We live around the corner from each other

Johan Sturm (57) is the language coach of Kang Li (30) from China. Kang moved to the Netherlands three years ago to live with her Dutch husband. He only speaks English with her, so she went looking for someone to practice Dutch with. Because Kang has ambitions!Kang, you already speak Dutch quite well. Have you taken Dutch lessons?“Yes, I have had a year and a half of lessons. I have passed the integration exam and NT2 level 1. But to find a job here or to study, I need to improve my speaking and writing skills. I studied Computer Science in China, and here I would like to pursue a master’s degree. That’s why I am currently working on NT2 level 2.”How did you come up with the idea to look for a language coach?“I searched on the internet and found on”www.taalcoachwijzer.nlThrough that site, I found Samenspraak Oost. That’s how I met Johan. He is a good teacher for me. Sometimes I find it difficult to keep going, learning a language is a long process. Johan gives me the energy to keep going!Johan, why did you become a language coach?“I heard about it and it seemed very nice to me. It’s just one hour per week, very concrete. We live just around the corner from each other, which makes it very easy to meet up. It’s also mutual, I went to China thirty-five years ago and I’m curious to see how it is now. Totally different of course.”What kind of student is Kang?“She is very interested in language, she wants to understand the language, a true academic. And I like to explain! With my previous student, we often went out, to the market for example. But Kang wants to sit, read, write, and speak. We have been working for over five months now and she is progressing well.”

Kang and Johan read an article from the newspaper together. Johan corrects her sternly and is happy when she pronounces a word like ‘overshadowed’ correctly.”Interested in volunteering as a language coach?Look atwww.taalcoachwijzer.nl