There are numerous reasons for learning a new language. Many of them are social, but for those of you who are interested in finding a job in the Netherlands, your ultimate success can depend on knowing multiple languages.
According to Invest in Holland, very few places in Europe compare to the Netherlands for sheer volume of highly educated and skilled workers.
The Dutch higher education system graduates a steady stream of quality candidates with the skills and attitudes to meet today’s business demands.
Plus, 90 percent of the Dutch population is fluent in English - the primary business language in the Netherlands - and a higher percentage speaks German and French compared to people in other countries. (Source: NFIA)
The top two languages used in business in the Netherlands are Dutch and English, and most employers expect a reasonable proficiency in both. The BSN Language Centre in Leidschenveen has seen a growing need in International Business to master both languages.
In the Dutch education system, the need to learn English from a younger age onwards is recognised by the Dutch government as one of its main points of focus for the future. Sandra de Bresser, Head of the BSN Language Centre explains:
"Dutch primary schools are moving towards teaching English to children from an earlier age and The BSN Language Centre is supporting this move with Cambridge teacher training for Dutch teachers.
"Whilst many teachers speak Dutch well, they quite often are not comfortable teaching in English - and we can help them to become more confident. And not just teachers in primary education, we also teach lectures in higher education and universities to improve their confidence and skills in delivering international courses in English."
Emma Haji Mohamad was recommended such a course by her mentor at Albeda College this summer in order to improve her employability. She recently attended an English Intensive Course at The BSN Language Centre.
"I like that the students are encouraged to talk a lot and that we do not only have to listen to the teacher’s lectures - the classes are very interactive and practical."
Per Stenholm, from Sweden, is on a short sabbatical leave and using this time to improve his language skills for his career.
"I searched for a Dutch course close to The Hague and I stumbled upon The BSN Language Centre. When I mentioned it to some friends who have kids who go to BSN, they highly recommended taking any course at BSN because they are so satisfied with their children’s education.
"The teacher is very good, has lots of experience, is professional and very helpful. Besides the textbooks, she makes assignments for us and this combination really develops our Dutch knowledge. I am thinking of taking a Business English course at the Language Centre next."
The BSN Language Centre will hold an Open Day on Saturday, September 3 between 10am and 2pm. Prospective students are invited to drop in to learn more about the courses on offer, tour the facility and meet the teachers. There is no need to register for the Open Day.
The BSN Language Centre offers a wide range of Dutch and English courses at many levels:
› Beginners Dutch - NT2 Courses
› Online Dutch for Beginners
› General English Courses including Conversation
› Business English in the evening
› Cambridge Exam Preparation, such as IELTS, FCE, CAE and CPE
Specific course information can be found on their website.
› BSN Language Centre website
› T: +31 (0) 70 315 40 80
› E: languages@britishschool.nl
› Here are directions to the school for coming by car or public transportation.