Language Buddy Programme speed date event

Learning Dutch is a good way to expand your network within the university, improve your career perspectives, and make worthwhile connections. That’s why, after last year’s successful pilot, YoungRUG is organizing the Language Buddy Programme again!

In the Language Buddy Programme, internationals will be paired with native Dutch speakers, with the purpose of improving their Dutch language proficiency. For our Dutch professional staff colleagues it will be a great opportunity to meet new people, improve their intercultural skills, and interact with different cultures within the university. Participants of last year noted:

• ‘I am thrilled to ask and learn about my language buddy and their local culture and share my own stories in Dutch. It may even be the beginning of a lasting friendship.’
• ‘I have experienced how nice it is to help someone get better at the language that is natural to me. It has also made me much more aware of the language I use, very interesting and educational. Moreover, you seize the opportunity to get to know both another colleague and culture and even make a new friend.’

The deadline for registering is 15 December.

How does the Language Buddy Programme work?

1. During a speed-date event on 30 January, international professional staff members will have the opportunity to meet three potential language buddies with whom they can practice their Dutch. After this, both parties will submit their preferences, and they will be paired up by YoungRUG. Please be aware that this is not a tandem programme; the focus is solely on practicing Dutch, not any other languages.

2. Both the Dutch language buddy and language learner should be below the age of 36. 

3. The international professional staff member should already have some knowledge of the Dutch language; enough to be able to have a basic conversation in that language. A level of B1 is therefore required.

4. In general, meetings between the buddies are twice a month, with a minimum requirement of once a month.

5. The meetings take place at the buddies’ venue of choice. Meeting in person is advised.

6. The length of the meetings is, at the bare minimum, 30 minutes.

7. Both groups are also encouraged to attend a training on Intercultural Competences, on 21 January, between 9 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

8. Please be aware that the Dutch buddy is a language partner, not someone to provide organizational support for new staff members.

Please note: as we are dependent on registrations, both for Dutch native speakers and internationals, there is the possibility that you will not be paired with a buddy. We apologize for the inconvenience beforehand.

You can also register if you have also participated in last year’s edition (in fact, we would say it’s a plus!).