This year marks the 10th anniversary of MixTree Languages, a non-profit English language school in Amsterdam that has been pivotal in building community and empowering international residents through English language education. Since its opening in 2014, MixTree has evolved from a small cultural association into a thriving educational hub, assisting thousands of newcomers in their integration into Amsterdam's vibrant life.
MixTree: Celebrating a decade of language empowerment for expats in Amsterdam
MixTree's journey began as a cultural association with a clear mission: creating a sense of belonging for Amsterdam's newcomers. The organisation hosted a wide range of events - from musical performances to art exhibitions and theatre - designed to foster connections among people from various backgrounds. These meetups provided a platform for expats to share experiences, forge friendships, and feel at home in an unfamiliar city.
By 2015, MixTree recognised a significant challenge faced by many newcomers: the language barrier. Arriving in Amsterdam without speaking either Dutch or English made integration difficult for many people. Since English serves as a common language in Amsterdam, the founders of MixTree saw an opportunity to help these people take their first step towards integration by learning English.
MixTree initially operated from the iconic social centre OT301 in Overtoom before relocating to the creative hub Broedplaats Lely in 2017. This move allowed both the community and the school to flourish together. Despite facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, MixTree Languages adapted swiftly. By late 2020, the school moved to a new central Amsterdam location near the Rijksmuseum, allowing it to rebuild and grow its community in the post-pandemic era.
Today, MixTree Languages offers affordable English courses for all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. What distinguishes MixTree Languages is its emphasis on community. The school creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere where students can comfortably practise their English and build relationships. Each class has a dedicated WhatsApp group for out-of-classroom communication, and regular meetups are organised for real-life English practice.
The school's growth has been remarkable, expanding from around 300 students in 2015 to nowadays welcoming over 1.000 students from more than 40 nationalities each year.
MixTree Languages’ unique "Activate your English" methodology is based on the flipped classroom approach. This innovative technique is aimed to maximise the time you have for speaking, discussing, and role playing in class. Speaking is the most effective way to improve your English.
As MixTree Languages celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains dedicated to supporting international residents in the Netherlands. With a team of highly qualified teachers - each possessing at least three years of teaching experience and certifications like CELTA or TEFL - MixTree offers an engaging and supportive environment for English language learning in Amsterdam.
MixTree Languages’ dream is to become the best English language school in Amsterdam, continuing to innovate and provide a welcoming community for all learners.
To learn more about their English courses in Amsterdam or to schedule a free English level check, reach out to their coordination team:
MixTree Languages looks forward to welcoming you to their community in the heart of Amsterdam!