University in Italy, Love in Belgium
University in Italy, Love in Belgium
Sabrine Ben Ammar speaks five languages fluently: Italian, Arabic, English, Spanish, and recently Dutch. In September, she will start a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in Brussels. How did she approach this? A bit of dreaming, a bit of courage, and people giving a push at the right moment.
Sabrine Ben Ammar: “In Italy, I studied English and Russian. But my husband lived in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, and I followed him. I found work as a cleaning assistant in Halle via VDAB and enrolled in Dutch lessons at Crescendo CVO in Halle. I really didn’t speak a word of Dutch, except ‘Hello.’ It was really hard at first. But step by step, we learned to introduce ourselves and have small conversations. The teachers are really great people. They never laughed at our mistakes and understood us even when we couldn’t express ourselves well.”
Learning Dutch with Friends
“During the summer, I was afraid of forgetting my Dutch. So I watched Friends in Dutch, without subtitles and without Google Translate. Since I know the series almost by heart, my brain automatically fills in what is said. This way, I learn new words without it feeling like studying.”
“Another technique that works for me is thinking in Dutch. Do I also dream in Dutch? I have no idea. But I watch Friends in Dutch and without subtitles.”
What I really want to do: help people
“In September 2024, I started an intensive pre-training for a job in social work for non-native speakers (VOSPA). We have full days of Dutch lessons. My language level rose from 1.2 to 2.4 in just five months. In the second month, I did a language internship at the Red Cross Reception Centre in Alsemberg. That’s where I realized what I really want to do: help people who are struggling, stuck, or in need of someone to listen.”
“That’s why I enrolled in the Social Work degree. Studying at university is a big step, but my teacher reassured me. In the meantime, I have reached level B2. And I believe my Dutch will naturally improve if I speak it every day.”
“My advice for new students? Start learning Dutch as soon as possible. I waited a year and now I regret it. Maybe I could already be a year further in my studies.”