Become a Language Buddy at LTC!

Language Buddies Wanted

It’s probably no surprise that you can learn languages at the Language & Training Centre at Erasmus University. However, what not everyone knows is that Erasmus University also provides a portion of the civic integration program for status holders.

Highly educated status holders can come to EUR to learn Dutch, English, and Mathematics, and to prepare for studying in the Netherlands and for their future in our country. Through this program, the Educational Route, we prepare young, talented individuals for their civic integration exam as well as entrance exams for higher education.

Who are our participants?

The participants come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a few things in common: they all want to build a future in the Netherlands, and they all want to pursue an education. Most importantly, they want to practice their Dutch. Although the program is intensive and involves a lot of speaking during class, the barrier to speaking Dutch outside of lessons remains high. Participants are eager to practice but can’t always find someone to do it with. This is where we need your help!

Become a Language Buddy

We want to pair our participants with a language buddy. As a language buddy, you will meet with one of our participants once a week. Experience shows that language buddies truly make a difference: participants learn new vocabulary, feel more connected to Dutch society, and build social contacts.

The experience is just as valuable for you as a buddy: you get to help someone while simultaneously getting to know someone from a different background and broadening your horizons. And who knows? A friendship might even blossom!

When matching buddies with participants, we take interests, hobbies, and personal preferences into account (whenever possible). This ensures the project isn't just an addition to our participants' lives, but to yours as a language buddy as well.

Who are our participants?

The participants following the Educational Route are asylum status holders from various countries. The group is mixed in terms of gender, country of origin, and native language. They are young (the program primarily targets people between 18 and 28 years old), often have a background in higher education, and are ambitious. Some arrived here alone, while others live with their families or partners. In short: a diverse group.

What exactly does a language buddy do?

As a language buddy, you meet with one of our participants for an average of one hour per week. The participants attend classes at Campus Woudestein, so it may be convenient to meet there. You can go for a walk, grab a coffee or tea, or play a game, essentially whatever you would do with a friend. The most important thing is that you speak Dutch together.

To become a language buddy, you certainly don’t need to be a grammar expert. Participants can always ask our Dutch teachers specific questions about the language. It’s mostly about "putting in the miles": learning the language by speaking it. As a buddy, you will receive a guide with tips and tricks so you know exactly what is expected and can prepare for your first meeting if you wish.

All students and staff at Erasmus University are eligible to become language buddies.