From foreigner to friend: Language is the key

Moving to a new country is a great adventure, but having to learn a new language can be a barrier to getting your new life started. For expats in Amsterdam, Language Corner can help you get past that barrier with their range of language courses that are designed to help you fit into your new home.

Whether you want to learn Dutch, improve your English or start to explore Spanish, Language Corner is here to help.

Immersive learning brings quick results

The key way that Language Corner teaches is via immersion. Every lesson is held in the student's target language, which makes sure that you are fully engaged and challenged throughout.

Start your language journey today!

The immersive approach is a great way to bond with your new fellow classmates - you are all equally lost together! Everyone is on a steep learning curve, figuring it out and making mistakes together.

Classes are small and intimate, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are between four and eight pupils in each lesson, which means there is plenty of time for individual attention from the teacher, as well as lots of chances to practice your speaking skills.

The teachers are highly-experienced and they are all native speakers. This means that not only can they correct your grammar and expand your vocabulary, but they can also help you with real-world language use and cultural insights.

Courses for every lifestyle

Language Corner knows that their students come from a wide-range of backgrounds, and have different goals for their language learning. That's why they offer several different course formats and help to ensure you get what you want from your lessons. Their course options include:

General semi-intensive courses

• Seven-week course
• Two sessions per week
• Online or in-person

These courses are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This means that they address all aspects of language learning, from grammar and writing to speaking and listening. There is a lot of emphasis placed on speaking skills, so you can learn to use the language in a practical way as quickly as possible. Each class lasts about 2,5 hours, with a total of 30-35 hours for the whole course.

Conversation courses

• Six-week course
• One session per week
• Online or in-person

These courses are designed for those who really want to be able to communicate verbally in their new language. Each two-hour lesson will focus on improving your day-to-day vocabulary and pronunciation, as well as simply giving you the confidence to get out there and talk. Students must have a minimum of A2 proficiency for this course, to ensure conversation can flow from the very first lesson.

Two-week intensive courses

• Two-week course
• Five sessions per week
• In-person only

Held during the summer, Learning Corner's intensive two-week courses are a great way to jump ahead with your language skills. By attending three-hour classes every weekday, you are sure to make rapid progress and get ever closer to fluency.

Private lessons

• Flexible schedule
• Online or in-person

Private lessons can be tailored to meet your exact needs and schedule. Do you need to build a specific vocabulary to help with your work, or can you only do classes first thing in the morning? Then private lessons can help you achieve your goals in Dutch, English or Spanish.

Join a community of learners

Language Corner offers more than just traditional lessons. They can help you gain real-world practice by attending their monthly meetups. Taking place at the Pacific Bar in Westerpark, they give current and former students the chance to chat in their new language and make new friends. These nights are open to all levels, so come along and don't be shy!

A New Year, a new skill

Why not start your new year the way you intend to continue? With 2025 fast approaching, Language Corner invites wannabe Dutch and English speakers to join their upcoming courses that begin on January 13. They don't just want to teach you a new language, but make sure you have an enjoyable and enriching time feeling truly at home in Amsterdam.

For additional details or to enrol, interested learners can contact Language Corner via their website. Curious about the vibrant community of students and teachers? A visit to their Instagram page offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of language learning at Language Corner.

Language is more than just a tool for communication; it’s the gateway to belonging and connection. At Language Corner, every lesson is a step closer to turning a foreign land into a familiar home.