Meet Our Partner - Language Institute Regina Coeli

As an international there are a lot of steps to figure out in order to make your dream of working and living in the Netherlands a reality. It can be overwhelming to try and decipher the Dutch system and to know who to turn to for help. Although our focus at Undutchables is on helping you find a job, we know that getting established in the Netherlands involves more than just landing a great new position. That's why we have teamed up with some great companies that can assist you with the other steps of the process. We interviewed one of our partners this week and want to give you a chance to get to know them and learn about their services as well, so without further ado, let us introduce our Dutch language course partner - Language Institute Regina Coeli.

1. What is Language Institute Regina Coeli?

Language Institute Regina Coeli is the leading institute when it comes to learning a foreign language in a short period of time.

We are often referred to as 'the Nuns of Vught'. We owe this name to the nuns who founded the language institute in 1963. Because the first students achieved such remarkable results, the story soon spread that if you really wanted to learn a language well, you had to go to 'the Nuns of Vught'.

Although the nuns have not been teaching for some time now, their dedication, hospitality and interest in people are deeply rooted in our organisation. These enduring values are demonstrated by our more than 200 employees, who come from over twenty different countries and work daily to get the most out of every student.

2. Why do you do what you do?

The mission of Regina Coeli is to teach people to speak other languages and understand other cultures, to offer employees a pleasant working environment, and to generate enough dividend for the shareholder to make social impact.

We believe that language connects people and sets them in motion. Regina Coeli teaches people to communicate better in foreign languages. In addition, we give our course members something even more valuable: self-confidence. Those who dare to bring out the best in themselves work more effectively, achieve better results, and attain personal success.

3. Which products/services do you offer?

Regina Coeli offers intensive training in ten different languages: Arabic, Chinese, German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. We deliver customised programmes and offer a unique mix of private lessons, multimedia exercises, and independent study hours. This we do at our institute in Vught, a place where peace, order, and rhythm rule. It is a meeting place for people who want to focus on their personal and professional development in an international setting.

4. What is the current market like in your industry?

We notice a strong demand for language training in Dutch and English. This is due to labour market shortages and a strong tendency to speak English in almost all parts of the service industry. Compared to a few years ago the market of language training is richer because of innovative apps such as Duolingo and translation tools.

5. What are your unique selling points for the international community?

• Expert coaching
  During your training, you are coached by native speakers. They support you in developing your language skills, cultural awareness and communication style.
• Flow through intensity
  Our training courses are intensive. You work on and in the language from early in the morning until late in the evening, usually for several days in a row.
• Quality
  We are known for outstanding results and high customer satisfaction.

6. What has been your most memorable moment working with internationals?

A little while ago I attended a meeting with vets from all over Europe. They were about to start their Dutch language training because they had moved to the Netherlands. In one of the assignments they were asked to talk about their heroes. Almost all of them shared a story about an important family member, such as grandparents or a dad, who believed in them and put aside money so they could study and eventually start a career outside their country. I was touched by their gratitude and eagerness to start a new life. For them, learning Dutch is a logical step that seems rewarding from the very first moment.

7. Do you have any industry tips for our readers?

Tips for learning the Dutch language (or whichever language you are learning at the moment): 

• Envision the possibilities when your Dutch proficiency escalates. Engaging in professional dialogues, composing eloquent emails, mingling effortlessly with native Dutch speakers - imagine how this would make you feel. More confident? More accomplished? Visualise this clarity; it's your fuel to attain your goal.
• Create a secure environment to navigate your language journey. One way to do this is by choosing individual lessons that foster experimentation without the pressure of a group setting.
• Sharing your language learning plan increases its likelihood of success. It fosters a sense of commitment, motivating you to persevere and share your triumph with those in the loop.
• Language thrives in human interactions. Immerse yourself, not only in listening to native speakers but observing their articulation. Embrace corrections until you've mastered pronunciation.