Internationale professionals
Turn your STEM experience into a teaching career in the Netherlands
Internationals voor de klas is a structured programme that supports international STEM professionals living in Brabant to explore, train for, and qualify as secondary-school teachers in the Dutch education system.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is specifically designed for internationally educated STEM professionals who are considering teaching in the Netherlands but lack familiarity with the Dutch education system, language requirements, or certification pathways.
You are a good fit if:
- You hold a higher-education degree (HBO or University) in a STEM field
- (e.g. mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, chemistry, biology)
- You live in Brabant or are willing to teach in the Brainport region
- You are an international or spouse with the right to work in the Netherlands
- You are motivated to learn Dutch and integrate into the Dutch school system
You do not need:
- A Dutch teaching qualification
- Prior teaching experience
- Fluency in Dutch at the start of the programme
Many participants start with limited knowledge of Dutch education or classroom teaching. The programme is intentionally designed to lower the entry barrier while maintaining high professional standards.
The programme structure: 3 phases explained
Internationals voor de klas is not a single course, but a guided trajectory consisting of three consecutive phases. Each phase has a distinct goal, time commitment, and decision point.
FAQ-page
Activate Track
Orientation (3–6 months)
Purpose: The Activate Track helps you determine whether teaching in the Netherlands is the right professional path for you, before committing to long-term training.
What this phase focuses on
- Understanding how Dutch secondary education works
- Experiencing the classroom environment firsthand
- Assessing your personal suitability for teaching
- Building a foundation in the Dutch language
What you will do
- Participate in school shadowing days, observing experienced teachers
- Attend workshops on:
- The Dutch education system
- Classroom dynamics and student behaviour
- The role of teachers in Dutch society
- Start Dutch language training, aiming for B1 level
- Receive individual guidance and feedback, including a suitability assessment
Time commitment
Approximately 1–2 days per week, designed to be compatible with other work or family responsibilities.
Outcome of the Activate Track
- A well-informed decision: continue into teaching or explore other paths
- Clear advice on next steps
- Language foundation for further training
- There is no obligation to continue after this phase.
Upskill Track
Learning by teaching (6–12 months)
Purpose: The Upskill Track bridges theory and practice by placing you in a real school environment while you develop teaching skills, pedagogy, and language proficiency.
What this phase focuses on
- Gaining real classroom experience
- Developing didactic and pedagogical skills
- Strengthening professional Dutch (up to C1)
- Integrating into the Dutch school culture
What you will do
- Complete an internship at a local secondary school (2–3 days per week in the classroom). School placements match your academic background and include support from an experienced school mentor
- Participate in pedagogy and didactics workshops
- Receive coaching from experienced teachers
- Continue intensive Dutch language training, focused on subject-specific terminology
- Join a professional learning community with other (international) teachers in training
Outcome of the Upskill Track
- Proven classroom experience in the Dutch system
- Readiness for formal teacher training
- Strong professional Dutch language skills
Certification Track
Becoming a fully qualified Dutch teacher (12–24 months)
Purpose: This phase leads to an official Dutch teaching qualification, allowing you to teach anywhere in the Netherlands.
What this phase focuses on
- Formal teacher education
- Advanced subject didactics
- Professional teaching practice
- Long-term employability
What you will do
- Enrol in a formal teacher-training programme at TU/e or Fontys
- Combine theoretical training with teaching practice at a school (usually 2–3 days/week)
- Receive weekly coaching and supervision
- Progress toward either a first- or second-degree teaching qualification, depending on your background
Outcome of the Certification Track
- Official, nationally recognised Dutch teaching qualification
- Strong employment prospects in secondary education
If your question has not been answered, please take a look at the FAQ page via the link below.