Frequently Asked Questions
Overview questions:
- What is the difference between the Basic Examination for Integration Abroad and the Inburgeringsexamen A2?
- Can I take training at TaalTaal for the Basic Examination in Integration Abroad?
- What Integration courses can I take at TaalTaal?
- What is the NT2 exam and why is it important?
- Can I apply with a loan from DUO?
- I took a basic course years ago, can I repeat material?
- What is the difference between a regular and accelerated course?
- Other schools sometimes offer free courses, why is your paid course better?
- What is the reference language during class?
Q What is the difference between the Basic Examination for Integration Abroad and the Inburgeringsexamen A2?
You take the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad (level A1) at a Dutch embassy or consulate in your own country or in a (neighboring) country where you are permitted to stay for three months. With the A1 diploma you can obtain an authorization for temporary residence. You take the civic integration exam (A2) in the Netherlands. With your A2 diploma you can apply for a Dutch passport, among other things.
Q Can I take training at TaalTaal for the Basic Examination in Integration Abroad?
Yes, it is possible. If you have (approximately) level A1, we can train you for the exam in an average of 15 to 20 (intensive) lessons. For this we use the package 'Naar Nederland'. You must also purchase this package yourself. We train with you the components Knowledge of Dutch Society, speaking skills and reading skills in order to achieve an optimal result. Our success rate is high, but of course we cannot give any guarantees. You can count on about four hours of extra self-study per week to pass your exam.
Q What Integration courses can I take at TaalTaal?
You can take a 7-week group course where you will have two hours of lessons twice a week. You can participate in the group course if you have (approximately) A2 level. During the course we train with you extensively in the following areas: Reading, Speaking, Writing, Listening and Knowledge of Dutch Society. The section Orientation on the Dutch Labor Market falls outside the course. If you would like guidance with this, we can recommend a few hours of private lessons.
The most intensive Integration course is Immersion Integration. In two weeks you will learn everything about the exam in 75 hours (including homework assistance) and you will also make trips to, for example, the Lower House. If you prefer individual lessons, choose a private course of 15 to 20 class hours. For this course you must also have (approximately) A2 level. Registration for the exam is always via https://www.inburgeren.nl/. You are responsible for this, but of course we can accompany you.
Q What is the NT2 exam and why is it important?
The NT2 exam is the Dutch state examination. You can take the exam at level B1 (program 1) or at level B2 (program 2). You must register for this via the official website https://duo.nl/particulier/staatsexamenkandidaat/staatsexamen-nederlands-als-2e-taal/aanmelden-nt2-examen.jsp. With a B1 diploma you can more easily find a (Dutch) job or follow an MBO education. The B2 diploma increases your job opportunities even more and allows you to follow a college education or study at university.
Q Can I apply with a loan from DUO?
No, your loan from DUO cannot be used with us. On the other hand, our courses usually have a higher return in terms of time because you go through the material faster.
Q I took a basic course years ago, can I repeat material?
Yes, we have several Refresher courses you can take: Basic Refresher (A2), Intermediate Refresher (B1) and Proficient Refresher (B2). If you wish to participate in a regular course, you can, of course, do so as well. In that case, an intake is recommended.
Q What is the difference between a regular and accelerated course?
With a normal course you have class once a week and with an accelerated one it is 2x a week. For example, with an accelerated course you need 2 seasons to get a book out and with a normal one you need 3 seasons.
In case of an accelerated course, there is more pressure on homework and self-study per week, so it is wise to take that into account.
The same book is used and the ERK levels achieved are the same. With a completed book, you can continue the program at a different speed without any problem. It fits together.
Should you decide during a course that you would prefer a higher or lower speed, please contact reception immediately. We always handle this flexibly. We are happy to work with you to maximize the efficiency and enjoyment of the course.
Q Other schools sometimes offer free courses, why is your paid course better?
There is a fairly broad market for Dutch courses with a diverse range and prices. It is always good to know what a course entails and where the pluses and minuses are for you.
With free courses, it is often the case that these are large groups (25-30) with all kinds of levels, including sometimes low-literacy. This results in many more class hours than you probably need. A course like this often requires you to pay a fine if you don't come to class. For some people, this format may work better.
At TaalTaal, the concept is that we work with small groups (5-10) and respond to individual needs. The students have normal learning profiles and learning rates. All in all, it means that we achieve the same level with far fewer hours and you will not be bored during class. In addition, you can get additional practice through free All-You-Can-Talk conversation sessions, so you can already add almost 50 hours for free after the course.
If you want to progress at a brisk but achievable pace and be sufficiently challenged during class, TaalTaal courses are perceived as better. We also offer quality assurance and all kinds of extras.
In general, we recommend that you just look around and interact with different parties to see where you feel most comfortable.
Q What is the reference language during class?
At the basic levels, the reference language is basically English. During the lesson, Dutch is spoken as much as possible and after A2 Dutch is actually the language of explanation. For people with a different language background, separate vocabulary lists are available and there are also basic courses from another language such as Turkish or Polish.
If you already speak a little Dutch or English, you can basically participate in any course.
Location and contact
You can reach us by phone at 070-3226091 or by e-mail at info@taaltaal.nl - we look forward to hearing from you!Certificate
At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate with your proficiency level. We use the standardized Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), also known as ERK in Dutch.
Complete package
Linguistic Research
As a language institute, TaalTaal has its own research department dedicated to developing novel and intuitive methodologies to help you not only acquire knowledge, but also retain and refine it. As a TaalTaal student, you benefit from expertise across the spectrum.
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