VIP Course Dutch (NL-1, NL-2, NL-3, NL-4)
You may have heard of language training schools like Ceran in Spa, or Regina Coeli in Vught, for intensive “immersion” training in Dutch. But what perhaps you do not know is that similar intensive, high-level courses can be taken here in Maastricht at our Language Centre. So why not consider taking an intensive Dutch course here at our Language Centre?
We offer four separate modules that start at level 0, A1, A2 and B1. But if there is sufficient demand, we can also offer a module that starts at a higher level. Each module will last 1 week (Monday–Friday) and consists of 35 hours. You will have daily classes with a small group of 4–8 course participants. You can take one module or choose to take a couple of modules in a row (provided there are enough participants for those modules).
For each module, the schedule is roughly as follows:
09.00–10.00: Classes
10.00–11.00: Self study and/or individual guidance
11.00–12.00: Classes
12.00–13.00: Lunch together with the teacher
13.00–14.00: Classes
14.00–15.00: Self study and/or individual guidance
15.00–16.00: Classes
The programme can of course be changed according to the wishes of the course participants.
During the course we will speak Dutch as much as possible to improve your Dutch skills quickly. This is also why we have scheduled lunches during which you can practice your Dutch in an informal manner and in an every-day Dutch setting.
Content of the modules
NL-1
In this module you will learn vocabulary and speech associated with introducing yourself and others, giving information about yourself, greeting people and saying goodbye to them; telling time, ordering food/drinks at a bar, restaurant or snack bar, buying groceries, buying clothes, and organising living accommodation.
At the end of the module you will be able to have simple conversations associated with the topics mentioned above. You will also be able to write short texts using your new language skills. In addition to practicing your speaking and writing skills, you will also work on your listening and reading skills.
At the end of this module you will have achieved level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
NL-2
When you start this module it is assumed that you have level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. At the end of the module you will be able to articulate health issues, have a conversation with the bicycle repairman, strike up social chats during informal gatherings, conduct short phone conversations, express your opinion and ask others for their opinion. You will study topics associated with travelling on public transport, going out and filing a report to the police.
At the end of this module you will have achieved level A2 of the CEFR.
NL-3
This module builds on the skills you acquired during module 1 and 2. It starts at level A2. You will learn to express and argue your opinion, express complaints, deliberate, talk about emotions and make decisions. You will also learn how to write formal texts associated with these topics. The texts become more theoretical (newspaper articles and other publications). The listening material is authentic.
At the end of this module you will have achieved level B1- of the CEFR.
NL-4
This module starts at level B1-. You will expand your argument and negotiation skills. You will learn how to communicate that you would prefer to keep something to yourself. You will read theoretical texts and learn to listen to authentic, theoretical material. You will write longer texts about health, integration, relationships, arts, culture and literature.
At the end of this module you will have achieved level B1+ of the CEFR.
All of the modules include communicative assignments, which integrate reading, listening, speaking and writing skills, to enable as much interaction as possible.
Self study and individual guidance
After having attended a one hour class, you can practice your new skills during an hour of self study. You will work on assignments independently but of course the teacher will be available to give you individual guidance when necessary.
Teaching material
NL-1: Nederlands in gang, Uitgeverij Coutinho
NL-2: Nederlands in gang, Uitgeverij Coutinho
NL-3: Nederlands in actie, Uitgeverij Coutinho
NL-4: Nederlands in actie, Uitgeverij Coutinho
The teaching material will be provided by the Language Centre and is included in the course fee. The teachers may also develop their own teaching material if they feel this would better encourage communication within the group.
Start of the modules
A module will start as soon as there are at least four participants for that module. This can be at any given time in the year (except for June and July).
Participation requirements
The modules are intended for speakers of other languages with higher-level positions. To find out whether the pace, level and time investment of this course suits your needs, it is important that we have an intake meeting with you before you register for the course. You can make an appointment for an intake meeting with one of our teachers by sending an email to: languages-intake-nl@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Costs
The costs are €1,450 per module (this includes the teaching material and lunches).
Registration
You can register using the registration form on our website.
