When Peter arrived in the Netherlands in 2002, it was supposed to be temporary. He had come over from London for a one-year assignment as an international HR advisor. Fast-forward more than 20 years, and he’s still living in The Hague, feeling very much at home. One part of settling in, however, took a little longer: learning Dutch.
Peter says: “I first realized that I really needed to speak Dutch when my daughter turned four. She was having playdates, and I found myself relying on her to translate conversations. That was the turning point.” He signed up for evening lessons, studied twice a week, and earned his A2 certificate. But with a busy work and family life, further study fell off the radar, until recently. He decided to take his Dutch to the next level by enrolling in the Immersion 3 course at TaalTaal, a language institute known for its practical, intensive courses designed with expats in mind. “I wanted something immersive that could help me progress quickly,” he explains. “A full week in the classroom felt more effective than spreading lessons out over months.”
The immersion course turned out to be exactly what he needed. The days ran from 9:30 to 4:30, with lessons that combined conversation, listening, reading, grammar, and writing, all in Dutch. “I was in a small group with just three others, which meant there was a lot of personal attention and time to interact. The variety kept things engaging.” Peter especially appreciated how the teachers balanced structure with spontaneity. “We used the textbook, sure, but we also did a lot of real conversation and group work. I hadn’t sat in a classroom that long since my son’s last parent-teacher meeting, so it was intense, but rewarding.”
One of the biggest changes after the course was his increased confidence. Peter: “Before, I hesitated to speak. Now, I’m much more comfortable trying, even if I make mistakes.” He’s noticed a clear improvement in understanding Dutch conversations, whether it’s on the street, at the supermarket, or while watching TV. “The course helped me move from passive understanding to active speaking.”
At home, he continues to practice, though his kids often answer in English. “My son likes helping me with pronunciation,” Peter laughs. “He enjoys pointing out the tricky bits.” And like many longtime residents, Peter has fully embraced life on two wheels. “I’ve barely used a car in 20 years. But one of my favorite Dutch habits is hunting for the best saté in The Hague. The food scene here, especially Indonesian cuisine, is amazing.”
For other expats considering a Dutch course, Peter’s advice is simple: go for it. “Even if you only know a little Dutch, a course like this builds on what you have. It gave me a real boost, and it was worth the time and effort.” His next goal is to reach B1 level, possibly with another immersion course later this year or early next.
TaalTaal offers a range of courses tailored to different levels and goals. This July, they’re running online summer courses, ideal for anyone looking to improve their Dutch while stay-ing flexible: www.taaltaal.nl/en -- from September, there will be more in-person and hybrid options available. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to sharpen your skills, TaalTaal’s small classes and experienced teachers make it a great place to learn Dutch in a supportive, interactive environment. For a free intake, you can see: www.taaltaal.nl/en/intake
Language learning isn’t just about vocabulary, it’s about feeling at home. And like Peter, you might just find that the more Dutch you speak, the more connected you feel!