🙋🏼‍♂️About Me
Hallo! Ik ben Florian.
I’m the heart behind Safe Haven Dutch Coaching — a personalized language and integration service designed especially for expat and Third Culture Kid (TCK) children living in Groningen.
After years of teaching Dutch to adults, I’ve refocused my mission on the ones who often need it most: international children adjusting to a new life, language, and school system. My goal is simple — to help your child not only learn Dutch, but truly feel at home here.
💬A Language Journey That’s Playful, Purposeful, and Personal
Learning Dutch shouldn't feel like a chore — especially not for kids. My sessions are built around playful, interactive, real-world learning, tailored to each child’s age, language level, and personality.
Think: learning to ask for needs and wants by playing market with toy gems, engaging in imaginative play with a bus driver and asking for the next stop, and even going on cultural outings where the language comes to life—such as to the Groninger Forum, which is rich with exciting ways for your children to safely interact with Dutch (with your presence nearby, of course!). A fun outing for both you and your kids.
I don’t just teach vocabulary — I coach children in confidence, communication, and connection, helping foster a safe new haven for them here in The Netherlands.
🌱More Than Language: Creating a Sense of Home
Grounding myself in the Netherlands taught me that home isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling of safety, identity, and belonging.
That’s what I want to give your child. Every session is designed not only to teach Dutch, but to build resilience, emotional safety, and social ease. Whether your child is new to the country, starting Dutch school, or somewhere in between, I provide the soft landing they need to adapt and grow.
đź§A Holistic Approach for TCKs
Safe Haven Dutch Coaching blends NT2 language learning with emotional and social integration — all rooted in a gentle, child-centered coaching philosophy.
Inspired by a holistic view of well-being, I focus on nurturing each child’s inner confidence, language fluency, and sense of connection — in a way that respects all cultural backgrounds and honors the whole child.
Please note: My coaching provides educational and emotional support and is not a substitute for therapy. I focus on language acquisition, cultural integration, and fostering well-being within an educational context. If deeper concerns arise, I always refer to licensed professionals.
🛡️Your Child’s Safety Comes First
At Safe Haven Dutch Coaching, your child’s safety and well-being are really important to me. I work with clear boundaries, keep parents in the loop, and do everything I can to create a space that feels safe and supportive. I have a current VOG (Dutch certificate of good conduct) and First Aid certification for children, so I’m prepared if anything unexpected happens.
I also take privacy seriously. Any info you share is stored safely and only used with your permission. It’s all about building trust — so you and your child can feel at ease from day one.
đź‘ŞWho I Work With
My services are focused on:
- Expat children aged 4–16 attending Dutch or international schools
- Third Culture Kids navigating school and social life in a new language
- Families planning a longer stay in the Netherlands who want their children to truly thrive — not just “get by”
đź’¬What Parents Say
"At Safe Haven my daughter had a wonderful learning experience. Florian was always supportive and patient and now she is thriving with her newly achieved Dutch skills. As parents, we found critical to expose her to Dutch so she could speak with friends at school. She felt so confident with her Dutch teaching that now she does German as her second language. She never doubted her new skills achieved thanks to Florian. Thank you so much!"
- Mariella, Mother of Nina
"Florian has a thoughtful and professional approach to Dutch Lessons for young children. When my daughter began lessons with Florian, she had no knowledge of Dutch, either in speaking or understanding. She quickly grew to love his lessons and eagerly looked forward to them each week. Florian took the time to personalize his lesson plans to match her unique needs. His own experience as an international in a foreign country gave him valuable insight into the challenges she faces as a young international student. After just a few lessons, her Dutch improved so much that she started making more Dutch friends at school. We greatly appreciate his professionalism and his gentle, thoughtful approach to teaching young children."
- Yoshi, Father of Kate
"Florian's approach has been really great while working with our 7 year old. The lessons are rooted in play and connection while instruction is catered to meet their skill level. Lessons are well-planned and our child, who tends to take their time to warm up to new people, looks forward to the lessons."
- Taylor, Father
đź“ťPricing
For my current hourly rate, please contact me.
After a short intake, I'll:
- send you a detailed quote within 48 hours that's based on your child's needs
- Always keep in mind your family's financial situation
- Provide you with a full-fledged, preliminary learning plan
📨Ready to Help Your Child Flourish in Groningen?
If you're seeking Dutch coaching that’s more than just grammar — coaching that supports your child’s whole experience — let’s connect using the form below, or reach out via WhatsApp or Email.
Or reach out directly:
(My full website with detailed services, resources, and online booking is coming soon!)