News & tips

As I hurried up the steps to the DUO building for my very first inburgering exam, I couldn’t helpbut feel a rush of nervous energy.

Oh, how I love spring! The sweet, fresh smell of flowers in the air. And the spring storms that blow all the blossoms of the trees at once. The smell of hope and new beginnings.

We’ve been there before: sitting in a meeting, nodding along as our English-speaking colleagues present their ideas, all while secretly hoping no one will ask us a question.

For native Dutch speakers, learning English can be a valuable asset both professionally and personally. Whether you’re looking to improve your job prospects or simply expand your global communication skills, these five tips will help you achieve your goals.

Are you tired of using the same old phrases in your everyday English conversations? Do you want to add some spice to your communication style? If so, you’re in luck!

Do you often feel left behind and frustrated during international business meetings or while giving presentations in English due to limited business English skills? You’re not alone. Effective communication in business English is crucial for success in global teams in today’s interconnected world.

5 Tips to learn business English in no time Learning business English is worth it. Why? You express yourself better and others understand you better. This will give you more self-confidence. How do you learn business English? And how do you do that as quickly as possible? Besides business English language training, you can also […]

Do you want to be able to communicate with more confidence and ease at work? Do you ever feel insecure on the phone?

Do you want to be able to communicate with more confidence and ease at work? Do you ever feel insecure on the phone?

Huis Marseille is Amsterdam’s first photography museum. Student Katarina and I both arrive by bike and park on Keizersgracht 401.

I can’t speak English (YET)! The benefits of learning English as a second language We know that children learn languages easily, they pick it up naturally, right? It’s a lot harder for adults, isn’t it? For example, it can be a real challenge if you suddenly have to do your work in a different language. […]

Naomi’s tips for learning Spanish in Buenos Aires When I moved to Argentina nine months ago, I thought I would learn Spanish in a heartbeat and be a an absolute pro by now. Well, as we say in Dutch, ‘Ik kwam van een koude kermis thuis.’ (Literally translated as ‘I came home from a cold […]

Many students who choose Flowently for learning Dutch are keen travelers and appreciate the alternation of online with live, cultural sessions. So does David. He is interested in history, culture, art and sports. So we chose to visit the Grachtenmuseum Amsterdam which is dedicated to 400 years of Amsterdam canal history.

Up till now the sessions I had with student Duane were in a café in town or online, but today we are going for a different approach. He’s already seen the most famous museums in Amsterdam; van Gogh, Rijks- and Stedelijk museum but today I invited him to a photography expo and here we are at FOAM, located on the stately Keizersgracht in a historical building.

You’re a working professional overseas and the language you speak at work has changed from your mother tongue to English. Your English is pretty good but you now and then realize that speaking English on a daily basis in a professional context can be a challenge. Presentations, meetings, phone calls and conversations in the hallway, you’re always alert how you are perceived by others. What is the influence of this new working language on your communication skills? And how about your accent, no problem at all or a struggle?

Due to staff shortages in the healthcare sector, hospitals and healthcare institutions are increasingly recruiting employees from other countries, within and outside the European Union. Foreign healthcare personnel are not only confronted with a different language but also a different culture. Flowently will ensure that your healthcare staff understands both and can get started quickly.

For businesses seeking to expand their footprint beyond their local market, the use of English as the official business language is a strategic transition that can be a catalyst for exponential growth. This seemingly straightforward decision, however, has some change-related implications that warrant consideration.

These implications notwithstanding, we believe that adopting a new language should be an exciting adventure. One which Flowently is eager to guide you through. In this blog, we will unpack some of the complexities of changing business language and advise you on how this transition can be better managed.

Today, my tech handyman Martijn – the rock in my online branding – came by because of a printer problem that was solved spontaneously the moment he walked in.