Preparatory one-year program: Dutch as a Foreign Language in an Academic Context

On the basis of scientific research and more than 25 years of experience Linguapolis, the language institute of the University of Antwerp, has developed methods to teach languages in an effective and motivating way. Our students are taught in stimulating environments and guided by highly skilled teachers. The key characteristics of our program are interaction, a result-orientation approach, and high student engagement.

The one year program Dutch as a Foreign Language in an Academic Context is aimed at non-Dutch-speaking students who want to prepare to enter higher education in Dutch. The program consists of a combination of five language acquisition levels and three modules designed to deepen participants’ knowledge: Academic Study Skills; Culture, Politics and Social Relations; and Dutch Phonetics and Pronunciation.

Program Content

Within language acquisition, Linguapolis starts at absolute beginner-level and finishes at Level 5, with the Interuniversity Test for Dutch as a Foreign Language serving as the final exam. Passing this exam means students comply with the language requirements for higher education and can enrol to study in Dutch at a Flemish university or university college.

The most experienced Linguapolis teachers coach the students both in their language learning process and in their final higher education choices. The programme also comprises cultural activities (museum visits, theatre evenings, a Christmas party, a study trip to Ghent, etc.). Students can participate in Taalmaat, the language buddy programme matching students with Dutch-speaking university students from different faculties. Taalmaat creates the opportunity to practise everyday Dutch with peers in an informal context and realistic setting. The students also get an idea of student life, which will help them prepare optimally for their studies in Flanders.