Find freedom to express yourself and open new doors
“My name is Daria. I'm from Ukraine and already for 2 years I live in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, my family and I came to the Netherlands because of the war in my country, but luckily kind people helped us to find shelter in this beautiful country. Now I'm a fulltime student and I’m learning Dutch. In my free time, I like singing, going out and spending time with my family.”
Daria has just finished an intensive Dutch Immersion course at the Language Institute TaalTaal in Scheveningen. According to her it was a ‘bijzondere ervaring’ (special experi- ence). For someone who was really shy to talk much, the course has given her a big boost. Daria: “There was a belief in my head that I can only say something if I know for sure how to say it. Sounds weird right? Because how can I know how to say something if I'm only learning? I got rid of this belief by practicing and talking almost 6 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 2 weeks. I would also like to note that my vocabulary has really in- creased. I learned more difficult words, a lot of colloquial expressions and got answers to my questions about using different synonyms in different situations.”
Dutch Immersion courses at TaalTaal really have a unique format. With a pool of different teachers, students can improve their Dutch language skills through songs, games and by adding extra information that expands the understanding of the language structure. For Daria, learning is a special form of freedom. She describes it beautifully: “So when I speak Dutch fluently, I'm going to be free. Freely express my thoughts, get a chance to better un- derstand the culture of the country I'm living in and find a good job. I think Dutch opens many doors.”
If you need someone to motivate you to learn Dutch, just speak a few minutes with Daria. Daria: “First of all, don’t be shy. The main thing is to start! Then it's gonna be easier, you get involved in the process. As you see first results, you want to do more. Don't think you are too busy, too old to learn or it will take all your time. Step by step, do something every- day to get closer to your goal. Sometimes we expect from ourselves more than anyone else would, we are our own biggest critics. Let's support ourselves in this journey, leave expectations of the fast results. Make a plan for every day: minimum, 100% and maximum. Then you can continue to do something everyday depending on your mood, condition, amount of time, etc. I believe in you and wish you good luck!”
Now who can resist such a pep talk? Do it like Daria and go full Dutch Immersion! Find more details on the TaalTaal website: www.taaltaal.nl/immersion/dutch -- the regular course season had started the end of April or at the beginning of May and you can still sign up for many courses: www.taaltaal.nl/en
Should you need an intake, you can get a free one at www.taaltaal.nl/intake