The BSN Language Centre in The Hague has been teaching both English and Dutch to individuals and companies for more than 30 years.
During this time they have become the language institution of choice, both for expats and for locals who want to refine their English skills with the school’s native-speaker teachers.
Learning languages in a group of multinational students gives you a real advantage, because in the real world many of the people you come into contact with will be second language speakers.
Working and living in an international environment such as the Netherlands means that you will inevitably run into people from all over the world on a daily basis.
Being exposed in your language classes to many different accents and levels of English can therefore be a great asset. Alison Choy, English teacher at the BSN Language Centre, had the following to say on the subject:
"When you’re studying in a group, you get the opportunity to practice with other speakers, instead of just your teacher, who may have a very easy-to-understand British accent. Studying with people who are from different countries is more challenging, in terms of listening and communicating, but that’s a benefit - because in the real world we’re more often than not speaking with non-native speakers."
It is for this reason that many students choose to study both English and Dutch at the British School in The Netherlands Language Centre.
"At times it [feels] almost as the United Nations: we [have] students from Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Argentina, France, South Africa Eastern Europe and, of course, the UK," according to long-term BSN student, Tanya Nizhelska, about her Dutch Intensive Classes.
The BSN’s Summer Intensive Dutch and English Courses attract people with all kinds of backgrounds and nationalities.
Each class consists of 6 to 12 students who have travelled from all over the world to make friends and to improve their English and/or Dutch.
"Many people travel from other countries, just for these intensive classes, so we take them very seriously. But, at the same time, students enjoy themselves and we find that learning happens best when students are having fun," according to Alison Choy.
The intensive courses at BSN Language Centre in The Hague are designed for students who would like to learn a lot, quickly, or want a real language boost both for social and professional reasons.
"It’s really nice to teach the same people every single day and see big improvement over a short period of time - it gives you great satisfaction," said Alison.
The classes cover grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. As such, students will get the full language experience, in just a few weeks.
When asked why she chose the BSN Language Centre’s Intensive Dutch Classes, Nizhelska explains why she values BSN's language teachers:
"I think there is a common misconception about teaching language, in general. Many believe that being native speaker is sufficient. Teaching is actually a skill one needs to acquire. To teach the language one needs to know the methods and have experience. The BSN teachers are up to this standard. I would like to add that the BSN is result-oriented. By that I mean that it guided me towards achievable goals, which were determined with the help of the teacher."
These intensive courses are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the language of your choice, and to learn from highly trained teachers, in a truly international and multicultural environment.
Dutch and English courses will be held each morning from July 4 to July 15 at The BSN Language Centre from 9:30 to 12:00/ 15:00 (depending on the course). There are courses for Beginners, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate and Upper Intermediate levels in both languages.
› Dutch Beginners course – Advanced / NT2 level
› General English course from A2-B2 level, for adults, including business purpose
› IELTS exam course (required entry level for universities) preparation
› Introductory TEFL (orientation to teach English) course (one week only, from 25-29 July)
To register for one of the language courses, please use the contact details below.
› BSN Language Centre website
› T: +31 (0) 70 315 40 80
› E: languages@britishschool.nl
› A: Lange Houtstraat 26, 2511 CW, The Hague