Frequently Asked Questions
Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our courses, schedules, and registration.
What you need to know before you start
Why only for highly educated students?
Classes are fast-paced, and students must be able to study independently and use a tablet or computer without assistance.
In addition, students must complete four to six hours of homework per week outside of class.
Finally, it takes discipline to attend classes twice a week in the evening and also complete homework.
When am I considered highly educated?
You are considered highly educated when you have completed secondary education with a diploma.
Then you studied at a university or college.
Do I need to be able to speak English to study at Suitcase Languages?
Do I need to be able to speak English? The Delft Method is entirely in Dutch. Questions in class are also answered in Dutch.
On the other hand, Suitcase talen writes all organizational information in English.
Fortunately, the teacher also speaks German, French, basic Russian, and Spanish. However, she only does this as a last resort, because all students speak English.
You must therefore speak English to study at Suitcase talen.
Duration, frequency, and time
How long does it take to learn Dutch at Suitcase talen?
All Suitcase talen Dutch courses are fast-paced because they are aimed at highly educated individuals. If you start from scratch, you’ll be speaking at A2 level after 20 weeks.
It’s good to know that the A2 level of the Delft Method is higher than the A2 level of the Civic Integration Exam. For the Civic Integration Exam at A2, three modules and the short Exam Training A2 are sufficient.
If you want to progress to B1 level, after Module 3, take the Grammar Module A2, Modules 4, 5, and 6, then the Grammar Module B1, and finally Module 7.
If you want to take the B1 exam, finish with the Exam Training B1. This is a total of 10 modules, in 50 weeks, which is almost a year.
Please note:
At Suitcase talen, you can take as many or as few modules as you like. If you feel you’ve learned enough, you can stop after each module. You can also take breaks in between.
Because you pay per module, and each module lasts only 5 weeks, the system is flexible. It’s designed for people who work full-time.
When are the courses?
New Delft Method modules start every month, but not in April, August, and December.
All Delft Method modules up to level A2 are on Monday and Wednesday evenings. You have classes twice a week.
On the other hand, the B1 modules are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
The essential modules start between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Therefore, the optional modules Grammar A2, Grammar B1, Exam Training A2, and Exam Training B1 are from 9:00 PM to 9:40 PM.
Use the timetable for your planning.
How do I choose the right course?
I understand Dutch, but I don't speak it. Which module can I take?
As long as you can’t speak it, you’re a complete beginner in the Delft method. Why? Because in the Delft method, you speak Dutch from the very first moment.
However, if you do understand Dutch, it certainly helps. How? You’ll have less difficulty than students who don’t know anything yet.
However, it’s wise to just start with Module 1, just like anyone who can only say “Good morning” and a few other words.
If you’d like to carefully explore whether you might be able to start with Module 2 or a higher level, please use the Contact Form. Tell us about your situation and what you want to achieve with your Dutch.
We’ll then call you, ask you a few questions, and speak Dutch with you. Finally, we’ll give you sound advice.
I'm already at A1 level. Which course can I take?
It depends on your level. Most students who speak a few words, such as “good morning” and “how are you?”, start with Lesson 1 of Module 1.
We’ll speak Dutch from the first day.
Moreover, you’ll learn 50 new words in each lesson, so the pace is fast.
We’re experts at quickly assessing your level. Describe your current situation and your learning goals in the contact form.
We’ll then call you back to ask questions and speak Dutch with you.
Finally, we’ll give you sound advice.
How do I know my current level?
In the Contact Form, describe where and how you’ve studied so far, what your targets are, and how long you’ve been in the Netherlands. Always include your phone number so Suitcase talen can call you to discuss further.
This (free) telephone intake is usually sufficient to provide you with sound advice. In difficult cases, we offer you a free trial lesson in an ongoing module. Both you and the teacher will know afterward whether the lesson you participated in is at your level.
Missed lessons
Can I make up missed lessons?
Send your teacher an email or WhatsApp message as soon as you know you have to miss a lesson. If you do so before 5:00 PM, the teacher will record the lesson for you. You will then receive the recording at the end of the evening, which is valid for 24 hours.
If you don’t request the recording in time, you cannot make up the lesson.
On the other hand, the major advantage of online lessons is that you can attend the lesson anywhere – as long as the time difference isn’t too great. That’s why many students still participate in the lesson when they’re on a business trip or visiting family.
Payment
Do I have to pay all at once?
The Delft Method modules are only five weeks long, so you pay for each module in advance and in one payment.
You also pay for private lessons in advance, in ten-week blocks.
Employers or other institutions always pay for both modules and private lessons in advance and in one payment.
If a student withdraws or cancels after payment, the remaining amount will not be refunded.
However, in the event of an unforeseen, serious event, you can make up missed lessons within one year.
Can I withdraw or cancel?
Withdrawal
A Delft Method module lasts only five weeks, and you always pay in advance per module.
You will not receive a refund if you withdraw during a module.
Please contact us if you have to withdraw in the middle of a module due to an unforeseen, serious event. You may be able to catch up on those lessons in the next round of lessons.
Cancelation
If you have paid for a Delft Method module but wish to cancel it, you will not receive a refund. You may postpone your participation until a later date. You have a maximum of one year to complete the module.
I have to miss lessons. Do I have to pay for those lessons?
A Delft Method module is inexpensive and short: five weeks. Therefore, you will never receive a discount or refund! Please contact us if you have to miss classes due to an unforeseen, serious event. You may be able to make up those classes in the next round.
It’s best to register for a later date if you think you will miss classes during a module. However, because online classes can be followed from all over the world, many students simply participate in class when they are on business trips or visiting family on vacation.
If you do have to miss a class, ask your instructor to record it. If you do so before 5:00 PM on your class day, you will receive the recording by the end of the evening. The recording will be destroyed 24 hours after the class.
The Civic Integration Exam
Civic Integration Exam A2, until when?
If you arrived in the Netherlands before 2022 and wish to obtain a Dutch passport (naturalization), you can take the Civic Integration Exam A2 level according to current legislation. Although there are rumors that this law will change, this is not certain.
If you want a permanent residence permit, you must take the Civic Integration Exam at level B1.
In both cases, check your personal situation with the IND.
Can I take the MAP (formerly ONA)?
Suitcase talen does not help with the MAP (formerly ONA), because most students work and are not required to take the ONA or MAP.
We do help with the KNM (Royal Dutch Civic Integration Examination).
