UG's Language Centre responds to the need for qualified Dutch teachers with training programme

In February 2024, the University of Groningen Language Centre will launch its training programme in teaching Dutch as a second language (NT2). This teacher training programme will prepare participants for a career in NT2 adult education. The training programme will be taught by experienced and qualified NT2 teachers of the Language Centre.

The demand for NT2 teachers is high now that the Dutch language is becoming more important in academia and more refugees are arriving in the Netherlands. Henriette van de Bult-Boesenkool, head of the Dutch department at the Language Centre, says she is glad to meet this need. 'NT2 teachers are indispensable for anyone who wants to live in the Netherlands either temporarily or permanently. With a new group of NT2 teachers, we and other institutes will be able to better respond to this demand for Dutch courses.'

The Language Centre is not new to offering this training programme. The institute successfully offered it from 2016 to 2019 but discontinued it partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the programme ceased to exist in Groningen, Zwolle became the nearest alternative for residents of the three northern provinces. ‘We want to realize the potential of our region and we are proud to once again offer people the opportunity to become NT2 teachers with our courses,’ says Henriette.

The training programme takes one year and consists of multiple meetings, creating an expansive portfolio, and completing a placement. Registration for the training programme is open until 30 October. For more information about the training programme and admission requirements, please visit the website of the Language Centre.