Upcoming courses:

Session June | June 1, June 15, June 29

Location: Da Costastraat 64
Number of students: From 12 participants
Language: English

Enroll now

Why join the Roots of Amsterdam course?

Speaking Dutch is one thing. But really understanding the Netherlands goes beyond language.

Why are Dutch people so direct?
Why do they cross the street like rules don’t exist?
Why do they love a good deal and talk about it openly?
And why do meetings sometimes seem to last forever?

These habits don’t come out of nowhere. They are shaped by history, culture, and the way this country developed over time.

During Roots of Amsterdam, we explore these questions together and connect them to everyday life in the Netherlands.

What you’ll explore

Roots of Amsterdam is a short, interactive course for internationals who want to better understand Dutch culture and society.

In three sessions, we combine:

• History
• Cultural insights
• Group discussions
• Real-life examples

The focus is simple: help you feel more at home in Amsterdam and understand the people around you a little better.

Each session takes you through a different chapter of Dutch history and its impact today:

Session 1: The origins of the Netherlands

• How did the Dutch build their country from the sea?
• And how does this history still influence the way people think and act today?

Session 2: Amsterdam and the Golden Age

• How did Amsterdam become a global city?
• And what does this period still mean for Dutch society now?

Session 3: From the 1980s to today

• From the squatting movement to modern culture.
• What shaped today’s open and independent mindset?

Enroll now