Embracing Bilingual Education: Insights on the Dual Language Pathway at American School of the Hague
Tammy Ruijgrok, a dedicated Elementary School Dutch teacher at American School of the Hague (ASH), played a crucial role in developing the Dual Language Pathway, which begins this August in Kindergarten. Inspired by her personal journey and professional insights, Tammy's motivation and focus in creating the program highlight the profound benefits of bilingual education, both for empowering students as individuals and enhancing a sense of community and integration in the Netherlands.
 
The Empowering Journey of Language Learning
Tammy shares the transformative power of learning a new language. For many, the best way to integrate is to talk to people in daily life. "It's empowering to be independent in a country, speak the language, be understood by others, and connect with your community," she says.
 
Tammy emphasizes that learning Dutch allows international families to experience life in the Netherlands more deeply and authentically. For Dutch families joining the Dual Language Pathway, their children gain a significant advantage by becoming proficient in English, the school's primary academic and social language, while maintaining Dutch as their home language.
 
Learning by Immersion and Expanding Perspectives
 
"Immersion is a natural way for students to learn a language," Tammy explains. "It's not only about integrating into other societies and cultures but also about the brain's development. Learning two languages is incredibly beneficial for cognitive growth."
 
Learning a new language by immersion works because "students get a lot of input but are not expected to produce output immediately. They constantly absorb information and the language, and eventually, they reach a point where they're ready to start using the new language and feel comfortable with it."
 
Beginning this year in Kindergarten, the Dual Language Pathway will deliver instruction primarily in Dutch."This way,” Tammy explains, “ students achieve literacy in Dutch first. Once they've learned English, they won't forget Dutch, because English is ever-present in school life."
 
"Being proficient in a new language has the power to open students' eyes to different perspectives, which may nurture an intention to explore and consider various viewpoints in the future," Tammy notes. For example, when researching World War II, they’ll be able to find information in English that provides the US or UK perspective on the war, but also accounts in Dutch that offer a Dutch viewpoint. "The Dual Language Pathway is much more than teaching a second language; it's about broadening the way we approach information and consider other perspectives. Adding a language to students' portfolios opens cultural doors, preventing everything from being viewed through the lens of a single culture."
 
Building Community and Belonging
Tammy highlights the pathway’s role in fostering a sense of belonging and rootedness in the community. "English can be considered an international language, but we must also be aware of our immediate community. Developing deeper connections with the place you live in enhances your sense of belonging."
 
Speaking the local language not only helps students access the culture but also opens up academic opportunities, such as attending university in the Netherlands. For families planning to stay in the country long-term, this program empowers their children by providing them with greater opportunities through Dutch language proficiency.
 
Tammy's insights into the Dual Language Pathway at ASH underscore its multifaceted benefits. It empowers students, broadens their perspectives, and fosters a deeper connection with their community. As ASH continues to welcome new international and Dutch community members, the pathway demonstrates the transformative power of bilingual education.