How Learning Dutch Helped Me Build a Career in the Netherlands

Insights from Field Manager Bianka Gohl on language, belonging, and professional growth

Moving to a new country comes with opportunity, excitement, and uncertainty. For many international professionals in the Netherlands, language plays an important role in how quickly daily life starts to feel familiar. Bianka Gohl, Field Manager at WEB, shares her experience of learning Dutch alongside her career and how it helped her feel more connected, confident, and at home.

Why learning Dutch matters, even when English gets you far

One of the first things internationals notice when moving to the Netherlands is how well people speak English. Colleagues, neighbours, and shop assistants are often happy to switch languages, which makes the first period much easier.

“The Netherlands is extremely expat-friendly,” Bianka explains. “People speak a very high level of English and are always willing to communicate with you. That really helps when you first arrive.”

At the same time, she noticed that many everyday situations still happen in Dutch. Official letters, informal conversations at work, or quick exchanges in the supermarket are often not translated. “Everything formal arrives in Dutch,” she says. “And when people speak quickly, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing parts of the conversation.”

For Bianka, learning Dutch was not about replacing English, but about adding depth. “English helps you get started,” she explains. “But Dutch helps you truly integrate.” Even a basic understanding made it easier to follow conversations, participate more naturally, and feel more connected to the culture around her.

From recruitment to field management at WEB

Bianka joined WEB almost four years ago, starting her journey as a recruiter focused on software engineers. After two years, she transitioned into her current role as Field Manager, where she works closely with engineers, colleagues, and clients across the organisation.

This transition also changed the language dynamics of her daily work. “In recruitment, most of my work was international and English-speaking,” she explains. “As a Field Manager, my team is predominantly Dutch. Being able to understand Dutch meant my team didn’t have to adjust their way of working because of me.”

Meetings, informal conversations, and collaboration became more natural, creating a stronger sense of inclusion within the team.

How WEB supported the learning journey

WEB actively supports international employees in their integration process. For Bianka, this meant structured Dutch language lessons, fully arranged and paid for by the company, along with the flexibility to combine learning with her job.

But the support went beyond formal lessons. “My Dutch colleagues were incredibly supportive,” she says. “They were always willing to speak slowly, practice with me, and give me the space to try, even when I made mistakes.”

That everyday encouragement played a crucial role in turning classroom knowledge into real confidence.

Learning a language alongside a full-time job

Learning a new language as an adult is not easy, especially alongside a full-time role. Bianka describes the experience as a combination of challenge and opportunity. “It takes time and effort,” she says. “You really have to commit to it.”

At the same time, working in a Dutch-speaking environment made learning more practical. “You’re learning while you work,” she explains. “That makes it easier to apply what you’ve learned and build confidence step by step.”

When Dutch started to make a real difference

A turning point came when Bianka realised she was starting to form genuine friendships with Dutch people. “That’s when it really clicked,” she says. “You can follow conversations, understand jokes, and actually be part of the group.”

Beyond social life, Dutch also strengthened her professional position. It allowed her to fully participate in team discussions and feel more grounded in her role. “It made a big difference in how connected I felt, both at work and outside of it.”

More than language skills

Learning Dutch brought more than improved communication. On a personal level, it gave Bianka a strong sense of pride. “You have to be brave enough to make mistakes,” she says. “Overcoming that fear and sticking with it makes you realise what you’re capable of.”

It also helped transform the Netherlands from a place she worked into a place she could call home. “When you understand the language and the culture, you feel more settled. It starts to feel like home.”

Key benefits of this opportunity at WEB

Looking back, Bianka sees several clear benefits from the opportunity WEB offered her:

• Access to new professional opportunities and roles
• A broader professional and personal network
• Stronger integration into Dutch work and daily life

Learning Dutch opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed.

A message to international candidates

“Kom op!” Bianka says with a smile.

For international professionals considering a career in the Netherlands, her message is clear: you don’t need to speak Dutch perfectly to get started. English will take you far. But learning Dutch, even step by step, can make a real difference in how connected and confident you feel.

“It’s not about being perfect,” she says. “It’s about making the effort.”

A favourite Dutch saying

When asked about her favourite Dutch saying, Bianka smiles immediately.

“Doe maar normaal, dan doe je al gek genoeg,” she says. “I love this one.”

For her, it reflects a mindset she has come to appreciate: staying grounded, being yourself, and not overcomplicating things. A small sentence, but one that captures both Dutch culture and the comfort that comes with understanding a language beyond words.