In the report on the port of Amsterdam

Dutch language immersion program in Amsterdam

I absolutely had to go back to Amsterdam to visit our partner school. To be honest, we had lost touch a bit, me because of my "expatriation" to Lyon during my 8 years developing Languages ​​& Travel in France, and the school because its director is anything but a marketing man.

I hadn't been back to Amsterdam for so long, too long. One weekend at the end of October—you remember, the one that ended with a violent storm—I took the train in Amsterdam, or rather, the trains, because you have to change trains at least one to four or five times depending on the day of the week if you don't take the Thalys from Brussels (there are some good weekend fares with the Intercity trains). It's true that you don't need a car in Amsterdam (so definitely don't drive in Amsterdam; it's a city made for bikes and boats), but next time I'll still take the car to Amsterdam and leave it in the hotel parking lot.

A true (re-)discovery

Amsterdam , with its canals, its houses with their distinctive facades, its flower market just steps from our partner school, its cozy cafes (be careful not to confuse them with coffee shops that serve other plants… their numbers are dwindling rapidly), the Anne Frank House of course, Madame Tussauds, and so on. Amsterdam is so close to home – a good two hours by car and an hour and fifty minutes by Thalys, but three to five hours by Intercity train – and yet so different. It reminded me of London, the Dutch version, with its vibrant atmosphere and throngs of tourists. It's a truly cosmopolitan city, brimming with tourist attractions, museums, theaters, and more. One of those cities that attracts young and old alike, like Barcelona, ​​Berlin, London, and so on. It's certainly the most lively city in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam language stay

If you want to perfect your Dutch and combine a holiday with practicing the language, Amsterdam is a great choice. You won't have enough time in two weeks, or even three. It's impossible to get bored. There's so much to see and do in Amsterdam. During the third weekend of October, the Amsterdam Fair was in full swing in Dam Square, and I even got caught up in a Halloween parade that didn't even spoil my appetite!

School visit

Here too, a very pleasant surprise. Over the years, the school has moved to the banks of one of Amsterdam's canals. A fantastic location, right in the heart of Amsterdam. From there, you can go everywhere on foot or by bike (if you can find it among the thousands of bikes; yes, I almost forgot, why not bring your bike with you on your language course? Dutch trains have space for them). You can also buy a tram pass; the trams cover the city very well. There's a GVB office (Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf) located just opposite the “Centraal Station” where you can buy your season ticket, day pass, weekend pass, etc.

This is undoubtedly the smallest school I've visited in the last 20 years. With the promotion Languages ​​& Travel is going to give this school, I bet they'll have to move soon! With only three classrooms and the reception area, it has an intimate, family feel (especially since the furnishings are more like a home than a school). You quickly feel at ease and comfortable. In fact, if you want to wear Dutch clogs ("krompen") at the entrance, make yourself at home! The reception area is arranged around a counter and a few high chairs, which is quite different from a typical school.

I walk into one of the three classrooms—or rather, rooms—and the director immediately hands me the textbooks used for the courses (included in the fees), the different levels, and so on. This is a stark contrast to so many schools where the only discussions revolve around finances and marketing. It's true that the director is first and foremost a teacher. He even teaches some of the Dutch classes himself. He loves to travel and has made several films during his trips, which he uses as teaching material. In addition to general Dutch courses, the school prepares students for the " Staatsexamens NT2, " which grant access to higher education or the job market.

Classes are held between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, depending on the number of hours chosen. The school also offers evening classes in other languages ​​(English, Spanish, and French). The school is open year-round, including during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

 For more information about the school, courses and accommodation, click here.

Below are some photos taken during the weekend in Amsterdam :