Language Buddies Wanted
Would you like to make a meaningful social impact in just one hour per week? We are looking for EUR students and staff who would like to become Language Buddies and support participants from the Onderwijsroute.
What is the Language Buddy Programme?
At Erasmus University Rotterdam, highly educated newcomers can follow the Onderwijsroute, a programme that prepares participants for higher education and life in the Netherlands. Participants follow courses in Dutch, English, and Mathematics while preparing for civic integration and entrance exams for higher education.
An important part of learning a language is practising it outside the classroom. For many participants, however, speaking Dutch in everyday situations can still feel challenging. This is where language buddies play an important role. As a language buddy, you help participants gain confidence in Dutch through regular informal conversations.
Why become a Language Buddy?
Becoming a language buddy is a simple but meaningful way to support someone who is building a future in the Netherlands.
By practising Dutch together, you help participants:
- build confidence speaking Dutch
- feel more connected to Dutch society
- expand their social network
- practise the language in real-life situations
At the same time, the programme is also valuable for buddies themselves. It offers the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, broaden perspectives, and create meaningful social connections. And who knows, a friendship might even grow from it.
What can you expect?
As a language buddy, you meet with one participant for around one hour per week. Meetings are informal and flexible. For example, you could:
- have coffee or tea together
- go for a walk
- play a game
- talk on campus
- explore Rotterdam together
The most important thing is simply to practise Dutch together in a comfortable and supportive environment.
All students and staff at Erasmus University are eligible to become language buddies.
Find answers to some of the most common questions about the Language Buddy Programme, commitment, registration, and what to expect.
Language buddies usually meet with one participant for around one hour per week. We hope buddies can participate in the programme for approximately 6 months.
Meetings are informal and flexible, and buddies can decide together what works best in terms of timing and activities.
No. To become a language buddy, you certainly do not need to be a grammar expert. Participants can always ask LTC Dutch teachers content-related questions about the language itself.
The programme is mainly about practising Dutch through regular conversation and gaining confidence by speaking the language in everyday situations.
Before your first meeting, you will also receive a short guide with tips and practical information, so you know what to expect and can prepare if you wish.
When possible, we try to match language buddies and participants based on shared interests, hobbies, and personal preferences. This helps create a comfortable and meaningful connection for both sides.
The participants following the Onderwijsroute are asylum status holders from various countries. The group is diverse in terms of gender, country of origin, and mother tongue.
Most participants are between the ages of 18 and 28, are ambitious, and have often already completed or started higher education in their home country. Some came to the Netherlands alone, while others live here with their family, partner, or household.
What they share is the motivation to build a future in the Netherlands and continue their education.
Yes! Language buddies who are actively engaged in the programme for at least 6 months will receive a certificate of participation from the Language & Training Centre. This can be a valuable addition to your CV or LinkedIn profile as a volunteer and community engagement experience.
Registration is open throughout the year, so you are always welcome to join the programme.
During registration, you can also indicate your preferred start period. This means you are welcome to sign up now, even if you would only be available to start later in the academic year.
Most meetings take place on or around Campus Woudestein, as participants follow classes there. However, language buddies and participants are free to decide together what works best for them.
Heb je vragen?
Neem contact op met: Linda Ros
- Email address
- onderwijsroute@eur.nl