3 best language schools in Amsterdam 2024

Amsterdam, a charming, relatively quiet, and compact city, boasts all the advantages of a metropolis: rich culture, profound history, diverse cuisine, vibrant entertainment options, and robust transportation systems. Thanks to its intricate canal system, the city enjoys relatively calm traffic flows. Notably, Amsterdam is not a city for early risers; many shops don’t open until 10 AM, while bars and cafes usually run until 1 or 2 AM.

The city welcomes international travelers from around the globe, making it an ideal place to pursue language studies abroad. Amsterdam is home to a myriad of language schools and programs catering to diverse linguistic aspirations.

Laura Galindo

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Do all schools strive to be among the best?

I hope so! Quality assurance should be the goal of every school. 

Small Group Learning Students at language schools in Amsterdam benefit from small class sizes—typically up to 8 people in a group at language centers, with university programs averaging about 14. This allows instructors to devote more time and attention to each student.

University Language Programs Amsterdam’s universities offer a variety of language programs. Beyond classical academic programs, you can find courses tailored for business purposes, exam preparation, and special seminars to sharpen both oral and written skills.

Rich Extracurricular Programs Language schools in Amsterdam not only focus on in-class learning but also organize field trips and excursions. These activities help students practice their language skills while also familiarizing them with the country's history, culture, and traditions.

English Proficiency While Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, nearly all locals are proficient in English. The country ranks first globally on the EF World English Proficiency Index.

Opportunities for Travel Located in the heart of Europe, the Netherlands offers ample opportunities for language students to visit neighboring countries like Belgium, Germany, and France, all within the Schengen Area.

Language schools in Amsterdam provide a variety of programs tailored to different tastes and learning objectives. Courses vary not only in cost but also in intensity, richness of content, and age limitations.

Amsterdam’s Language Schools Offer:

• General and Intensive Courses: Programs last from 1 to 7 weeks depending on the intensity and the learner's initial proficiency.
• Morning/Evening Courses: For those who cannot dedicate much time to language study. Classes are held 6-8 hours a week, either in the morning or evening.
• Conversational Courses: These focus on practical speaking skills, vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, fluency, and accent reduction.
• Business English/Dutch: For individuals needing Dutch or English for professional use. Classes expand job-specific vocabulary and business communication skills.
• Exam Preparation: Prepares students for IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge exams, and the national Dutch language exam (NT2).
• Academic Courses: Aimed at preparing students for study at English or Dutch-speaking universities. These are suitable for those already accepted into undergraduate or postgraduate programs who need to improve their language skills.
• Preparatory Programs Offered by Dutch Universities: These combine English language study with courses in the student’s future field of specialization.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions with a teacher, offering the most flexible course options. These can be customized to specific needs like exam preparation or business vocabulary.
• Summer Programs: Language camps for both teenagers and adults typically held in July and August. Mornings are dedicated to language learning, while afternoons are for cultural outings such as museum visits, canal cruises, or tulip farm tours.

All language schools in Amsterdam employ certified native or bilingual language instructors, focusing on practical, experiential learning.

• Teaching in a Teacher's Family Netherlands – Home Language International
• Language Corner Amsterdam
• The Netherlands Education Group Language Centre

These institutions are celebrated for their comprehensive language programs in Amsterdam, offering top-notch education and immersive experiences that cater to a wide range of learning preferences and goals.

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