About
Dutch Academy comes from a places of love for the Dutch language and culture, and we are exited to share it with you!
Hoi, ik ben Naomi...
Hi, I am Naomi and I'm the founder and a teacher of Dutch Academy.
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As you can see from the picture on the background, I grew up in a beautiful village on the countryside around Gouda (That's right, the city of cheese!). I moved to Vancouver in July 2020 and it quickly felt like a second home.
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In The Netherlands, I taught Dutch to refugee students at an elementary school, organized a program for gifted children, and developed learning materials for a comprehensive reading method.
At the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, I graduated with a Master's Degree in Educational Sciences, and a Bachelor's Degree in Education.
I love teaching and developing learning materials and I have always been passionate about the Dutch language. Dutch expressions are my favorite!
Now in Vancouver, it is my mission to make learning Dutch fun and exciting for everyone and share the Dutch culture and 'gezelligheid'!
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Welcome at Dutch Academy!
Hoi, mijn naam is Marloes...
Hi! My name is Marloes, and I’m a teacher at the Dutch Academy.
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I grew up in Laren, a town near Amsterdam and Utrecht, and studied English Language and Culture at the University of Amsterdam.
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Before moving to Toronto in August 2025, I lived in several cities and countries. While in Amsterdam and Hilversum, I volunteered as a Taalbuddy, supporting women from all over the world as they learned Dutch. Through this work, I loved helping students not only build language skills, but also discover Dutch culture and life in the Netherlands.
After marrying my favourite Canadian and relocating to Toronto, my passion for teaching and sharing the Dutch language and culture has only grown. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading in both Dutch and English and spending time knitting, recommendations for either are always welcome!
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I look forward to welcoming you to a Dutch class soon!
Hoi, ik heet Femke...
Hi, I am Femke, and I am a teacher at the Dutch Academy.
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I was born and raised in Groningen, a city in the north of the Netherlands. I also lived in Amsterdam for a couple of years, and during my last year in the Netherlands I lived in Limburg, in the city of Roermond.
In July 2025, I moved to New Brunswick with my husband and our two dogs.
In the Netherlands, I worked as a childcare worker, teaching children social skills and, of course, the Dutch language. Now in Canada, I love to pass on the Dutch language and culture to people who are interested in learning about them. I especially enjoy Dutch proverbs and sayings, along with the quirky words that give the language its unique character.
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When I’m not working, I love going for hikes with the dogs, playing board games, or riding my motorcycle.
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I look forward to meeting you online soon so we can celebrate Koningsdag or Bevrijdingsdag together!
What does Dutch Academy stand for?
Professional
Learn Dutch with an accredited learning method (Contact! Nieuw) and experienced teacher.
Engaging
Interactive lessons that relate to real-life situations and will challenge you to get better and better!
Efficient
In small groups, structured lessons, and the availability to ask questions during the week, you will get most out of your studies.
Fun
Enjoy the lessons in an informal atmosphere and get in touch with others learning Dutch!
"You have eaten cheese from that!"
Dutch Expression: to make sense of something.