Studying Dutch in Eindhoven
Self-study is cheap and practical, and the internet offers a wide range of resources (for some inspiration, have a look at this post). On the other hand, following a course offers some great advantages, that in my personal experience played a significant role. First of all, you are followed by native speakers that can help – above all – with the pronunciation. In fact, even listening to YouTube, podcasts, or Duolingo you may still reproduce the sound in a way that is not correct. Second, it imposes you to be constant following the class and doing your homework. Third, sharing the learning path with fellow-expats is less frustrating (and more fun) than doing that on your own.
In conclusion, based on my idea and my experience, following at least a couple of courses while learning Dutch is necessary.
But what are the language schools in Eindhoven* that offer courses? Here an overview of the institutes, offered courses and prices.
* Only institutes that were present at the Expat Fair for internationals “I am not a tourist 2019” in Eindhoven and the ones we have had direct experience with. Also the order is totally random!
NB: last update prices and courses: 02/08/2019
Una Paloma Blanca
P.Czn. Hooftlaan 14
Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1
Types of classes: private lessons (1-to-1 with a teacher), Duo classes (with a friend or business partner) or group classes.
Summer courses are also available
Starting date: group classes start on different dates between August and October 2019. Have a look here to find the starting date of the course you wish to follow
Course time: weekday mornings and evenings
Exam preparation: preparation for DUO examinations for example
Costs: prices vary according to the type of class:
STE languages
Aalsterweg 3, Sandton Stratumsedijk 23d, High Tech Campus
Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 (each level still divided in sublevels -1, 0, +1)
Types of classes: group classes, intensive day-time courses (A1/A2: 4 days per week; B1/B2: 3 days per week; more info here)
Starting date: August/September and October/November (more details here)
Course time: evenings and day-time (weekdays and Saturday)
Exam preparation: Inburgeringsexamen, Staatsexamen Programma I, Staatsexamen Programma II
Costs: normally your level is assessed via an intake (40 euro). Course prices vary according to the type of class (prices are intended for private individuals, otherwise VAT applies):
easyNL
Roelofspad 10
Levels: from absolute beginner to A1
Types of classes: group courses, individual courses, training through e-learning
Starting date: September, November, January, March or May, but after the course started is also possible
Exam preparation: –
Course time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (7-9.30 pm)
Costs: upon obligation-free quote on request
Institute Regina Coeli
High Tech Campus and Martinilaan 12 (Vught – between Eindhoven and Den Bosch)
Levels: from beginners to advanced and business
Types of classes: group courses, private lessons, intensive individual courses, language weekends (and the most commonly known individual courses ‘with the Nuns’)
Starting date: courses start multiple times in the year
Course time: weekdays at High Tech Campus, weekdays and weekends in Vught
Costs: costs vary substantially whether that’s a language course or an intensive individual course with stay in their location in Vught (prices are intended for private individuals, otherwise VAT applies):
Basten Trainingen
Woensel, Barrierweg 180, Kronehoefstraat
Levels: A1, A2, B1
Types of classes: group classes, intensive courses, conversation training, programs for children, preparation for medical jobs
Starting date: August/September (more details here)
Course time: weekday evenings (mostly 18-20 or 20-22)
Exam preparation: Inburgeringsexamen, Staatsexamen Programma I, Staatsexamen Programma II
Costs: your level is assessed via an intake. Course prices vary according to the type of class (prices are intended for private individuals, otherwise VAT applies):
Eindhoven University of Technology
TU/e
*Exclusively for students enrolled and employees at the same university
Levels: Beginners (I, II), Intermediate (I, II), Advanced (I, II), Advanced Plus
Types of classes: group classes
Starting date: courses are offered 4 times per year (following the quartiles structure). Advanced plus is offered 2 times per year (because it is 1 semester long)
Course time: weekday, daytime and evenings
Course duration: 1 quartile (1/2 times per week) and 1 semester (Dutch Advanced Plus)
Exam preparation: –
Costs: prices vary per course level and intensity:
Volksuniversiteit
multiple locations (e.g. Gemeenschapshuis de Ronde, Wijkcentrum De Dommel, )
Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1
Types of classes: group classes
Starting date: courses start multiple times in the year (August/September/October, December/January/February, April)
Course time: weekday, daytime and evenings, Saturdays
Exam preparation: –
Costs: each course costs 298 euro
Interested? It might be interesting to join the information evening (19-21, 28.08.2019) at the van Maerlantlyceum in Eindhoven
If you are planning to join a course, but you are insecure on your level, you might want to take the online test as suggested by the Volksuniversiteit.
Did you follow a language course in Eindhoven? Do you have any good experience with schools listed (or not listed) here? Leave a comment behind, it might be useful for fellow expats!
Doei!
Marta
