City of Amsterdam & TopTaal

Language & Home Administration

Stella Espitia from Colombia moved to the Netherlands twelve years ago for love. She learned the Dutch language, but also discovered that there are situations where 'everyday Dutch' is not enough. That is why she took the free Language and Personal Financial Administration course.

I have not only improved my Dutch, but also learned very specific things that enable me to better manage my finances. I find it important to continue developing myself in that area as well.

Vocabulary
In the course, which lasts six months, participants learn, for example, how to write a business letter. Stella: 'In those, you use words that I hardly ever use or hear in daily life.' The students also learn how word choice can make a difference when having a business conversation. I cannot make the appointment could be interpreted as if it is impossible to schedule an appointment at all, while it could also mean I cannot make an appointment for this coming Thursday. Both in speaking and in listening to a conversation partner, it is good to know words and understand what they mean in a business context. 'Creating a vocabulary list with specific business terms helps tremendously.'

Not just language
The course is not just about language. 'I also learned a lot about taxes,' says Stella. 'What a benefit is, for example, and which benefits are available. And also the support schemes offered by the municipality. Both in terms of content and how to apply for them. Which forms you need, for instance, and how to fill them out. That is incredibly educational. The combination of both the language and the explanation of the "system" works well because we can immediately apply the things we learn during the language lesson in practice.'

Stella Espitia would like to do an administrative training course in the future. 'This course is already helping me in daily life and is a good stepping stone to the future. I want to keep developing myself.'

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