Learning a new language can feel like whispering into the void, hoping for a response. In the Netherlands, express even the slightest desire to Learn In Dutch, and you’ll inevitably be told: “Go see the nuns.” Whether you’re struggling with street signs or mispronouncing basic phrases, the advice to “GO SEE THE NUNS!” echoes as the ultimate solution for language learners.
But who are these enigmatic ‘nuns’, and how did a quest to learn in Dutch lead to a week of intensive language immersion?
My Urgent Need to Learn in Dutch
My journey began in 2019 when I moved to the Netherlands, initially settling in a quaint village north of Amsterdam. Despite the Netherlands boasting high English proficiency – even ranking in the top cities globally – life in a rural Dutch community presented a linguistic challenge. I arrived just before Brexit to secure residency, and shortly after, the pandemic hit, disrupting plans to relocate to the city.
Suddenly, I was an expat island in a sea of Dutch speakers, utterly clueless about their language. Learning Dutch wasn’t just a hobby; it became a necessity. While the villagers were welcoming, the isolation was profound. Navigating daily life, understanding cultural nuances, and simply making friends felt impossible without grasping the local tongue. I felt stranded, unable to connect, and increasingly frustrated. “If only I could learn Dutch instantly,” I lamented, desperately seeking a solution.
This desperation led me to ‘the nuns’.
Discovering the ‘Nuns’ of Vught’: A Path to Learn Dutch
Regina Coeli, located in Vught, is renowned as a leading language institute specializing in rapid language acquisition. Colloquially known as ‘the Nuns of Vught’, this nickname pays homage to the nuns who established the school in 1963. Their intensive and effective methods quickly made “going to the nuns” synonymous with serious language learning, particularly for those aiming to learn Dutch quickly and effectively.
While the original nuns no longer teach, Regina Coeli now employs a diverse team of over 200 language experts from around the globe. They offer courses in ten languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Whispers of famous alumni, including royalty and prominent sports figures – especially football managers needing to learn Dutch for their new teams – add to the institute’s mystique.
Intrigued, and frankly desperate to learn Dutch, I decided to investigate.
Facing a Hurdle: My Mindset for Learning Dutch
Regina Coeli isn’t a language learning center for the casually curious. They require an intake interview to assess a candidate’s suitability for their intensive programs. To my surprise, I initially didn’t pass.
The interviewer, a kind woman, gently explained, “I believe you are too angry to learn Dutch right now. You seem to resent the language and the perceived obligation to learn it. Learning is hindered when desire is absent.”
I was taken aback. Resentment? Perhaps. Frustration? Absolutely. I resented being told I couldn’t access this potential ‘magic bullet’ to learn Dutch and solve my integration challenges instantly.
Swallowing my frustration, I somehow managed to convince her I was eager, not enraged (a slight exaggeration), and genuinely motivated to learn Dutch (truthful). In October 2021, I was accepted for a week-long intensive Dutch course.
Can You Really Learn Dutch in a Week?
Let’s be realistic: fluency in a week is a myth. However, significant progress is achievable. In a week at Regina Coeli, you can build a solid foundation in Dutch. You grasp the fundamental rules, understand sentence structure, and begin to decipher the logic of the language. This newfound framework greatly improves comprehension, even if fluent speaking remains a longer-term goal. Crucially, you gain confidence in pronunciation and overcome the initial fear of speaking Dutch aloud.
My five days at Regina Coeli were a blend of individual lessons, group sessions, and multimedia self-study. Days were demanding, stretching from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, punctuated by a lunch break. Around twenty students were focused on learning Dutch alongside me, representing diverse nationalities and skill levels. Some were complete beginners, like myself, while others were advanced learners aiming for polished professional Dutch. The contrast was sometimes humorous – hearing someone flawlessly practice corporate jargon in English in the next booth while I stammered through basic Dutch greetings.
The course intensity is no exaggeration. Wednesday is known as the breaking point. Brain fatigue sets in, exhaustion is palpable, yet two more full days of Dutch immersion remain. Frustration and vulnerability mix with a strange sense of exhilaration.
Was the Intensive Dutch Course Worth It?
Unequivocally, yes.
The cost of Regina Coeli courses can be substantial for individuals, with many attendees sponsored by their companies. I justified it as a freelance business expense, reasoning that improved Dutch skills would benefit my career. Considering the hours of personalized instruction, access to specialized learning resources, all-inclusive accommodation and meals, and even gym and massage chairs, the value proposition is compelling, especially if you can offset the expense.
Although prior basic Dutch knowledge is recommended, even as a complete novice, I gained significant ground. The language felt less daunting. Being compelled to speak Dutch aloud boosted my confidence and diminished my fear of making mistakes. Re-entering a structured learning environment was also surprisingly enjoyable. Sharing the experience with other expats, all navigating the challenges of learning Dutch, fostered camaraderie. We were united by the shared bizarre yet bonding experience of being intensely taught Dutch in a former convent.
However, the most profound takeaway was the intake interviewer’s insight: negativity hinders learning. Resentment, frustration, anger, and fear are significant barriers to acquiring new skills, including learning Dutch.
Wiser After the ‘Nuns’: A New Perspective on Learning Dutch
I initially sought the ‘nuns’ to ‘fix’ my situation. Fluency in Dutch would undoubtedly simplify life. However, it wouldn’t have addressed the underlying issue: adjusting to a major life change and accepting that reality often diverges from expectations.
I left Regina Coeli realizing that while I couldn’t learn Dutch fluently in a week, I could make significant progress. Starting was the key. This realization extended beyond language learning; it applied to other aspects of my life in the Netherlands. Moving to Amsterdam and embracing the experiences that initially drew me to the country became my focus. Quick fixes rarely yield lasting change; sustained effort and a positive mindset are essential.
So, thank you, ‘nuns’. My Dutch still has room for improvement a year later, but my fear and frustration have significantly diminished. I am now actively learning Dutch with a more positive and patient approach.
