Classroom activities

The course activities are founded upon various tasks. These tasks are functional, and are directly linked to a concrete situation, such as ‘having conversations with people on the street’ or ‘writing a job application’. By using multimedia, the teacher provides learners with opportunities to develop the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Next to classes on location, the INTT offers online groups for those of the Absolute beginners level who prefer to take distance learning classes. For these classes a stable internet connection and the option for video calling is mandatory.

A distance learning lesson consist of two parts:  

• Synchronous learning: real-time contact with your fellow students and your teacher in online classes (approx. two hours per session).
• Asynchronous learning: going through elaborate, guided course materials and doing online tasks and exercises on Canvas, the UvA’s online learning environment.

Together these parts add up to a four hour lesson. 

Is German your native tongue? Then perhaps the Summer Course For Native German Speakers might be of interest to you.

We offer a similar three-week programme in January: the Winter Course, which is aimed at Absolute Beginners (CEFR A1) and Beginners (CEFR A2).

The Summer Course is taught at Absolute beginners level - Advanced level (CEFR* levels: 0 - B2).

Absolute Beginners (0-A1)
For those with absolutely no knowledge of Dutch.

Beginners (A1-A2)
For those who understand some Dutch, but are incapable of making themselves understood in the language.

Pre-Intermediate (A2-B1.1)
For those who:
- have a global understanding of simple, everyday Dutch; 
- can make themselves understood in simple, everyday Dutch.

Intermediate (B1.1-B1.2)
For those who:
- have a reasonable understanding of everyday Dutch and of Dutch used in the media;
- can make themselves understood in simple, everyday Dutch.

Pre-Advanced (B1.2-B2.1)
For those who:
- have a good understanding of everyday Dutch and of Dutch used in the media;
- can make themselves understood in everyday Dutch, but still make quite a few mistakes.

Advanced (B2.1-B2.2)
For those who:
- have a thorough understanding of everyday Dutch;
- have a good understanding of Dutch at an academic level;
- can express themselves in spoken and written Dutch in daily and professional situations.

In the application form we ask you to indicate the course level that you think suits you best. Before the start of a course, the INTT organises a level assessment for new participants to assess their level of proficiency in Dutch. This assessment will determine your placement.

Participants who pass the examination at the end of their course may continue with the course at the next level without taking another level assessment.

The course fee covers access to Canvas, the digital learning environment of the UvA. The course fee does not cover the textbooks. Students need to buy a textbook and weblicense of the method: Heijne, N.C. e.a., Code +, Basisleergang Nederlands voor anderstaligen, Takenboek part 1 - 4.

When there are less than ten applicants for a group, the group may be cancelled. Those who have already paid the course fee will of course be completely refunded.

A refund is only possible if written cancellation (by letter or by email) is received at least four weeks before the start of the course. A ten percent administration charge will be deducted from each refund.