Hallo! Ik ben Florian.
What is it that drives my unwavering enthusiasm for the Dutch language?
I have a deep passion for teaching Dutch, particularly to highly educated adults and expat children living in the Netherlands.
My teaching approach revolves around interactive and experiential learning, taking place in the real world, outside and face-to-face. Rather than simply being a teacher, my goal is to act as a coach and mentor, guiding each individual towards their language goals. It is through this personalized approach that true magic happens.
But why is this approach necessary? Because we all need a safe and supportive environment to step out of our comfort zones and practice speaking Dutch. This can be particularly daunting, especially when the Netherlands is not yet your home. However, the concept of home is subjective and can differ greatly from one person to another. It could be the presence of family or the support of friends.
In my experience, what truly makes a home is a sense of belonging. And the good news is that we can cultivate this feeling anywhere in the world. However, it requires a conscious choice and effort. That's likely why you found me and why you're here today! 😃👏🏻
You may be wondering how I can empathize with the feeling of not belonging. Well, I too spent a significant part of my life living abroad. I was born in Den Haag, the political capital of the Netherlands, often referred to as the "beautiful city behind the dunes."
During my formative years, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and languages, living in Kinshasa, the Congo, and exploring cities such as Bangkok, Thailand, and Berlin, Germany. These experiences ignited my love for everything foreign, including languages, cultures, landscapes, and nature. It was a time filled with constant movement, excitement, and adventure.
However, upon returning to my supposed home, I felt like a foreigner. I had to relearn how to be a Dutchie in a place that should have felt familiar but didn't. It was a challenging and somewhat traumatic experience. Was I truly Dutch? 🫣
Fortunately, over time, I managed to find my place and embrace my new Dutch identity. I discovered that my time abroad had equipped me with excellent social skills, making it natural for me to connect with people from all walks of life. This was essential, as friendships could be fleeting in such a transient environment.
Learning to ground myself in one place and break free from the constant cycle of movement was a transformative process for my soul. And now, I want to share this learning with you. Going back to the earlier question of what makes a home, to me it all boils down to safety, identity, and a sense of belonging.
Building such foundations takes time, and that's where my coaching comes into play. If you're planning to stay in the Netherlands for the foreseeable future (although we can never predict how life unfolds), and if you're willing to put in the effort to create a home here, then welcome! You are exactly the person I'm looking for. 😃
Even if languages have been challenging for you in the past or if you tend to be shy, don't worry. I have honed my social skills throughout my professional career and have a knack for making people feel safe and welcomed. This is especially important if you've been longing for that feeling of support or have never experienced your mistakes being handled with gentleness. You are in the right place, and it's time for you to gain experiences of unconditional support and welcome, even in a foreign land, even when you make mistakes.
I completely understand how being a beginner can trigger feelings of shame, particularly if you've faced negative feedback in the past or if your efforts have gone unnoticed. We all yearn for acknowledgment and acceptance, especially when we find ourselves in an unfamiliar environment, far from the safety of our birth country. But remember, every journey begins with a single step, and there's no better time than now to start. I'm here to provide you with the encouragement you need from the very beginning.
So, let's embark on this journey of learning Dutch together. And by "embark on a journey," I mean it quite literally! Incorporating physical movement into the learning process can be an effective way to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real-life experiences. Many of my students have attested to their longing for this approach, which is why I've introduced new courses, such as Walking Coaching in Groningen. Not only is it a beautiful metaphor, but it also allows us to confront our fears and tap into our hidden potential for growth.
Let's join forces and go on your new journey together!
Tot snel!
~ Florian