Utrecht Summer School at Babel

Are you ready for a summer where you can improve your language skills in an international, academic setting? During the Utrecht Summer School, organized by Utrecht University, you’ll take part in intensive language programs alongside participants from all over the world. Babel offers Dutch and English language courses as part of this program.

Dutch courses English courses

Experience Your Language Summer in Utrecht

Whether you’re just starting to learn Dutch or want to improve your English, our courses offer an intensive and unique learning experience. You’ll study and stay in Utrecht: a vibrant, international university city in the heart of the Netherlands. Here, you’ll combine high-quality language instruction with an inspiring environment and meet fellow students from different countries and backgrounds.

Summer Course Dutch for Beginners

During the Utrecht Summer School, Babel offers intensive Dutch courses for participants with little or no prior knowledge of the language. The courses are structured according to the CEFR framework (A0–B2) and focus on practical language skills. You’ll work in small groups with personalized guidance and plenty of opportunities for active practice.

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn:

How to introduce yourself and exchange personal information
How to make an appointment or order a drink
Basic grammar, such as verbs and sentence structures
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking

Our Dutch courses for Utrecht Summer School

Dutch Beginners Course 1 (A0 → A1-) NL

Are you ready to learn Dutch? This course is designed for beginners who have no prior experience with the language.

Start dates:
This course begins on July 6 and July 27.
Duration:
This course lasts 2 weeks.
Target level:
You will work toward language level A1-.

Check out this course

Dutch Beginners Course 2 (A1 → A1+) NL

Would you like to be able to express yourself better? This course is for beginners who already have some knowledge of Dutch.

Start dates:
This course begins on July 20 and August 10.
Duration:
This course lasts 2 weeks.
Target level:
You will work toward language level A1+.

Check out this course

Dutch Beginners Track 1+2 (A0 → A1+) NL

Do you want to make significant progress in four weeks? This course is designed for people who have no prior experience with Dutch and want to get off to a strong start right away.

Start dates:
This course starts on 6 July and 27 July.
Duration:
This two-course programme lasts 4 weeks.
Target level:
You will be working towards language level A1+.

Check out this course

Dutch Language for German Speakers 2 (A0 → B2) NL

Are you fluent in German? Our Dutch course for German speakers will help you master the Dutch language in just four weeks.

Start dates
This course starts on 6 July and 20 July.
Duration
This course lasts 4 weeks.
Target level:
You will be working towards language level B2.

Check out this course

English Summer Course for Advanced Learners

Do you want to take your English to the next level, for example for school or work? During Utrecht Summer School, Babel offers English courses for advanced learners that will help you improve your language skills. Practice with a motivated group and make significant progress.

Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn to:

Expand your vocabulary
Improve your pronunciation and speaking skills
Master complex grammar
Read and write high-level texts

Our English courses for Utrecht Summer School

English Advanced Course 1 (B2 → B2+) EN

Do you want to communicate more effectively and confidently in English for work or school? This course will help you achieve that.

Start dates:
This course starts on 27 July.
Duration:
This course lasts two weeks.
Target level:
You will be working towards language level B2+.

Check out this course

English advanced Course 2 (B2+ → C1) EN

Do you want to feel truly fluent in English? This course will give you the tools you need to take that final step.

Start dates:
This course starts on 10 August.
Duration:
This course lasts two weeks.
Target level:
You will be working towards language level C1.

Check out this course

English Advanced Track 1+2 (B2+ → C1) EN

Do you want to effectively take your English to an advanced level? This program is designed to help you make significant progress in four weeks.

Start dates:
This track starts on 27 July.
Duration:
This two-course programme lasts 4 weeks.
Target level:
You will be working towards language level C1.

Check out this course

Why choose a summer course at Babel?

Babel offers you more than just lessons. You’ll take a course that feels like a complete learning experience, featuring:

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Experienced, professional instructors

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Small groups with plenty of individual attention

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Interactive, hands-on lessons

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An international setting in the heart of Utrecht

More Than Just Studying: Activities at the Utrecht Summer School

In addition to language classes, the Utrecht Summer School offers a lively social program. Your time in Utrecht will be not only educational but also unforgettable, thanks to fun activities such as:

Canoeing through Utrecht’s canals
Participating in pub quizzes and city walks
Access to sports facilities on campus

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Frequently asked questions

What do I need to arrange with Utrecht Summer School, and what with Babel?

Utrecht Summer School (USS) handles the registration and administration for your course. You can create an account, enrol and arrange payment via their platform. Babel is responsible for: the lessons, the teachers, the placement test and support throughout your learning programme. This way, you’ll know exactly who to contact:

Questions about your registration or payment: Utrecht Summer School
Questions about the course content or your level: Babel

How do I enrol on a language course?

1. Create a user account

Start the registration process via the Utrecht Summer School website and create an account. Once you have registered, you will receive an activation link by email. You will then need to complete your address and profile details, including your university and passport details.*

*Why do we need your passport details? This is required to gain access to Utrecht University’s systems. Once validated, all copies will be destroyed within a year.

Please note: check your spam folder if you cannot see the email.

2. Apply for a course

Log in to the Utrecht Summer School website and click the ‘Apply’ button for the course of your choice. During your application:

Check that you have selected the correct course
Indicate whether you wish to arrange accommodation
Upload any additional documents if required
Add your Partner Code (if applicable)
Ensure your profile and address details are complete

3. After your application

Once you have applied, you will receive a confirmation email. If the entry level for the course is higher than A0, you will receive an invitation to take the Babel placement test. A tutor will mark the test and you will be notified of the result within one week. You will be informed by email whether you have been admitted.

4. Admitted? Complete your enrolment

Once admitted, you will receive an email from Utrecht Summer School with payment instructions. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (those who pay first are allocated a place). You can pay for the course in your account under ‘My courses’. As soon as your payment has been received, you will be officially enrolled. Your status will then change to ‘completed’.

When is the deadline for registering for a course?

The registration deadline varies by course and is stated on the course page. If you register after the deadline and registration is still open, you will be placed on a waiting list.

Can I arrange accommodation through the Summer School?

Yes, when you register, you can indicate whether you wish to make use of the accommodation options offered by the Summer School.

I’ve signed up for a course, when will I hear more?

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If the entry level for the course is higher than A0, you’ll receive an invitation to take the Babel placement test. A teacher will mark the test and you’ll be notified of the result within one week. You’ll be informed by email whether you’ve been accepted.

I’ve been accepted onto a course, what happens next?

As soon as you’ve been accepted, you’ll receive an email confirming this. You can find the payment options in your ‘Utrecht Summer School’ account under ‘My courses’, via ‘Generate invoice’ or ‘Pay by card’. Once payment has been made, you’ll receive a confirmation email and your registration status will change to ‘Completed’. Once your payment has been processed, you’ll also be able to find your official letter of admission, payment confirmation and important pre-departure information in your account.

Where do I check in for the first lesson?

You should check in at Babel on the first day of the language course. If you have booked accommodation through Utrecht Summer School, you can collect your key from the Utrecht Summer School office on Janskerkhof the weekend before your course starts.