Get in touch with the Dutch!

In the Netherlands nearly everyone speaks English, so you don't have to make an effort to learn the language. Or do you?

The Netherlands is certainly a nice country: everything is flat and you can get around anywhere on your bicycle. The country is well-ordered and nearly everyone speaks English, so you don’t have to make any effort to learn the language. Besides, the Dutch allow themselves to be easily observed: after all, in what other country are the curtains left open at night? Easy, right?

However, if you’d like to learn more about what lies behind this outward appearance, it can’t do any harm to get to know the language and culture a little. Did you know that if you say to a Dutch person ‘you should come by and visit’, they will immediately take out their agenda? And if you ask their opinion about something, then don’t be alarmed if they speak their mind unreservedly!

It is also useful to know which subjects are not spoken about in public. In talking about their level of income for instance, the Dutch are nearly as stingy as in spending it. Also, they turn out to be true masters in raising clichés to the level of art: Two Dutch people are standing at a bus stop making conversation: ‘some weather, huh?’ ‘You can say that again.’

Do you want to get more out of your stay in the Netherlands, get by a little bit in Dutch and gain interesting, worthwhile knowledge about the culture? Wageningen University offers free Social Dutch courses (I and II) to all students!

All information on the Social Dutch courses for students can be found here>>