Regional initiatives “Share the language of our home”
From Hello to Houdoe!
The Brainport region is growing and changing. More and more people from different backgrounds are living and working here together. That is something to be proud of — but it also requires connection. And that starts with understanding each other, literally and figuratively.
On this page, you will find initiatives that bring people closer together through language. From neighbourhood gatherings to language buddies at work: they all help to make the Brainport region a place where everyone can feel at home.
Language support in the neighbourhood
Meedoen in de Wijken helps Eindhoven residents with a foreign background to improve their Dutch language skills and actively participate in society.
Volunteer language coaches practise with participants in a group or one-on-one, usually for six months to a year. The focus is on personal goals – from going to the doctor on their own to finding work.
After six months, participants can move on to a participation programme, in which they continue to build their future together with a coach.
Click here for 'Meedoen in de Wijken'
Language Café in the Library
Learning to speak Dutch by doing it, that's the idea behind the Language Café.
Do you still find it difficult to hold a conversation? Would you like to practise with others? Then come to the Language Café in Eindhoven or Waalre.
Small groups discuss all kinds of topics. Anything is possible: a visit to the supermarket, a parent-teacher meeting at school or a birthday visit to a neighbour. In a pleasant setting, without a lesson plan.
Would you like to know more about the Language Café? Then visit the Library's website.
Click here for language cafés!
Language buddy via Taalpunt040
Taalpunt040 is there for anyone in Eindhoven who is looking for help in improving their Dutch language skills (reading, writing, speaking), numeracy and digital skills (working with computers).
The volunteers refer residents to the right programme in Eindhoven that suits their learning needs and level.
Click here for Language buddies
Homewards – discover Eindhoven together
New to the region or just want to get to know Eindhoven better? Homewards brings locals and internationals together to discover the city and each other over a period of three months. During three fun events, you will meet new people, receive weekly tips from real Eindhoven experts, and build a community where everyone feels at home.
Homewards strengthens social cohesion by focusing on meeting people: talking, laughing and discovering together – the language will follow naturally.
Join Homewards!
Language coach & Language café Valkenswaard
Would you like to improve your Dutch speaking and comprehension skills? Practice helps!
At this language café in Valkenswaard, you can enjoy pleasant conversations at your own level. You practise speaking and listening about everyday topics, such as work, hobbies and health. Sometimes we also play language games. The language café is not a lesson, but a fun way to learn Dutch better. Even if you are already taking a language course or are going to integrate.
A language coach is a volunteer who helps you speak or write in Dutch. You meet at home or at another location. You usually work together for a year. By practising regularly, you learn more quickly.
Visit this initiative in Valkenswaard
Get a language volunteer
Would you like to improve your Dutch and are you taking NT2 lessons (or have you finished your lessons)? Then you can get a language volunteer. It is important that you already speak a little Dutch. Together, you decide when and where you will meet. LEV has materials to make practising more fun and easier.
The language coach helps residents to speak and understand Dutch better. You decide together what you want to do: talk about school or work, read together, have a cup of coffee, go for a walk or visit the library – anything is possible!
More about this language volunteer
Talk to me in Dutch!
Learning Dutch is essential to feeling at home, but that's not always easy when almost everyone speaks English.
The ‘Talk Dutch to me!’ buttons are a simple, fun way to encourage locals to speak Dutch with internationals, even if their Dutch isn't perfect yet. By wearing the button, internationals show that they are eager to practise and learn, and locals know that it's okay to continue the conversation in Dutch.
It's a small gesture with a big impact on integration and connection. Available at the Holland Expat Centre South!
Talk to me in Dutch!
Spiektas
The Spiektas was created in collaboration with Spiekkleding and is a creative and practical way to promote learning Dutch. Each bag features more than 50 useful Dutch phrases with translations, so that internationals can learn new words anywhere.
The Spiektas is more than just a bag; it is a conversation starter and a fun reminder that you can learn Dutch anywhere, anytime.
Read more about SpiektasOther initiatives in your area?
Would you like to know if there are any activities organised in your municipality or neighbourhood to practise the Dutch language?
Then take a look at:
It starts with newcomers