A language camp for adults: study Dutch on a holiday resort. Enjoy nature, sports, and lots of barbecues!
The Dutch Summer School – Drenthe provides an excellent opportunity to combine learning Dutch with exploring the Dutch countryside. Our language campus is located on a holiday resort, amidst typical Dutch villages, and an area full of rural museums and great cycling opportunities. In addition, there are plenty of activities to do besides studying (canoeing, fishing, swimming).
But that is not the only benefit …
Affordable package fee
With this programme, we offer a great alternative to those who think studying in Amsterdam is expensive. Housing units and classrooms are combined in one place: no travel time, and a great social atmosphere!
Why is this course cheaper than our programme in Amsterdam?
– fewer ac. hours/week (20 vs 25)
– cheaper accommodation
– cheaper location
Click here to learn more about the differences.
Programme & Prices
Choose:
– Drenthe or Amsterdam
– with or without accommodation
– level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 (read: level descriptions)
– 1 or more sessions
Levels are successive. If you choose more than 1 session: make a separate booking for the next level at a later date.
Example: if you want to do a 4-week course starting from beginner, book level 1 (starting 20th of June) + level 2 (starting 4th of July).
Lessons
Our Dutch lessons are interactive, with a high focus on conversation, given by enthusiastic teachers. Although the teacher will speak Dutch from the beginning as much as possible, we use English to explain things on the lower levels (mainly level 1, 2 and a bit on level 3). On the higher levels (4, 5, 6), the teacher speaks only in Dutch. Maximum group size is 16 students.
We use our own book:
– ‘Het Lesboek-1’ from 0 to A2 (level 1, level 2)
– ‘Het Lesboek-2’ from A2 to B1 (level 3, level 4)
– ‘Het Lesboek-3’ B1/B2 (level 5, 6)
Read more here: level descriptions.
Homework & e-learning: doing the homework is essential (count on at least 3-4 hours per day). Part of the homework consists of online materials. With these materials you prepare for the next day’s lesson: that makes the classroom lesson more efficient and interactive.
Our method is based on the flipped classroom. Learn more in this article why the flipped classroom is so effective.
Social atmosphere
The social environment is important. An important successfactor in learning a language: not to be afraid to make mistakes.
The experience of a summer school is maximised when you meet new people with the same goals. Study together, do homework together, do sports together or explore the environment together.
Our unique accommodation is ideal for socialising with other students, and having great summer nights!
We do not force you to participate in additional group events. Each person is different and you should do what you like. We are easy going: no obligations … (except doing your homework!)
Housing
NEW in 2022: the old (banana) buildings that we used from 2015-2020 have been demolished, but we decided to stay at holiday resort ‘Het Timmerholt’.
We acquired 2 group buildings and 10 holiday houses and we renovated them during the pandemic. Now we have our own language campus! The level of housing will be a significant upgrade compared to the past!
We provide the following options:
– shared bedroom, shared bathroom
– single bedroom, shared bathroom
– single bedroom, own bathroom
– double bedroom, own bathroom
Click here for a more detailed description of the accommodation.
Extending your stay?
– Would you like more time to visit tourist attractions in the surroundings?
– Would you like to focus on your studies during the course and without feeling the pressure that you need to see all the touristic highlights?
– Would you like your partner to visit you?
– Or did you book more levels, and you want a place to stay in-between the levels?
Book an extra weekend! (without courses/group activities)
In 2022, we offer the option to check-out on Monday (instead of Friday). During the course we don’t have extra beds available and during the course you will be very busy. So, use the option to extend your stay! Costs: please check this table.
The resort
Available at resort “Het Timmerholt”:
- canoe / waterbike
- fishing
- small beach
- swimming
- bike-rent
- tennis
Drenthe
Drenthe is a province in the north of the Netherlands. It is known for its moor landscape with sheep and typical Dutch rural villages. It is a popular destination amongst the Dutch who want to leave the city and enjoy the countryside for a short holiday.
Easy to get bored? No !!! There is a lot to see and to do within a cycle radius from our school. In the picturesque museum village Orvelte (4km) you can see ancient handicrafts like a clog maker, saw mill, and blacksmith. Drenthe is known for its large quantity of dolmen, in Dutch: ‘hunebedden’. The largest one is located in the nearby village of Borger. The Westerbork war museum (10km), a previous transit camp, tells much about the Netherlands in World War II. The Dwingeloo national park and the Emmen Zoo are other tourist attractions.
There are numerous regional markets and events in the villages during the summer time in the nearby villages. A popular tourist activity is a tour in a horse-drawn vehicle.
What our students say about the province Drenthe:
How to get there?
We provide detailed instructions on how to get to the Summer School Drenthe by public transport to all our students.
Nearest village: Westerbork (1,5 km). Nearest railway station: Beilen. (10km)
On the arrival/departure day we provide transfers from/to the railway station.
The above mentioned services are dependent on availability. The extra weekend and the transfers can be booked by completing the intake-form that students receive 1 month prior to the start of the course.