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. She only speaks English with her, so she started looking for someone who can practice Dutch with her. Because Kang has ambitions!

Kang, you already speak quite Dutch. Have you taken Dutch lessons?
“Yes, I had lessons for a year and a half. I passed the integration exam and NT2 level 1. But to find a job here or to study, I need to learn to speak and write better. I studied Computer Science in China, where I would like to do the master’s degree. That’s why I’m now working on NT2 level 2.”

How did you come up with the idea of looking for a language coach?
“I searched the internet and came up www.taalcoachwijzer.nl. Through that site I found Samenspraak Oost. Then I got Johan. He is a good teacher to me. Sometimes I find it difficult to continue, learning a language is a long process. Johan gives me energy to keep going!”

Johan, why did you become a language coach?
“I heard about it and it seemed like a lot of fun. It’s one hour a week, very concrete. We live together around the corner, which makes it very easy to meet up. It’s also mutual, I was in China thirty-five years ago and I’m curious to see what it’s like there now. Completely different of course.”

What kind of student is Kang?
“She is very interested in language, she wants to understand the language, a real academic. And I’d love to explain! I often went out with my previous student, to the market for example. But Kang wants to sit, read, write and speak. We’ve been at it for over five months now and she’s making good progress.”

Kang and Johan read an article from the newspaper together. Johan improves her severely and is happy when she pronounces a word like ‘overshadow’ well.

Interested in volunteering as a language coach? Look up www.taalcoachwijzer.nl