutch courses tailored to your specific needs.

Save time with a fully focused learning environment

At Regina Coeli, your intensive Dutch course revolves entirely around you. You receive private lessons exclusively from native speakers—lessons that are tailored to your skill levels, learning style and goals. Between lessons, a variety of exercises help you to repeat, apply and absorb all you have learnt. Moreover, you practise with other students in a daily group lesson and stay at the language institute, where absolutely everything is geared towards learning.

A tailor-made Dutch course at your own level

As a beginner, you work on building a good grammar foundation and expanding your vocabulary from day one. As a result, you have a good understanding of the structure of the Dutch language once your course is finished. With that knowledge at your disposal, you can continue to develop your language skills independently, with better insight and a firmer grasp of the language.

Blended learning with personal guidance

Elles Gratama is a Regina Coeli language trainer Dutch who is well-versed in the basic principles of Dutch courses for beginners. ‘Beginners start their course with everyday conversations and build up their language skills that way. We use a blended learning approach: every multimedia exercise ties in with what was covered in the lessons that day.’

During your Dutch course, you work with Regina Coeli’s proprietary teaching materials, which fully align with the Regina Coeli method. All course materials, multimedia assignments and independent study assignments are specially designed by educational experts. Regina Coeli’s language trainers even provide the voices for the multimedia exercises.

Start at the Dutch level that suits you

The special beginner’s method consists of ten modules that amount to ten days of intensive lessons. You start at the level that matches your existing knowledge.

Elles explains: ‘Most students already have a feel for the language or know a few words. By activating that knowledge at the start of the training, we can progress more quickly. That means we don’t have to explain certain concepts in detail, which makes the training more efficient and engaging.’

Personal intake before your Dutch course

Before starting the Dutch course, you meet with a Dutch language trainer for an intake interview. During that interview, the trainer assesses your current knowledge of Dutch and asks about any prior experience you may have in learning foreign languages. That information is essential for the trainers who will be working with you during your Dutch course.

Use Dutch immediately in real-life situations

At Regina Coeli, you do not follow a tight, pre-determined curriculum. And you immediately apply everything you learn as it relates to your unique situation. Whether you need Dutch because your children are attending a Dutch school, because you want to be able to converse with your neighbours or because you need it for your work, you learn words and sentences that you will actually use.

Build your own personal Dutch vocabulary

A fixed part of the method is working on your personal vocabulary using what is known as a word web. Think of it as a type of mind map in which you collect words that are relevant to your personal and professional life.

As Elles explains, ‘Every person’s vocabulary is different, depending on their work and private lives. Word webs allow you to create your own personalised dictionary together with your trainers. Some students group words by theme, while others put complete sentences in their webs. Your word web becomes a truly customised overview of the language you need. And by actively thinking about words and how they relate to each other, you quickly make connections and can more easily use those words.’

Learn Dutch with more confidence

Daily group practice with other students is a key part of the programme. In these sessions, you put everything you have learnt that day to use. You hear how others speak, learn from each other and discover all the things you can already do. This boosts your confidence, and confidence is exactly what you need to dare to use a new language.

Many expats choose to stay at Regina Coeli during their Dutch course. That calms them and helps them focus. Once there, they can completely switch off and fully focus on learning the language. Another big plus is the institute’s welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.