What is your background in language teaching?

I’m a certified language teacher with over 15 years of experience in teaching Dutch as a foreign language. In addition to my degree in education, I have a background in applied and theoretical linguistics. Throughout my career, I have taught Dutch in primary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level.

What methods do you use to teach languages?

My approach focuses on interaction and communication. I believe in teaching languages in an environment that mimics the real world, so you can start using what you've learned right away. I have a relaxed attitude, but I am firm on quality. I believe that one of the most underestimated qualities of a teacher is the ability to really listen to their students. This helps me to identify your specific needs so that I can help you grow as a language learner.

Have you lived in any countries where the languages you teach are spoken?

I have! I'm a native Dutch speaker from Belgium, specifically from Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of the country.

What’s the difference between Dutch and Flemish?

What’s the difference between American and British English? Depending on who you ask, the answer can be "nothing" or "a lot". Flemish is another name for Belgian Dutch. The most notable difference is the accent, with some differences in vocabulary here and there. But the grammar is the same; we can read the same books, use the same dictionaries, and unless you find yourself in a remote village in the deep countryside, we can understand each other without too much difficulty.

How do you stay updated with the latest language teaching techniques?

You can’t teach without doing some learning yourself. I stay updated on the latest developments in pedagogy and language education by closely following academic and popular scientific publications.

What resources or tools do you recommend for learning Dutch?

Anything that works for you! Some people swear by taking classes, while others prefer self-study. In general, I always recommend immersing yourself in the language: listen to music or podcasts, watch a movie or a TV show in the language you’re learning, read a book in any genre you like or a short article on a topic of your interest. Maybe find a language exchange partner as well. There are plenty of apps available for your phone that you can try out, and I also have a list of self-study books here.

Do you offer private lessons or online courses?

I do! Have a look at my profile here.

What advice do you have for beginners learning a new language?

Stick with it! Consistency is key. It's better to spend ten to fifteen minutes learning every day than to spend one hour in a single day.

Can you share a success story from one of your students?

I've successfully assisted several students preparing for language assessment tests, whether for personal or professional reasons. Some of my former students now teach Dutch as a foreign language themselves. However, I believe I simply helped them unlock the capabilities that were already within them.