When considering studying abroad, it's natural for questions about your English skills to pop up. Am I ready to follow an entire course in English? Will people understand me? Do I make too many grammar or spelling mistakes? Can I express myself in English? These concerns are common, so let’s dive in and address them.
Learn more about studying in the NetherlandsFor many students, English classes at school might only take up a few hours each week, which can feel insufficient for building strong vocabulary and fluency. However, once you’re immersed in an English-speaking environment, you’ll quickly break through those language barriers. Your English skills will improve significantly as you adapt to your new surroundings.
Absolutely! We encounter English every day—on the internet, in music, on the radio, and in books. It's more integrated into our lives than we often realize. Think about the songs you sing along to or the quotes you share on social media. If you can do that, you can express yourself in English.
Definitely. Communication is all about getting your point across, even if it’s not perfect. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—speak your mind, and use tools like Google Translate if needed.
Yes, you can. Teachers work hard to make their explanations clear. Reading your course materials before class can help you grasp challenging concepts, allowing your teacher to focus on areas where you need extra help.
Everyone makes mistakes. Whether it’s due to late-night studying or simple distractions, it happens. Thankfully, tools like spell check in Word or online grammar programs can help. For important papers, consider asking a friend to proofread.
There are several ways to test your English level, such as Cambridge, TOEFL, or IELTS tests. Or you can take a quick online test to get a sense of where you stand. If you're curious about your level, try this link: Cambridge English Test.
Don’t underestimate your English skills—give the test a try.
At HZ, all international study programmes are in English. The level required for admission should be an equivalent of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0. For the scores of other accepted language tests than IELTS, please check the admission requirements.
If you’re considering studying in the Netherlands, remember that the Dutch are known for their love of speaking English. So, even with your weekly English classes designed to fill in any gaps in your writing and speaking skills, your learning doesn't stop there. You will be talking and reading English every day, all day.
Good luck with your studies, and don’t let language barriers hold you back!
