Are you an international student in the Netherlands seeking a deeper sense of belonging? Want to do a work placement here, feel confident in Dutch conversations, and truly understand the culture? This minor could be your gateway to Dutch society, both socially and professionally.

Why choose this minor?

• Enhance your wellbeing in a Duch speaking culture, mastering the language.
• Boost your career opportunities. Learn Dutch and understand more a Dutch speaking culture to stand out in your internship and in the job market — during and after your studies.
• Learn by doing. Go beyond textbooks with cultural events, fieldwork, and real-life experiences.
• Start from scratch. No Dutch? No problem! Begin at A0 level and grow at your own pace

What’s in it for you?
This minor focuses on developing real-life language skills and cultural confidence. You’ll learn to communicate in Dutch, understand how Dutch-speaking workplaces operate, and reflect on your own cultural identity at the same time. Whether you’re preparing for a work placement, planning to stay after graduation or simply want to feel more at home, this minor will help you achieve your goals.

After this minor
After completing this minor, you will speak Dutch with more confidence and have a deeper understanding of cultural dynamics. You will feel more at ease in Dutch-speaking environments and be ready to thrive. Whether that’s in the Netherlands, Belgium or the Dutch Caribbean, you will be ready to forge meaningful connections and seize new opportunities!

This minor develops Dutch language proficiency and intercultural competence through two core learning outcomes from the BUas Tourism Management framework, tailored to individual starting levels and learning goals.

ILO 3: Social/Cultural Skills
In this minor, students will:
-       Develop Dutch language skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking
-       Demonstrate cultural knowledge and sensitivity to participate respectfully and confidently in Dutch-speaking communities
-       Promote intercultural collaboration and reflect on how personal norms and values influence professional actions, according to the principle of action-reaction (psychology/sociology)
-       Communicate clearly and respectfully, fostering positive group dynamics

ILO 4: Resilience Skills
In this minor, students will:
-       Adapt to new social, cultural, and educational environments
-       Show flexibility in adjusting to new cultural and linguistic norms
-       Demonstrate self-reflection on personal growth and effective use of feedback
-       Participate actively with an open mind and form meaningful relationships

• Non-Dutch-speaking international degree-seeking students
• Propaedeutic certificate obtained
• No prior knowledge of the Dutch language required

Supporting learning materials are included in the minor tuition, except the text-and workbook of the used method in our Dutch language unit.

Teaching hours
On average, 12–14 hours of on-campus education take place across three days per week. We aim to maintain this schedule throughout the semester, keeping it as fixed and structured as possible.

Assessment
Learning is demonstrated through a variety of data points across the semester, such as cultural events, demonstrations of language progress, cultural workshops and presentations of fieldwork. Feedback is provided through peer evaluation, teacher observation and portfolio assessment.

Language of instruction
English

 

Topics and Structure of the minor
The minor is structured around an overarching question: ‘How do I become a confident participant in Dutch speaking cultures?’ This journey takes you through four phases over 18 weeks.

Phase 1: Starting point (Weeks 1-2)
Guiding questions: Who am I? Who are we as a community? Where do I want to be in 18 weeks?

• Language level assessment and goal setting
• Reflection on current ideas and interests related to Dutch-speaking cultures
• Establishing a code of conduct as a learning community

Phase 2: Exploration (Weeks 3-9)
Guiding questions: What aspects are there to explore? How can I create experiences? What do I want to explore further?

• Independent language work combined with weekly campus sessions
• Cultural exploration through ‘Culture Café’ presentations (individual topics)
• Cultural events (group-organised cultural experiences)
• Cultural workshops and guest lectures
• Selection of personal research focus for fieldwork

Phase 3: Preparation and participation (Weeks 10-13)
Guiding questions: What do I bring to the table? How do I prepare to participate fully?

• Continued language development
• Research methodology and fieldwork planning
• Reading activity (book review and cultural mural)
• Preparation of research proposal for fieldwork

Phase 4: Immersion and reflection (Weeks 14-18)
Guiding questions: What is it like to immerse myself fully? What have I learned? Where do I go from here?

• Fieldwork: Cultural immersion and language practice in a Dutch-speaking context
• Data collection and reflection on cultural experiences
• Final presentation combining research findings with personal journey
• Portfolio completion and minor evaluation

 

Additional costs
Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodation costs during weeks 14-15 in the fieldwork phase.