The start: learning the Dutch language

Communication is important for exhanging information and knowledge but also to quickly understand and adapt to the culture. Personal development and growth is only possible with a good knowledge of the language. For working in healthcare the language is essential for communication with clients and colleagues. So working in healthcare without any knowledge of the Dutch language is impossible.

1. Requirements
An employer in healthcare will only hire people with a minimum language level of Dutch A2.
For working in functions at NLQF level 4 and above (info here) an official registration with a minimum language level Dutch B1 is necessary. For this an official certificate of passing the exam is required.

2. Where to start
In Holland we have a saying “there are different ways that lead to Rome”. What is the best way for you to learn the Dutch language depends on what you want and your personal situation. For example:
– how much time you can spend on learning Dutch?;
– how quickly you want to reach a certain level?;
– do you start from 0 or do you have some basic?;
– do you know how to study yourself or do you need a teacher?

After reaching the Dutch A2 level it is possible to start working in nursing homes and home care. This way you can get used to Dutch healthcare, culture and of course improve the language in practice.  

3. Options for language training
For the employer it is important you speak Dutch level A2 or higher.
It means basicly you have 2 options:
a. take care of Dutch lessons yourself in for example the country you are living in;
b. use the professional teachers Nursework is working with.
Of course a combination is also possible: to make a start yourself and continue with our teachers.

4. Professional teachers
Nursework is an agency and is not a language institute. For learning Dutch we have partners that are specialists in teaching the Dutch language. The language training is online and individual. It means together with the teacher you can decide how often and on what days the lessons will take place.

5. Online
All courses are online and are therefore not tied to a location as long as there is a good internet connection. Schedules for the lessons are made with the teacher.

6. Courses
There are different courses, below you will find the specifications.

Language module: Dutch A1/A2
30 contact hours of 60 minutes + 60 hours self study (making homework plus repeating of the material)
 
Goal A2 level exam (exam not included)
Required level middle educated or higher
 
Speed With teacher Self study Total
10 weeks – Standard 3 hours per week: 2x 1,5 6 hours per week 9 hours per week
8 weeks – Semi-intensive 4 hours per week: 2x 2,0 8 hours per week 12 hours per week
6 weeks – Intensive 4,5 hours per week: 3×1,5 10 hours per week 14,5 hours per week
Language module: Dutch B1
30 contact hours of 60 minutes + 60 hours self study (making homework plus repeating of the material)
 
Goal B1 level exam (exam not included)
Required level middle educated or higher
 
Speed With teacher Self study Total
10 weeks – Standard 3 hours per week: 2x 1,5 6 hours per week 9 hours per week
8 weeks – Semi-intensive 4 hours per week: 2x 2,0 8 hours per week 12 hours per week
6 weeks – Intensive 4,5 hours per week: 3×1,5 10 hours per week 14,5 hours per week
Medical basics for nurses and caregivers
12 contact hours of 60 minutes + 12 hours self study (making homework plus repeating of the material)
 
Required level Dutch A2
 
Speed With teacher Self study Total
4 weeks – Standard 3 hours per week: 2x 1,5 3 hours per week 6 hours per week

Do you want to know more about learning Dutch? Our specialists are ready to answer you questions: click here