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Stella Pranoto
If I want to study in Netherlands, it is necessary to learn Dutch? Is English not enough? Because I am kind of slow language-learner person.
Aug 27, 2016 6:01 AM
Comments · 5
I don't know whether it's strictly necessary, Stella, but... think of it this way: if I came to your country, not just for a couple of weeks as a tourist, but to live there - what would you think about me, if I refused to make the effort to learn Indonesian, on the grounds that I'm "a slow learner"? I'd lose out on so many things if I didn't even try to learn your language, wouldn't I?
August 27, 2016
I used to study in the Netherlands. I lived there for two years. Most of universities in the Netherlands offer international classes that are of course taught in English. It could be said that almost everybody there speaks english very well like the second language, even in villages. Some cities with reputable universities like Utrecht, Amsterdam, Denhaag, Roterdam are full of international students from around the world, so as long as you speak english well you could make a lot of friends there. However, if you wanna interact and make friends with dutch it's better to learn their language. It is also useful when you do a shopping because normally they will ask you firstly in dutch, if they realize you don't speak it they'll switch to english. You are also lucky because in Indonesian you can find a lot of dutch words that are used as Indonesian vocabularies. So now without you realize it, you already speak some dutch. Good luck! :)
August 27, 2016

I think there are universities in the Netherlands that teach in English, because I have heard about students from the UK studying in the Netherlands, and most people here are very slow language learners.

If you were to go to the Netherlands to study, you should try to learn Dutch while you are there.  You could learn a little, a few key 'courtesy' phrases, before you go, which would be appreciated, as it shows a willingness to make an effort.

August 27, 2016
Nobody is a slow language learner, you just don"t do necessary efforts to reach your goal
August 27, 2016

Hi Stella!

I also consider myself a slow language learner. However, even though it takes a bit longer, that doesn't mean you can't do it.

What I highly suggest, is that you at least start with Duolingo. It's not the most amazing program in the world, but it only takes about 5 to 10 minutes a day and you'll learn something:

- https://www.duolingo.com/course/nl-NL/en/Learn-Dutch-Online

And yes, almost all of us Dutch people speak English, and most of us love getting a chance to practice it, but you won't get the full Holland experience without trying to learn at least a little bit of the language. I went to study in France and hardly spoke a word when I arrived there, but was fluent when I left. It makes your experience so much richer!

Enjoy your stay in Holland! :)

August 28, 2016
Stella Pranoto
Language Skills
Dutch, English, Indonesian, Vietnamese
Learning Language
Dutch, English, Vietnamese