FAQ

Is TaalBoost Coming back offline?

Yes! Next to the online Dutch language courses that we continue to provide, TaalBoost is offering in-class lessons again, as an evening course twice a week at all levels, or as an intensive week for beginners at our location in Amsterdam.

How is TaalBoost organising the in-class lessons? Click here for more information about the precautionary measures that TaalBoost takes.

Why Did TaalBoost Go online?

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 in the Netherlands to the measures taken by the Dutch government from March 12th 2020 to sustain it, it was not possible to organise TaalBoost Dutch language group courses as traditional (physical) courses due to the coronavirus contamination risk. The only way to continue providing Dutch lessons was to move the courses to the online environment.

I live outside of Amsterdam or just prefer the online courses to the Traditional ones. Will TaalBoost still continue to provide the online courses after the lessons go back offline?

Yes, we are extremely happy that our students who live further away from Amsterdam have expressed this wish and we will continue to provide online TaalBoost lessons.

In which ways are the online TaalBoost Dutch language courses different from the Physical TaalBoost Dutch language courses?

Beside the fact that you are enjoying the course from the comfort of your own home, there is not much difference between the online courses by TaalBoost and the traditional course. The online TaalBoost Dutch language courses are not prerecorded, but are taking place real-time with other course participants and teachers that you can see and communicate with.

During the transfer to the online environment, our primary goal and concern was to also be able to guarantee the quality of the TaalBoost lessons in the online environment. In other words, we saw no other solution but to preserve the three pinnacles of the TaalBoost language teaching approach:

a. Engagement

In order to learn the language, you need to stay motivated. Passive observation of a (prerecorded) online lesson just doesn’t cut it. With the online Dutch language courses, you will hear the explanation by the teacher, be able to ask real-time questions and then perform the usual fun, informative and relevant exercises in pairs or in small groups with other course participants. There is never a dull moment as you are constantly challenged to apply what you just learned and constantly exercise your Dutch proficiency.

b. Interaction

The communication between the teacher and the participant, as well as with the participants among each other is happening real-time. Aside from the visual and the auditive support (you can see and hear each other), an added value of the online TaalBoost Dutch lessons is that you will also have a chat option. That way, you can not only work on your Dutch spelling, but also make sure that your question never escapes your teacher’s attention.

c. Feedback

The improvement of your Dutch proficiency happens the best and the fastest way when you receive and implement the feedback from your peers, and even more importantly from your Dutch language teacher. The teacher can give feedback publicly or privately.

We are excited to say that we have managed to fully implement all three pinnacles of the TaalBoost language teaching approach and fully preserve the quality of TaalBoost Dutch language lessons in the online environment.

Are there any other benefits to the online TaalBoost courses? 

Certainly. Next to the fact that it is better for the environment as the additional materials will not be printed, other benefits to the online TaalBoost Dutch language course are:

  • you can enjoy the lesson from the comfort of your own home or any other location or device, as long as you have an internet connection;

  • with the chat function available, you will also work on your Dutch spelling;

  • you will get additional online exercises;

  • the collaboration with other course participants is just as easy as with a traditional course.

I would like to see if the online course is something for me. Do you offer a online trial lesson?

Yes. We are more than happy to demonstrate the possibilities of the online real-time teaching. This can be done during the Online Demo Lesson. Look up the Online Demo Lesson in our Events.

Will you allow infinitely large online groups?

No. The groups are small and usually count from 6 to 8 participants. In order to guarantee the TaalBoost quality of teaching, the group limit is set to 12 participants, just like the case has been with the traditional courses. This number allows a good overview of the participants at the course: the teacher can follow each participant’s progress and provide sufficient individual feedback.

Can I record or rewatch the lesson?

Due to the privacy reasons, it is not possible to record the lesson or rewatch it. For more information on how we handle your data, please read our privacy policy.

What can I do if I miss a online lesson?

It is not ideal to miss a lesson, but just like with the in-class Dutch language courses, you will be instructed which homework needs to be prepared for each lesson. Next to that, you will receive all the necessary handouts by email. Finally, TaalBoost has developed online tests after each chapter where you can (re)assess your Dutch proficiency.

Can I join the online course at any given moment during the day?

No. The lessons are taking place real-time with other course participants and the teacher and can be attended only at the assigned times and dates.

Can I join the course from my phone or tablet as well?

Yes. Although you can enjoy the most features from a laptop, it is possible to join the lesson from any device, as long as you have a fair internet connection.

I am not that tech-savvy. Can I still join the online course?

As long as you have a device that is connected to the internet, you will be able to sign up for the course. 

In What Forms are the online TaalBoost Courses Offered?

You can attend the online TaalBoost Dutch course either as an online Saturday course, an online evening course twice per week, or an online morning course twice per week. 

In What Forms are the in-class TaalBoost Courses Offered?

You can attend the in-class TaalBoost Dutch course either twice a week in the evening at Marnixstraat 80 in Amsterdam, or as a fully in-class one-week intensive Dutch course at A1 or A2 level.

Can I sign up for the course now?

Of course. You can head to the registration page and reserve your spot at the next online or in-class TaalBoost Dutch course now.

I have more questions. How can I come in contact with TaalBoost?

The best and easiest way to contact TaalBoost is through our contact page.