Switch to Dutch
How to speak Dutch with confidence
An evening that will change the way you speak Dutch forever.
15 september 19:00-20:30
You’re smart, successful, and fully capable. You live your life in English with ease. But when it comes to speaking Dutch, something just doesn’t click.
You understand a lot, you’ve studied the grammar, you’ve done all you could in the past years – while also finding your way in your new country.
But when you find yourself at the school gate with other Dutch parents, or in a quick chat with a Dutch neighbor, your mind goes blank.
You want to speak in Dutch, but you feel the pressure rising, your body tenses – and before you know it, you smile politely and switch to English. Again.
And you think: ‘If only I knew more grammar and words…’
Switch to Dutch is your invitation to do things differently. To stop waiting until you feel ‘ready.’ To stop obsessing over perfect grammar. And to finally start speaking Dutch in a way that feels joyful, grounded, and like you.
What is it?
A 90-minute live mindset workshop that helps you break the cycle of shame, disappointment, and switching back to English.
Not grammar drills. Not vocabulary lists.
But practical and powerful tools, mindset shifts, and finally the relief of knowing you're NOT the only one struggling to speak Dutch.
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Why you should come
Real results in no time
You’ll learn my practical 5-step method to start speaking Dutch from a place of confidence — not perfection. This isn’t theoretical. You’ll feel the shift in the room.
A mindset-first approach
This is about the real reason you're not speaking - and it’s NOT a lack of words or grammar.
You’re not alone
This room is full of people just like you: thoughtful, intelligent internationals who have everything together except this one part. You’ll hear your own story in theirs - and you'll stop thinking you're the only one who hasn't figured it out.
You’ll move, laugh and get out of your head.
But most importantly: you’ll speak. In Dutch. Without overthinking it. Without being perfect. Just you, showing up in a light and joyful way that feels so much more LIKE YOU.
Walk-in: 18:45–19:00
Event: 19:00–20:30
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Tickets: €25
Early birds: €20,-
Reviews
"My goal is to bring out your awesomeness.
To get you out of your head and into the flow of speaking - WITH imperfections.
And to show you that you don’t need 10 years of boring grammar courses before you are ‘ready’ to speak.
You are ready.
You just need a little help.
I've got you."
This event is NOT for everyone
It’s for high-achieving internationals who are done playing small. You’ve lived here for years. You built a life, a family, a career. But in Dutch? You still feel like the most insecure version of yourself. It’s exhausting, and you're done with that.
Who this is for
You live in the Netherlands and understand Dutch well, but speaking still feels like a minefield
You’re tired of switching to English and shrinking yourself
You’ve done the courses, the apps, the private lessons — but nothing has touched the real issue. And you’re ready for something radically different.
What my students say after my courses
Hoi!
I’m Mariska, the founder of the Dutch Speaking Academy.
My approach is direct, empowering, and deeply human. With a long background in language teaching and coaching, I help high-achieving internationals move from passive understanding to active speaking.
My clients call my style ‘a breath of fresh air’ and ‘the only thing that ever actually worked.’
This is not a language class.
This is a switch.
From silence to speaking.
From shame to confidence.
Go from “I’ll never speak Dutch” to “Ik kan dit” – in 90 minutes
Veelgestelde Vragen - FAQ
Leeg laten
Dit is voor jou als je veel begrijpt van wat je leest en hoort. Je hebt B1 niveau of hoger voor lezen en luisteren (en misschien ook al schrijven), maar voor spreken geef je jezelf een milde A2… En dat is precies waar deze dag over gaat (what this day is about): we gaan de volgende stap zetten naar dat volgende niveau in spreken!
Check podcasts. Kan je mij goed begrijpen? Dan is je passieve kennis (passive knowledge) van het Nederlands al op B1 niveau en dan kan je komen!
Het komt goed. Je bent niet alleen. We doen dit samen. Ik weet zeker dat ook jij aan het einde van de dag durft te spreken en met een goed gevoel de deur uit loopt. (I’m positive that at the end of the day you will dare to speak Dutch and that you’ll walk out the door feeling great!)
Spreken spreken spreken. Het is een actieve avond, je zal niet de hele dag zitten. We lachen, we bewegen (move), we verbinden (connect).
Via de knoppen op deze pagina!
