Learn to speak Dutch in a short time
Almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English. This can make it difficult to learn Dutch. You simply do not get enough opportunities to practise.
During an intensive course at Regina Coeli, you are fully immersed in the Dutch language. You receive individual lessons from native speakers. During your stay, you can also practise with other course participants. They may be learning Dutch, just like you, or they may be Dutch people learning another language.
Everything at Regina Coeli is designed to help you learn a foreign language. For a while, you do not have to focus on anything except learning Dutch. This helps participants make noticeable progress in a short time.
Build a strong foundation in Dutch
You will work with experienced language trainers who help you recognise patterns in Dutch and use them straight away. You will learn basic grammar and immediately put it into practice. You will speak Dutch from your very first lesson.
We also pay close attention to correct Dutch pronunciation.
Perhaps you already speak a little Dutch. In that case, we will continue from your current level. We skip everything you already know, although you can always ask for extra explanation. This is your training. You decide what you want to work on. Your language trainers will coach and support you.
Understand more about Dutch culture
Perhaps you have already been surprised by Dutch culture. Maybe some aspects have confused you, or you do not understand them at all.
Culture is almost always a topic of conversation during the lessons. You can ask your language trainer all kinds of questions about how things work in the Netherlands or what a Dutch person really means when they say, “That might be difficult.” No question is too unusual.
During your training, you can discuss questions such as:
- How direct can you be?
- How should you address a teacher, doctor or stranger?
- What behaviour is common in social situations?
- How do you arrange to meet someone socially?
Practise situations from your own life
The situations in which you want to use Dutch play an important role in your individual lessons. You practise these situations, for example through role-play. Your language trainer helps you have the conversation. You may then practise it again so that you can handle the situation independently after the course.
During your training, you can practise Dutch for situations such as:
- conversations about family, hobbies and current affairs
- visiting a GP or pharmacy
- communicating with the local council or a service provider
- conversations at a sports club or association
- conversations with a teacher or childcare worker
- contact with other parents or neighbours
What does an intensive course at Regina Coeli involve?
During an intensive course, you stay at the Regina Coeli language institute in Vught. You receive four individual lessons a day from native speakers. Your trainers work together to make your personal learning programme a success.
Personal assignments
After every lesson, your language trainer gives you a personal assignment that matches your level and goals. For example, you may practise grammar, prepare a role-play or work on your pronunciation.
Activities with other participants
Twice a week, you take part in a group activity with other Dutch-language participants. You also join two language tables. During lunch or dinner, you have a conversation in Dutch with other participants and a language trainer.
A personal intake before your course
Before your course, you have an intake interview with a language trainer. We use this conversation to get to know you so that we can adapt the programme to your level, learning goals and learning style.
You can expect questions such as:
- How long have you lived in the Netherlands?
- How much Dutch do you understand and speak?
- In which situations do you want to use the language?
- Who do you want to communicate with?
- What do you currently find difficult?
- Do you mainly want to improve your speaking and listening, or also your reading and writing?
- Which cultural situations would you like to understand better?
The Regina Coeli approach
Regina Coeli is also known as “the Nuns of Vught”. For more than sixty years, we have helped people use a language effectively and with confidence.
Our approach focuses on:
| Personal attention | You work individually with experienced language trainers on your own learning goals. |
| Intensity | During consecutive training days, you remain fully focused on Dutch. |
| Complete focus | Our peaceful learning environment in Vught helps you step away from work and your daily responsibilities. |
| Language and culture | You learn not only how to form correct sentences, but also how communication works in a Dutch context. |
| Immediate practical use | You practise situations that are relevant to your everyday life. |
A fully catered stay
Your stay is fully catered. This means you can visit the restaurant or bar throughout the day for food and drinks. You can also use our facilities for relaxation and exercise:
- Join a yoga class
- Use the fitness room or strength-training gym
- Relax in one of our massage chairs
- Borrow a bicycle
- Take a walk through the green surroundings
Discover Regina Coeli
Are you interested in a Social Dutch course at Regina Coeli? You can request a free, no-obligation consultation with a language trainer. During this conversation, you can discover whether our method is right for you.
Request a consultation
Frequently asked questions about a Social Dutch course
Why should I choose an intensive course?
During an intensive course, you focus completely on the language for several days. You speak a great deal of Dutch, immediately use your new knowledge and continue building on what you have just learned. This combination of immersion, personal attention and complete focus helps you make clear progress in a short time. A weekly lesson can work well, but between lessons you may mainly speak English. As a result, it can take some time to start thinking and speaking in Dutch again.
Is the course suitable for beginners?
You can start without any previous knowledge of Dutch. The content and pace are adapted to your level.
I have already tried to learn Dutch several times. Why would I succeed at Regina Coeli?
Many language courses give you little speaking practice. At Regina Coeli, you practise intensively for several days, receive direct personal feedback and work only on situations that are relevant to you. This generally helps our participants stay focused and learn the language quickly.
Do you also focus on Dutch culture?
Our language trainers are native speakers and will discuss Dutch culture during the lessons. You can also ask them any questions you may have. Perhaps you have experienced situations for which you are still looking for a cultural explanation. Discuss them with your language trainers.
I understand Dutch, but I do not feel confident enough to speak it. Can the course help?
Yes. By practising frequently and receiving direct personal feedback, you build your confidence. We have already helped many people overcome their fear of speaking.