InFluent: Utrecht (Central Holland)

I'd taken a good Dutch grammar class but had zero experience speaking the language. Immediately upon arriving, the instructor and his wife made me feel at home.

The morning grammar lessons were a needed and welcome review, but the afternoon conversations and discussions were what really helped me.

One of the lessons that I really enjoyed was reading a newspaper article aloud and then discussing it with Klaas. We would ask each other questions, and sometimes the topic would shift. Just like at home.

I liked it that Klaas felt comfortable with me enough to introduce me to his friends, and that his wife, Nannie, was open to sharing her stories. It all helped me learn the language better.

My knowledge of German, which kept getting slotted into my Dutch, frustrated me. Klaas was patient.

With my guest family I felt at home. The couple and their family and friends were alle nice and interesting people. The artistic environment was fitting since I myself work in this area. The teacher Machtelt ia a great person and showed me around in Amersfoort. We had interesting walks around the city and have seen some exhibitions. I got a very close look at the Dutch life and culture. I did some progress in the language too. The housing was fine, the location of the house great, near a park and the city center. The husband of my teacher is a great cook, so we had great dinners in the evening.