This course takes place from 7 April until 30 June 2025.
- Course day and time: Monday from 7.30 - 8.30 pm
- Location: Online via the Virtual Classroom and always involves guidance from a teacher
- Number of participants: min. 6 - max. 9
If a lesson is cancelled, it will be rescheduled in the week following the last lesson.
Self-study is estimated to take three hours per session.
Course contents
During this course you will learn to write clearly and effectively. You will also learn to make decisions under time pressure and improve your professional and/or academic image in e-mails, business letters and short reports. In doing so, you will gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Concrete feedback will help you to further improve your strengths and to minimise your weaknesses.
Course structure
This is an online course. Each participant formulates their own project or learning question on which they will work during the course. This could involve negotiating with customers or presenting a plan or research in a meeting.
In the course, you will learn a great deal from each other: you will give each other feedback on speaking assignments and exchange ideas with each other in a forum. Before the meeting, you will study the theory and complete a preparatory assignment. During the meeting, we actively practice and model the task you will carry out in your professional life. In a protected environment on Brightspace, you will submit a recording of that assignment and your reflection on it. You will also receive feedback on this from the trainers.
What skills will you master after the training programme?
- I feel confident speaking Dutch in situations relevant to me.
- I can adjust my language to the recipient.
- I can conduct language activities like making requests, giving feedback, etc.
- I can conduct ‘micro-language activities’ effectively (interrupting, making objections, etc).
- I know the conventions of two-way conversations, such as telling bad news, giving advice, negotiations and performance interviews.
- I can take on the roles of chair, participant, secretary in a meeting.
- I can structure longer language activities and maintain direction and overview in conversations and consultations.
- I can use strategies to compensate for weaker parts of my speaking skills.
Active participation
The only way to ensure a successful course is if the participants practice writing regularly and participate actively in the lessons. The course is based largely around the participants’ needs and requirements. The learning environment serves as a community in which non-natives can help each other improve their writing skills.
Course material
- Naef, R., & Te Brake, S. The right tone. Business Dutch for non-natives. Publisher Coutinho, 2019. ISBN 9789046906637
Course material is not included in the course fee. The course material can be purchased at .
