A student story from Language Corner Amsterdam, an English school based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This summer, Alonso joined an English course at Language Corner Amsterdam. Originally from Los Andes, Chile, he is an architect based in Paris, designing Public-Access Building PAB, focusing on 3D Modeling. So why did he take time off to study English in Amsterdam?
“Architecture has become completely international,” he explains. “If I want to grow in my profession, English is no longer optional.”
Why does a Spanish speaker working in France need English?
As a native Spanish speaker, Alonso built his career in Spanish and then French, but increasingly works in English.
“My team in Paris is very international, and meetings often switch to English,” he says. “Many clients are abroad, and international competitions are almost always in English. I wanted to present my ideas clearly, not just get by.”
Why is English so important for professionals today?
Alonso sees several reasons:
Collaboration: Projects involve teams in different countries, and English is their shared language.
Opportunities: “If your English is strong, the whole world becomes your job market.”
Staying current: Research, conferences and design tools are largely in English.
Confidence: “It’s not only grammar. It’s feeling relaxed, making a joke, or disagreeing politely in a meeting.”
Why study English in Amsterdam?
“For an architect, Amsterdam is fantastic,” he says. “The canal houses, the modern buildings along the IJ, and a city planned around people and bicycles make it a really inspiring place to live and study.”
One advantage is that English is spoken almost everywhere. This makes it easy to practise what you learn in class in real-life situations, such as ordering coffee in a café, talking to classmates, visiting a museum, or meeting people from different countries, there are countless opportunities to use English naturally every day.
Studying in Amsterdam also means becoming part of an international community. Students come from all over the world, so English often becomes the common language for making friends, working on projects, and sharing ideas. This creates an environment where improving your English feels less like studying a subject and more like becoming part of a global community.
What was his summer English course like?
Alonso joined our 2-week intensive summer course in July.
“The classes were very practical: presentations, meetings, discussions,” he says. “The teacher corrected me without making me nervous, and with classmates from so many countries, we used English for everything.”
In addition to my general English course, I decided to take an English conversation course alongside people at my level. I have to say that it really helped me improve my fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary, but most of all, it boosted my confidence. I definitely recommend it!”
His advice
Back in Paris, Alonso feels more confident presenting to international clients. On top of that, he is also expanding his career into the English-speaking world.
“Don’t wait until you need it urgently. A few weeks focused only on English was one of the best decisions for my career. Thank you Language Corner Amsterdam!”
His story shows that whatever your profession, improving your English as a non-native speaker is essential to create better career opportunities.
Want to boost your English? Language Corner Amsterdam offers practical, business and conversation English courses for professionals, students and expats.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much does the course cost?
The price depends on the type of English course you choose:
Practical English group course: €375 for 6 weeks, with two 2-hour lessons per week.
Practical Intensive English group course (summer only): from €615 for 2 weeks, with five 3-hour lessons per week.
English conversation course: from €250 for 6 weeks, with six 2-hour lessons per week.
What English level do I need? How do I know my level?
There is a course for almost every level, from A0 (complete beginner) to C1 (advanced) for the practical and conversation courses. The intensive general courses currently cover A0 to B2.
You don’t need to know your exact level before enrolling. Language Corner Amsterdam offers a free level test, which is a short, informal assessment with an English teacher. The teacher can then recommend the course that matches your current level and goals.
When is the next course?
As time of writing, the next round of practical English group courses and English conversation courses start in November 2026. These courses run throughout the year.
The intensive English courses are offered during the summer period, in July and August, and last two weeks.
Will this course help me improve my overall English?
Yes. The practical English group courses are designed to improve all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, with a strong focus on communication. Classes are held in small groups, with a maximum of eight students.
If your main goal is speaking more confidently, Language Corner also offers English conversation courses that focus specifically on speaking, pronunciation and confidence.
How do I enroll?
The process is straightforward:
1. Book a free level test with a Language Corner teacher.
2. Receive a personal course recommendation based on your level.
3. Sign up for the recommended course.
4. Join the course and start learning!
Course materials are included for practical English group courses, and students who meet the attendance requirement receive a certificate of participation.