Frequently Asked Questions

Dutch in Dialogue abides by the regulations as stated here (see the Rules for education):

https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/tackling-new-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands/public-life

and (in Dutch):

https://www.vo-raad.nl/system/downloads/attachments/000/001/142/original/QA_Onderwijs_tijdens_Corona_gedeeltelijke_sluiting.pdf?1608198844

When leading in-person classes, we strictly adhere to the 1.5 metre rule, require face masks, and practice good hygiene and ventilation measures. Our training facilities are spacious and safe (also for small groups). Plastic shields are available and can be used if our clients wish.

Dutch in Dialogue keeps itself well informed about the measures taken by the government. When there are significant changes in programs, Dutch in Dialogue informs its clients as soon as possible, preferably with some time between the announcement of measures and their implementation. Unfortunately, viruses are difficult to manage and the government sometimes takes emergency measures.

In the event of a lockdown, Dutch in Dialogue has good alternative online facilities at its disposal, such as virtual classrooms via Zoom, a well-equipped learning management system called LearningStone, and other digital learning resources. The use of such alternatives is always made in consultation with our clients and employers.

A quote is valid for two weeks after the quote date, unless otherwise agreed.

Look here for a description of the crash course and its cost.
Look here for a description of the part-time program and its cost.
Look here for information about coaching during and after the training program and for our online programs.

Click here to read our general terms and conditions

Click here to read our privacy regulations

No, an intake is completely free and there are no further obligations.

An intake usually takes half an hour of your time. Topics might include:

• your experience with learning a foreign language;
• your experience with Dutch (business) culture, your self-perception when it comes to dealing with cultural differences and similarities;
• your language level in Dutch according to the CEFR scale (0-A1-A2-B1-C1-C2);
• your learning needs, divided into different personal or functional communication situations;
• your schedule availability and your preferences for learning method and intensity (crash course, day or half-day, online).
• for beginners, we often conduct the conversation in English/German. In the case of semi-advanced students, the conversation is held partly in Dutch. However, to avoid misunderstandings, it can be held partly in English/German.

An intensive crash course can be very effective, especially when a professional’s schedule is full. In that case, it can be worth it to clear your agenda for a week and give your full attention to language and culture training. Pushing yourself to the limit often has good educational effects. Our clients’ stories about their intensive training also bear this out.

But the crash course is certainly no magic bullet. Without good communication embedding of the training before and after the program, there is less retention of what has been learned. For example, if clients switch completely to English immediately upon returning to work and stay there, the effect of the intensity is lost. The most successful clients are therefore those who also set themselves language and communication goals before and after the training. Naturally, we coach them in this process and look beyond the boundaries of the training program.

Stacking intensive weeks one after the other is not recommended. It’s just wishful thinking. Language is social and communicative. Of course, we do everything we can in the crash course to simulate reality and the unexpected, but reality itself must not be disregarded. (Visit our ‘Communicative Onboarding’ page for more information.)

It’s essential that you use your new knowledge intensively outside the program, so we recommend taking four to six weeks between Crash Courses to gain a lot of hands-on practice using the language. Of course, it is possible to schedule half- or full-day training sessions for further coaching and transfer during this process.

A 3- or 6-session card is also a possibility for online coaching at the times of your choice. See our ‘In Progress' page for more information.

Apart from experience with what has been learned, there is another factor that makes a chain of crash courses undesirable: fatigue. It takes a lot of effort to spend six hours a day acquiring language and cultural knowledge just above your level and just outside your comfort zone. A chain of this type of training would demand more than is humanly possible.

Three things are important when making that choice:

• Your schedule availability. The cohesion of a lengthy training program hinges on the priority you can or do give to it. If your schedule is full, a half-day language program is less likely to be effective. In such a case, a crash course provides greater focus and obvious priority.
• The nature of the subject matter. If you are in the preparatory phase for an important presentation, a training set up in half-days is more appropriate than a whole week. If you want to master a broader range of topics and especially if, in addition to language, psychological or cultural factors also come into play (e.g. fear of speaking, dealing with Dutch business culture), a crash course offers more depth and more intensive coaching.
• The speed with which you learn a language. If you have little experience with learning a language or if you know from experience that you need a long time to master a language, a lengthier program is the obvious choice. But if avoidance behaviour is at the root of your slow speed, a crash course is more appropriate. During an intensive week it is practically impossible to continue to avoid certain linguistic or cultural problems. Instead, you address the problem directly.

Most of our ‘On-Site’ training takes place at ‘De Kleine Campus’ (Statenlaan 8; 6828 WE Arnhem), a monumental former school building in the center of  Arnhem.
Of course ‘In-Company’ training is also available. In that case travel cost will be charged on the basis of the prevailing train fares.

Attending the training in small groups (4-6 attendees max. is possible): contact us please for possibilities and fees. Subscriptions are for individual use only.

Six levels of foreign language proficiency 

 
  Extensive      (B2-C1)
  Operational (B1-B2)  
  Functional    (A2-B1)
  Survival          (0-A2)

The CEFR describes foreign language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2, B1 and B2, C1 and C2. It also defines three ‘plus’ levels (A2+, B1+, B2+)
Based on empirical research and widespread consultation, this scheme makes it possible:

• to establish learning and teaching objectives 
• to provide a basis for recognising language qualifications thus facilitating educational and occupational mobility.

A precise answer to the question of your language level is possible after a completely free intake interview. But of course you already may have an impression of your Dutch language ability (proficiency) based on previously acquired results. The CEFR also provides short self-assessment questionnaires. If you are an EU resident,
click here to find the framework in your native language:

• Click here for the framework in German
• Click here for the framework in English
• Click here for the framework in Dutch