Smiling Dutchman
Learn Dutch with Confidence in Belgium
Are you an expat in Belgium ready to truly understand and speak Dutch? Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve, our tailored online lessons help you learn at your own pace, wherever you are.
With flexible, engaging classes and experienced, supportive teachers, you’ll quickly gain the confidence to follow conversations, read everyday texts, and connect with your surroundings. Plus, our friendly instructors are always within reach via email or WhatsApp, so you’re never learning alone.
Start your Dutch journey today and make the most of life in Belgium.
Join now or discover the Smiling Dutchman’s teaching approach below!
Are you an expat in Belgium ready to truly understand and speak Dutch? Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve, our tailored online lessons help you learn at your own pace, wherever you are.
With flexible, engaging classes and experienced, supportive teachers, you’ll quickly gain the confidence to follow conversations, read everyday texts, and connect with your surroundings. Plus, our friendly instructors are always within reach via email or WhatsApp, so you’re never learning alone.
Start your Dutch journey today and make the most of life in Belgium.
Join now or discover the Smiling Dutchman’s teaching approach below!
Smiling Dutchman language courses in a nutshell
How does it work? - Availability & Intake
Just give us a sign and we will respond with options for a live - online intake.
You deserve the attention! You need before enrolling in any course and there should be more than enough space to ask any
questions you may have on the spot.
Just give us a sign and we will respond with options for a live - online intake.
You deserve the attention! You need before enrolling in any course and there should be more than enough space to ask any
questions you may have on the spot.
After this intake, you and your teacher will agree on a date for a
first lesson and, if you like, look for a fixed day each week/two weeks/month to have your Dutch
course.
Where most people thrive on regularity, your teacher does not mind to suit the teaching
schedule to your irregular working times as well.
You are the star of the show here, so you decide
what works best for you!
first lesson and, if you like, look for a fixed day each week/two weeks/month to have your Dutch
course.
Where most people thrive on regularity, your teacher does not mind to suit the teaching
schedule to your irregular working times as well.
You are the star of the show here, so you decide
what works best for you!
Learning Dutch should be fun and rewarding!
The Smiling Dutchman believes in a friendly learning environment in which each student can thrive, click below to learn more!
About the instructor
Bally Bakker is the Smiling Dutchman
He is a certified Dutch instructor and (in)company trainer who teaches with a smile and a positive attitude. Bally has an academic and real world background in communications and educational sciences. This makes his knowledge about designing training sessions and creating educational material above average. Additionally, Bally has a diploma of Dutch language teaching.
Bally has worked with several language institutions in The Hague and Rotterdam. He specialises in working with expats and has taught employees from companies such as Domino's Pizza, Oracle, Shell and Unilever .
The fact that he has also taught in the civic integration program – where he conducted exam training, teacher training and ordinary civic integration courses – demonstrates his ability to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Bally works in various language related fields, from simple language training to complicated business training sessions.
Dutch can be a challenging language to learn. However, Bally's informal yet structured method has proved to be very effective. He is a Dutch native who has mastered the language and knows the Dutch culture in detail. He tries to ensure a thorough understanding of every student's needs but will still challenge them to learn more and aims to create a social learning environment where questions and conversations are encouraged. Bally's enthusiasm and love for teaching makes learning Dutch fun!
He is a certified Dutch instructor and (in)company trainer who teaches with a smile and a positive attitude. Bally has an academic and real world background in communications and educational sciences. This makes his knowledge about designing training sessions and creating educational material above average. Additionally, Bally has a diploma of Dutch language teaching.
Bally has worked with several language institutions in The Hague and Rotterdam. He specialises in working with expats and has taught employees from companies such as Domino's Pizza, Oracle, Shell and Unilever .
The fact that he has also taught in the civic integration program – where he conducted exam training, teacher training and ordinary civic integration courses – demonstrates his ability to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Bally works in various language related fields, from simple language training to complicated business training sessions.
Dutch can be a challenging language to learn. However, Bally's informal yet structured method has proved to be very effective. He is a Dutch native who has mastered the language and knows the Dutch culture in detail. He tries to ensure a thorough understanding of every student's needs but will still challenge them to learn more and aims to create a social learning environment where questions and conversations are encouraged. Bally's enthusiasm and love for teaching makes learning Dutch fun!
Language Course Information
The Smiling Dutchman - How does it work?
Just give us a sign and we will respond with options for a live online intake. You deserve the attention you need before enrolling in any course and there should be more than enough space to ask any questions you may have on the spot. After this intake, you and your teacher will agree on a date for a first lesson and, if you like, look for a fixed day each week/two weeks/month to have your Dutch course. Where most people thrive on regularity, your teacher does not mind to suit the teaching schedule to your irregular working times as well. You are the star of the show here, so you decide what works best for you!
When do you have time for me?
The scheduling options for your Dutch course are typically flexible to accommodate your needs. You can often choose from various time slots throughout the week, allowing you to have lessons that fit
your busy lifestyle.
Whether you prefer morning, afternoon, or evening classes, there should always be options that
work for you. After all, it's all about your personal learning experience, and we don't want to waste
your precious time. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking directly with your Dutch language teacher. The Smiling Dutchman wishes you a happy learning experience!
Why Choose Our Online Dutch Lessons?
