many talented women are trained in high-demand fields but face one barrier to entering the dutch job market: insufficient dutch language skills. equals is on a mission to close that gap.
alongside our retraining programs, we now offer sector-focused dutch language programs, intensive three-month courses designed to take you to b2 level and equip you for professional success. we focus on three sectors where the shortage is urgent: it, engineering, and childcare.
if you have a diploma in one of these fields but have struggled to find work due to language requirements, this is your opportunity to change that. In just 16–20 weeks of full immersion, you will gain the fluency, confidence, and cultural understanding to thrive in your career in the netherlands.
your skills are needed. let’s make sure your language is no longer a barrier.
what does the program look like?
this is an intensive, high-commitment program designed for ambitious, career-driven women ready to take the next step.
you must meet all of the following:
professional background: this varies per program. please check the specific entry requirements for each program listed below
location: able to attend and participate in classes in amsterdam, utrecht, rotterdam, or the hague
employment status: not currently employed. if you receive an (unemployment) benefit from the city or uwv, please let us know
commitment: available to fully dedicate 40 hours per week for 16–20 consecutive weeks.
note: the city will verify both your registered address and employment status as part of the approval process.
why this matters
the programs are 100% tuition-free for participants, fully funded by our partners. this means there’s no cost to you, but also that each spot is reserved only for those who can fully commit. we have just 15 places available per round.
if you drop out, miss too many sessions, or fail to follow the curriculum, your place cannot be given to someone else, and another woman misses this opportunity. in such cases, we will ask participants to reimburse the cost of the program.
your commitment
this is a full-time, structured curriculum:
daily schedule (monday–friday, 9:00–18:00):
4 hours/day in-person learning (1.5 hours with a teacher + 2.5 hours immersion activities
4 hours/day structured self-study, preparing for the next day’s lessons
bi-weekly testing: every two weeks: assessment in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. passing allows you to move forward; failing means repeating the 2-week block. you may repeat a block once, with a maximum of two repeats during the program. failing more than two blocks means discontinuation from the program
included
all learning materials are provided
career support, but no job guarantee. while we can’t guarantee a job at the end of the program, we provide extensive career support to help you succeed:
soft skills workshops such as application and interview coaching, linkedin and personal branding training
one-on-one guidance from our student counselor
networking opportunities with employers
dutch it
this is an intensive, high-commitment program designed for ambitious, career-driven women ready to take the next step in their it career
to participate in this program you need to meet these requirements, as well as, have 3–5+ years of proven experience or univeristy education in it, data, ai, or full stack development.
dutch engineering
this is an intensive, high-commitment program designed for ambitious, career-driven women ready to take the next step in their it career
to participate in this program you need to meet these requirements, as well as, an university or university of applied sciences degree in engineering or electrical engineering.
dutch childcare
this is an intensive, high-commitment program designed for ambitious, career-driven women ready to take the next step in their it career
to participate in this program you need to meet these requirements, as well as, relevant qualification, either a diploma or equivalent certifications/experience in childcare. your childcare diploma must be recognized by duo or idw for work in the dutch childcare sector. check your diploma recognition here
frequently asked questions
have there been classes before, and did participants pass and get hired?
yes. we have already completed several classes, and participants successfully passed their exams and moved into employment.
when does the program start?
we run ongoing classes throughout the year. your start date will be confirmed during the selection process.
can i go on holiday during the program?
no, holidays are not allowed during the program, except for the break between christmas and new year. if you have already booked something, please inform us during the pre-screening so we can explore possible solutions.
are there speaking practice sessions?
yes. in addition to the standard textbook methods, we include a variety of games, interactive activities, and real-life practice situations to help you apply the language in a practical, everyday context.