Resources & blog: your guide to languages, culture and business communication
Do you want to take your business communication to a higher level, are you curious about cultural etiquette abroad, or are you looking for practical tips to learn a new language faster? In our knowledge base, our experienced language trainers and educational experts share their best insights, real-world examples and handy guides.
Learning strategies & the 50/50 method
How long does it take to learn Dutch to B1 level?
From absolute beginner to B1, the level at which you can hold your own in conversations at work and in daily life, typically takes several hundred study hours. How fast you get there depends on your mother tongue, your learning method, and, above all, your consistency. Here is a realistic timeline.
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Subsidies & career
How much does individual language training cost? All prices at a glance (2026)
An individual online language training at Instituut Jeroen Bosch costs between € 550 and € 1750 all-in (excl. VAT), depending on the number of hours. This guide shows exactly what you pay, what is included, and how that compares to alternatives such as group courses, apps and hourly private lessons.
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Learning strategies & the 50/50 method
How do you stop international colleagues from switching straight to English?
You try to speak Dutch, German or French at work, but the moment you make one small mistake, the person you're talking to switches straight to English. Sound familiar? With these 5 practical strategies, you stay in control of the conversation and build the confidence to speak up in no time.
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Language tips & grammar
The difference between Sie and du in German business: when do you make the switch?
In Germany, one wrong form of address can seriously damage a business relationship. When do you use Sie, when may you say du, and how do you make the switch without a cultural blunder?
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Business etiquette & culture
Doing business in Italy vs. the Netherlands: why building relationships comes before the substance
The Dutch want to get down to business, while Italians first want to know who they are sitting across from. Those who understand that difference close better deals, and those who ignore it lose contracts without ever hearing why.
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Subsidies & career
2026 Subsidy Guide for language training: budgets via A+O Metalektro, OOM, STL and more
Language training for your employees doesn't have to be expensive: through training and development funds (O&O), reimbursements of up to € 2650,- per participant are available. Here are the most important schemes per sector.
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