The story behind Dutch Matters.
Dutch Matters. was founded by Miriam and Sam, two experienced teachers Dutch as a second language. With 15 and 6 years of experience respectively, they decided to join forces in teaching Dutch.
Our goal is to teach Dutch to expats, international students and professionals in Rotterdam. We want to ensure they become full members of Dutch society and can participate in daily life just like a local. We have a modern approach to teaching and want our classes to be fun and useful in daily life.
Sam
I’m an NT2-certified teacher passionate about making language learning enjoyable and confidence-building. My teaching journey began at the Dutch embassy in Sri Lanka, where I taught Dutch to local staff—sparking a lasting love for education and intercultural exchange.
Since 2019, I’ve taught Dutch online and in person, from beginners to professionals, at institutions like Sagènn, Toptaal, CBE Languages, and Erasmus University. I also develop NT2 learning materials, such as the program for Fenix Art Museum, and work as a translator and copywriter.
Miriam
After spending a year backpacking through Australasia, Miriam moved to the UK, where she obtained her ESL certificate. She went on to teach English as a second language at several language schools in both France and the UK. It was also there that she first discovered her passion for teaching Dutch as a second language.
Upon returning to Rotterdam, Miriam earned her NT2 Certificate and began teaching Dutch at CBE Languages, working mainly with expats and teaching in-company courses. She also taught Dutch to newcomers and long-term residents as part of (re)integration programmes commissioned by the Municipality of Rotterdam.
Her passion for language and culture has taken her far beyond the classroom. For five years, she lived in Ghana, where she founded and led an NGO that built a school for children without access to secondary education. That experience deepened her belief in the power of language to connect people across cultures.
Miriam enjoys working with students of all ages, helping them not only to learn a new language but also to feel confident using it in their everyday lives.
