How do you choose language classes? Let’s take a look at the available options and start with the classic language school.
One of the most efficient ways to learn a language is by following classes at a language school or a language institute. These schools adapt to the needs of the student and use an individual approach. Many of them offer a wide range of language learning tools, like lessons at your home or company, own learning materials, phone lessons and e-learning platforms. Be ready to speak, as a good language school makes their students talk. One disadvantage: these classes are the most expensive type of classes. If you’re short on cash, ask for group classes.
If you’d like to find a cheaper option, classes at universities or non-governmental organisations might be a good choice. Unlike language schools, their first goal isn’t earning money. Usually, their tools and services are more limited and the groups tend to be bigger. You probably won’t have too many choices when it comes to location, and the hours of the classes will be set in advance, so no canceling. Make sure to be active in class: ask questions, do your homework and talk to the teacher.
The cheapest option: group classes by the government. Even if they tend to be the least efficient, there are many reasons why you could follow them. If you don’t want to improve too quickly. Or if you want to meet fellow students. Or if you need to often skip classes. A limited number of locations. The groups are the biggest. The services are the most limited. And progress will move at the pace of the least capable learner. But these don’t need to be a disadvantage. As for universities, be active and participate.
One of the most diverse types of classes is given by individual language teachers. There are many teachers looking for students, both online and offline (I teach on italki.com and here’s $10 extra). Materials, prices, teaching methods, number of students in a class, progress, quality, and location all depend on the teacher. So make sure to agree in advance on the price, location, number of students and materials. Also, communicate what you’d like to do and where you’ll meet exactly. To find teachers, look for ads on websites like justlanded.com.
Tips
Always ask for recommendations from your local friends and colleagues. They might give you specific advice about the possibilities in your location.
Ask your teacher or language school if you can try the class just for one lesson. That way, you’ll quickly know what to expect. And you won’t be stuck in a class you’re not interested in.
Check if your company or organisation can get you discounts, or maybe even offer you language classes for free.
There are many Dutch language schools in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. The following schools offer Dutch classes in more than one city:
Berlitz offers individual and group lessons in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Teachers can also come to your home or office and teach your kids. E-learn platform present, telephone and Skype lessons available. Normal face-to-face classes start at around 55 euro per hour.
Eurospeak gives Dutch private and group lessons in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent as well as at your home and via call. E-learning environment also present. Normal prices start at 50 euro per hour.
Lerian Nti is located in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent and also uses an e-learning environment. Phone and Skype lessons are also available. Prices upon request.
CVO, the Centre for Adult Education, offers many classes in too many locations in Flanders. A list of locations is here. One important advantage: normal group classes don’t cost more than a euro an hour.
Let’s see the language schools in the different cities.
In Ghent
The University of Ghent offers classes at all levels in many different groups. Prices depend on your status, e.g. students pay less. Full price is around 4 euro per hour. Private classes also available.
CVO offers extremely cheap group classes at around half a euro per hour. Mind you’ll get into groups coming from everywhere so progress may be slow.
Following classes in Het Perspectief is cheap too: only 1.5 euro per hour.
In Brussels
CLL is a non-profit organisation offering mainly group classes in Woluwe, Brussels. Both for kids and adults. The group lessons cost around 10 to 20 euro per hour. Private classes also available.
Callinter offers Dutch classes in Brussels in many ways: via Skype, via phone, via private and group classes. Kids can also follow lessons. Count around 15 to 20 euro an hour.
The Free University of Brussels or VUB offers group classes. Students can enroll from about 5 euro an hour. Others may enroll too.
The Europa Language School‘s prices start at around 40 euro an hour, transport to your home or company included. Up to 5 students per class.
The CPAB gives group classes from 8 to 16 persons. This governmental agency’s prices are maximum around 2 euro per hour.
OpenContext specialises in 1-to-1 classes, but also offers group classes. Price around 50 euro per hour.
In the Amira Language School, group classes and individual classes are offered as well as to your home or company. Prices start at around 50 euro per hour.
Languages in Brussels is a non-governmental organisation offering one-to-one classes and group classes. Prices on demand.
In Antwerp
Hello Languages offers individual and group classes. Contact them for prices.
The University of Antwerp gives group classes on its campus. Intensive and immersion courses. Price: less than 10 euro per hour. Or less if you have a special status, like a student.
Cosmolingua has both group and individual classes. Individual lessons start at around 50 euro per hour, group classes at 30 per person. Possibility to come to your company.
Some extra tips…
Make sure to ask your company if they can get you a language class. If you’re working for a small company, they may get special discounts at official language schools (in Dutch: via the KMO-portefeuille).
The Flemish government can help you finance your studies (in Dutch) under certain conditions. One important condition is that you worked for one year in the past two years in Belgium.
Don’t forget you can always find a private teacher online. I give Dutch lessons on italki and here’s $10 extra.