Personalized Approach: Your learning style and goals matter! We customize our lessons to ensure you progress at your own pace and focus on what matters most to you. If you have questions on the
way, there is no need to wait for the next lesson. You can just ask and receive an answer through e-mail or even via WhatsApp.
Flexible Scheduling: With busy expat life, we understand the importance of flexibility. Choose lesson times that fit seamlessly into your schedule, whether you prefer mornings, afternoons, or sometimes even evenings.
Experienced Instructors: Our passionate and skilled teachers are used to working with busy
professionals, from different international companies, operating in different levels of the companies.
They are not only experts in the Dutch language, but also familiar with the expat experience in
Belgium. They I'll provide cultural insights that allow you to connect deeper with your new home!
Interactive Learning: Engage in dynamic lessons that include real-life scenarios, conversations, and fun activities to make learning enjoyable and effective.
From mastering essential phrases for everyday life to exploring the nuances of the Belgian culture, our classes will empower you to communicate confidently and fully enjoy your time in Belgium.
Our services
Tailor made 1-on-1 Dutch courses at the office or from home
Each student has a different way of learning. Some are more prone to learning through communication, whilst others rather gain knowledge by using more classic methods. Therefore, the Smiling Dutchman carefully designs learning environments in which each student can thrive. He uses individualised instruction to address the learning challenges of each and every student and he will teach you wherever you feel most comfortable, at a place that is convenient for you.
Learning to use the Dutch language with self confidence and trust
With the Smiling Dutchman you can learn Dutch in a way that suits you; in a classroom, at work, at home or at another preferred location; with friends, in a group of people, with your family or in 1-on-1 sessions. The Smiling Dutchman will always strive to make your experience in learning Dutch as comfortable as possible, adjusted to your needs. In our (virtual) classroom, you can say what you want to say, do what you want to do and especially make the mistakes you need to make in order to reach your goals.
(in-company) Group courses
Prefer learning with friends, colleagues or with other students? Want to be able to communicate with like-minded people? Contact the smiling Dutchman and he will let you know as soon as he has a group of people that might suit you.
Individual Skype sessions
Hungover, business abroad, maternity leave or you just don’t feel like physically meeting up? The Smiling Dutchman will make sure you can keep on learning and the lessons can take place via Microsoft Teams, Skype, WhatsApp or any other medium of your preference.
Dutch courses on the spot
Your brain learns through association. Therefore, many people believe it would be best to learn on the spot; at places where you will use the things you study. Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to go places instead of only being in the classroom? During our lessons this can be made possible.
Casually learning basic Dutch and improving your Dutch skills while having fun
If your focus is on getting to know new people and having fun and learning Dutch is not your main goal, ‘but hey, why not learn a bit of this new language while we’re having a good time’, this should also be possible. Join the Smiling Dutchman in the pub, on a walk through the city or maybe even in an expedition along the beach.
Smiling Dutchman's Cost & Support
Support
How much time will a lesson cost me?
The duration of each online Dutch lesson typically varies, but most classes are designed to last
between 60 to 90 minutes. This timeframe allows for an engaging experience, with plenty of
opportunities for practice and interaction, without losing too much energy. If you thrive on a learning
schedule with more continuity in your contact hours, your teacher will make sure that you practice
together more often during the week, but if you have the discipline and confidence to do a big part
of the work by yourself, this is also possible. Some students only have lessons only once per two
weeks or even once per month. Whatever you think works best. Your teacher will always try to adjust
to your schedule.
Extra material might come in handy later on:
Are you an expat looking to embrace the vibrant cultures of Antwerp, Brussels or one of the other
bigger cities of Belgium? Enhance your experience with our tailored online Dutch lessons designed
just for you! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, our immersive
classes will cater to your unique needs and preferences.
How much time will a lesson cost me?
The duration of each online Dutch lesson typically varies, but most classes are designed to last
between 60 to 90 minutes. This timeframe allows for an engaging experience, with plenty of
opportunities for practice and interaction, without losing too much energy. If you thrive on a learning
schedule with more continuity in your contact hours, your teacher will make sure that you practice
together more often during the week, but if you have the discipline and confidence to do a big part
of the work by yourself, this is also possible. Some students only have lessons only once per two
weeks or even once per month. Whatever you think works best. Your teacher will always try to adjust
to your schedule.
Extra material might come in handy later on:
Are you an expat looking to embrace the vibrant cultures of Antwerp, Brussels or one of the other
bigger cities of Belgium? Enhance your experience with our tailored online Dutch lessons designed
just for you! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, our immersive
classes will cater to your unique needs and preferences.
Our Clients Love Us
- "Bally has given me private tutoring focussing on personal challenges with the language made possible for me to improve my missing basics."Asia JeruzalCoordination Manager at WorldWideBroker
- "I recommend Bally to anyone who wants to learn Dutch while at the same time not wanting to enter into a complex, inflexible and formal language school."Graham Mapp
- "The teaching methodology was very problem oriented. Bally is always promptly available for you."Gerald LindingerManiging Director at Unilever
- "Bally Bakker succeeds to combine culture of the Netherlands and linguistic information with grammar and vocabulary to make the learning process attractive and not boring."Martine Vicari
Sign up
Ready to embark on your Dutch language journey? Sign up today for a free trial lesson and
experience the difference personalized online learning can make!
experience the difference personalized online learning can make!
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US
+31 6 23 975 459
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