Language teaching and personal coaching

I’ve been teaching Dutch to individual learners and small groups for over (eep!) 25 years. First claim to fame? The inaugural group I taught, back in 1999, was the improv cast of the Boom Chicago comedy club. Some of them have gone on to achieve international comedy renown (although I can’t take any credit for it!). It was an incredibly inspiring experience. Since then, I’ve never stopped helping people improve their language skills.

Bilingual Dutch and English

Although English was technically my first language, I’ve been fully fluent in Dutch for almost 35 years. Because I was already literate when I learned the language, I remember the process… and I can walk you step by step through those first words and sentences.

I specialize in working with neurodiverse expats who are fluent in English, since that’s my own frame of reference. I don’t just teach Brits and Americans, though. My students come from all over the world: as close as Germany and France, and as far away as Vietnam and New Zealand.

The personal approach

The people I’ve enjoyed working with most have already tried the big group classes and exhausted their tolerance for self-study. They need someone to help them figure out their learning style, identify their misconceptions, polish their pronunciation, and above all help them talk about the topics they actually care about – not just how to introduce yourself or how the locals say gezellig.

And that’s where I come in! I’m a neurodiverse, queer-friendly, creative, intuitive language teacher with 25 years of experience in teaching people about Dutch language and culture. I would be delighted to discuss options with you!

I mostly do one-on-one tutoring, but I sometimes teach families or lead a group course. I teach both online and offline. What I offer incorporates Dutch language lessons, cultural coaching, and hands-on assistance in navigating the required ‘inburgering‘ tests for people who plan to stay.

Online tutoring

My online approach involves a shared Google document plus a video call. Ideally, this is occasionally supplemented by an in-person lesson to do indepth work on pronunciation and informal conversation. I have flexible availability for online lessons, and generally recommend two sessions a week if you opt for this format.

However, if you’ve had enough Zoom meetings to last a lifetime, I do also offer in-person tutoring. There are various options for that, as explained below.

In-person tutoring

I can offer in-person tutoring at your own home, in a library or café, at your workplace, or at my own office in Amsterdam. If we’re doing lessons at a café, I’ll expect you to buy me a coffee 🙂

I do also offer in-person tutoring in Haarlem, Beverwijk and Heemskerk, but availability is limited.

Price

These private lessons cost 90 euros per 1.5 hour session (that’s 60 euros an hour), plus travel expenses. If you work for a Dutch company, your employer may be willing to cover all or part of the costs. I’m happy to provide an official invoice.

Lesson materials

If you already have a book that you’re working from, we can use that. Otherwise, I generally recommend Nederlands voor Anderstaligen, supplemented by a range of documents and resources I’ve assembled over the years. If you want your own copy, it’s available from the publishers.

Group courses

Although my focus is on individual tutoring, I do offer options for group lessons. The maximum group size is 6 people. Pricing is variable; in principle, it’s 35 euros per person per hour, which also covers the cost of a location. However, I have sometimes taught a group of friends or colleagues at a location of their choosing (a meeting room at their office, or someone’s home); that would be 25 euros per person per hour.
Note: Group courses do include mandatory homework.