You can master Dutch with the Delft Method to work in healthcare, like Isabella!
This sponsored article was produced on behalf of NedLes, where new language courses start on an ongoing basis.
Everyone told her it would be impossible to master Dutch, but Isabella, a 26-year-old doctor from Colombia proved them all wrong. Within just one year, she started working in the Netherlands, in her own field. She will soon be ready to pass her B2+ Dutch exams, an essential step toward becoming legally qualified to work as a doctor in the Netherlands. How did she manage to do this? By learning Dutch with the Delft Method at NedLes!
"I’m engaged to a Dutch man; We met at Schiphol," Isabella begins her story. "At first, I was afraid to move to the Netherlands. In Colombia, I’d heard so many stories about people who struggled to learn the language. They told me it would be impossible for me too. But as a trained doctor wanting to work in the Dutch healthcare system, I knew I had to learn the language. So, even before moving to Amsterdam, I decided to start learning Dutch."
Isabella says she’s not a naturally gifted language learner. That’s why she did plenty of research beforehand. During one of her searches, she came across the Delft Method. "It’s a highly effective method that mimics how children naturally learn a language. You start speaking from day one, with a focus on learning words and putting them into practice. It immediately appealed to me. Thanks to NedLes’ online courses, I was able to get started right away, even while I was still in Colombia."
How was her first class? "Honestly, I found it very difficult! At one point, I even thought I was too stupid to follow the course. But the teachers and my classmates were so kind and supportive. I kept attending the classes. After a few sessions, I started to get the hang of it and it felt so natural!"
The Delft Method isn’t a typical language-learning approach. Students intensively study a text and its new vocabulary at home. Then, in one-hour speaking classes, they actively use what they’ve learned. Grammar isn’t explicitly explained; instead, specially trained teachers guide conversations and correct mistakes along the way.
The Delft Method does require dedication: students need to do their homework to fully participate in class discussions. "It’s definitely a method for people who are serious about learning Dutch," Isabella explains. "There’s a lot of homework, and it takes time and energy, especially if you’re a perfectionist like me and want to practice even more. But the results speak for themselves. From the very beginning, I could see progress, so I didn’t mind putting in the work. Because it really works!"
Isabella chose NedLes specifically because they use the Delft Method. After her first course, she decided to continue learning there because of the welcoming atmosphere. "I really feel at home at the school and in the classes. It’s a safe space to practice and make mistakes. Plus, I met my best friends there! We’ve taken several courses together and support each other a lot."
Recently, Isabella passed her B2 exam, just over a year after starting to learn Dutch. For the past few months, she’s been working as a scientific consultant and medical assistant at a general practitioner’s office in Volendam. She loves her job and aims to take the B2+ exams next year, aspiring to work in the pharmaceutical and medical innovation field. The B2+ exam is a requirement for obtaining a BIG registration, and NedLes is one of the institutes where these exams can be taken.
Does she have any advice for others who want to learn Dutch? "Take the step and start speaking! At first, I didn’t feel comfortable speaking Dutch at all. I didn’t want to make mistakes. But you just have to do it. Practice every day, and you’ll improve. I’m still not perfect, but I keep going, and I notice the difference every day. I’m so grateful I found NedLes and took the step to learn Dutch with the Delft Method. It’s not true what everyone told me: it is possible to master Dutch, and you can do it too!"
Do you want to learn Dutch with the Delft Method, just like Isabella? NedLes offers a variety of courses at all levels and intensities. Whether you prefer online, offline, or hybrid courses, there’s an option for everyone. Visit www.nedles.com to book a free intake and start learning Dutch today!
