Linda
Language Trainers: What language(s) do you teach? Why did you choose a career in teaching?
Linda: I teach Dutch and, occasionally, German upon request. My teaching career started unexpectedly while I was looking for remote work during the pandemic. Over time, I discovered the joy of seeing my long-term students grow. Most of them are already living in the Netherlands, and while it’s always bittersweet when it’s time to part ways, it makes me proud to see them ready to work in a Dutch-speaking environment, enroll in university, or confidently speak with their neighbors!
Language Trainers: Tell us about your teaching qualifications and history.
Linda: Language was always my strongest subject in school, so I first studied Modern Languages with a minor in German, followed by an Applied Linguistics program. This included modules on learning methods, teaching children, balancing grammar, and designing materials. Additionally, I completed three modules focused on the practical aspects of teaching NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language). Alongside my studies, I have been teaching Dutch for nearly five years.
Language Trainers: What attracted you to teach with Language Trainers?
Linda: Language Trainers actually reached out to me on the webIndeed—I had completely forgotten I even had a profile there! From the very first contact, it was clear that the team is professional, approachable, and proactive in managing relationships between students and teachers.
Language Trainers: What is your favorite thing about working with Language Trainers?
Linda: The ease of communication with the team. Whatever the question, I always receive a quick and efficient response. I was also very impressed by how the advisors at Language Trainers helped outline a course plan for a new student. It gave me an idea of what the student was expecting, even before we met, and helped us build a structured path for improving his Dutch.
Language Trainers: What do you look for in a student?
Linda: I love working with students who are highly motivated and curious about learning. And please, ask me questions! I enjoy learning new things about my own language. One of my current students doesn’t share a common language with me, which forces me to be creative in explaining difficult Dutch words using simpler Dutch terms. I love the challenge!
Language Trainers: What should students expect from you as their teacher?
Linda: Language learning should involve a little bit of everything—and as much of it as possible! To keep things varied, I usually divide lessons into different segments, including free conversation, answering student questions, reviewing previous material, practicing grammar, and discussing different topics. The structure is flexible and adjusts to each student’s preferences and focus.
Language Trainers: Describe your most memorable teaching experience with Language Trainers.
Linda: Being a teacher and an Applied Linguistics graduate, I had certain expectations about which learning techniques work best. That was until I met a student with his own unique method that made me question how much I really know! He learns Dutch by watching Japanese anime in English with Dutch subtitles, then Dutch with English subtitles, comparing the translations and repeating the lines over and over again. Does it work? Too early to tell, but with his dedication… probably, yes!?
Language Trainers: Why should students enroll in a language course with Language Trainers?
Linda: Online learning allows for real-time improvisation and adaptation to students’ needs. This hands-on and flexible approach is one of the biggest advantages of one-to-one lessons with Language Trainers. Their course coordinators are incredibly attentive and skilled at matching students with the best teachers.
Language Trainers: Tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favorite expression you ask your students to learn.
Linda: For English-speaking students, Dutch is actually one of the easiest languages to learn. There are many similarities in vocabulary (dank je = thank you, goedemorgen = good morning, mijn naam is... = my name is...), as well as the alphabet and sentence structure. If you’re looking for a language that won’t make your brain explode (okay, it might a little), Dutch is a great choice!
