This summer, our students are invited to join two great opportunities: the Taalunie Zomercursus Nederlands in Gent (Belgium) and the ALCS Dutch Summer Course in London (a collaboration of Sheffield, UCL, Newcastle and Edinburgh).
Option One: Gent
The Taalunie Zomercursus in Gent will run from Sunday 2 August to Saturday 15 August 2026. Two weeks in a beautiful city in Flanders with a rich and varied programme together with learners from all over the world. Our students rate this summer school very highly.
Please note that there is a language requirement: CEFR level B1+ and upwards. That is roughly the equivalent of a successful intermediate Dutch course at Sheffield. So all you intermediate+ students, consider this as a great opportunity. There is a selection process (an online test) and you'll have to write a short motivation letter. That may sound daunting, but it is all very manageable and your chances of success are high.
Before you go, there is an online preparatory phase and participants are invited to a de-briefing in the autumn.
For the Gent summer school you can choose a pathway that suits your interests:
- media en politiek
- kunst en literatuur
- zakelijk en literair vertalen
- didactiek en taalkunde
De Taalunie Zomerschool is a super course with a proven track record of enthusiastic participants. Katie attended the summer school last summer and her enthusiastic report can be read here.
If you want to express interest or learn more about this opportunity, please drop Filip De Ceuster an email: f.deceuster@sheffield.ac.uk. The deadline for expressing your interest is 11 February 2026.
I can’t recommend this Summer School enough. The friends I made, the things I learnt and the confidence I built will stay with me (hopefully) forever.
Lena Bradley, 2024
Dual Modern Languages and Linguistics (Dutch, French)
Option Two: London
This year's ALCS Dutch Summer School takes place at University College London from 28 June until 4 July 2026. The theme of our 5th edition is 'Meerstemmige steden'.
Cities are never just one story; they are a symphony of diverse voices, histories, and futures. We will explore the vibrant, complex, and sometimes clashing dynamics that make up the metropolis with a particular focus on urban Anglo-Dutch-Flemish connections. The format offers language sessions in the morning followed by a mix of themed talks, excursions, and workshops in the afternoon/evening to explore how these 'voices' shape the places we live.
This Summer School is open to all learners of Dutch. We offer language tuition and workshops at a level appropriate for you.
Places are limited, but we have a good number available. Priority will be given to applicants who are currently enrolled or plan on enrolling in a Dutch language program at a UK institution. Please express your interest using this form. Deadline 31 March 2026.
The confidence boost that I got from the ALCS Summer School cannot be overstated: after a week of making friends and spending time with other Dutch learners that were equally keen to practise, I felt so much more capable.
Rebs Nelsey, 2023
BA Modern Languages and Cultures
Our Summer Schools at a glance
TAALUNIE – Belgium: Gent | ALCS – UK: London (UCL) |
2 - 15 August 2026 | 28 June - 4 July 2026 |
For current Intermediate students of Dutch and those on their Year Abroad (B1+) | For all students of Dutch, from complete beginner to advanced |
There will be a €220 fee + travel costs | Travel to and from London and a fee of £120. A number of bursaries are available. |
There is a selection process. We have 3 places available for Sheffield students | We ask you a few questions to learn more about your level and motivation. For Sheffield we have 10 places reserved. |
Deadline for expressing your interest: 11 February 2026 – contact Filip De Ceuster | Deadline for expressing your interest: 31 March 2026 – using this form |