Wittenborg Hosts Launch of ‘Beyond Grammar’ by Graduate Alexandra Kukhtina

Interactive Workshop Explores Confidence and Practical Dutch Learning for Internationals

Wittenborg recently hosted the launch of ‘Beyond Grammar’, a new book and interactive workshop by Wittenborg graduate Alexandra Kukhtina, focused on helping internationals learn Dutch with more confidence in everyday life.

The session brought together students and staff for an open discussion about language learning, confidence and the realities of adapting to life in the Netherlands as an international student or professional.

Originally from Russia, Alexandra recently completed a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration (IBA) at Wittenborg. For Alexandra, the idea behind the book came from both personal experience and academic research. While living in the Netherlands, she realised that understanding a language and actively using it are often two very different things.

“After about a year in the Netherlands, I realised I was still living in a bit of a bubble,” she explained. “I could communicate, but I wasn’t fully engaging with the environment around me.”

A trip to the United States in 2023 became a turning point. Being able to fully participate in conversations, understand humour and connect naturally with people made her reflect on how language shapes a sense of belonging.

“That experience made me realise how important language really is,” she said. “I wanted to recreate that feeling in the Netherlands.”

Her research at Wittenborg also influenced the project. While working on her thesis about graduate employability, Alexandra found that both graduates and employers identified language skills as an important factor in professional opportunities and integration.

Rather than focusing only on grammar rules, ‘Beyond Grammar’ encourages learners to actively use Dutch in real-life situations, even at a basic level. The book combines practical exercises, memory techniques, independent learning strategies and interactive tools, including QR code-based activities and guidance on using AI tools for language learning.

During the workshop, Alexandra spoke about one of the biggest challenges internationals face when learning Dutch: the lack of practice opportunities.

“In the Netherlands, many people speak excellent English, which makes communication easier,” she explained. “But at the same time, it can reduce the necessity to use Dutch.”

She also highlighted the importance of confidence and consistency in the learning process, encouraging participants to start small and not be afraid of making mistakes.

One of the practical tips shared during the session was to use everyday surroundings as a learning tool. Alexandra suggested describing objects around you in Dutch and gradually adding context to build vocabulary in a natural way.
Students attending the session appreciated the practical and interactive approach of the workshop.

Garima Dhingra, a Wittenborg MSc student from Apeldoorn, shared that she had already started learning Dutch before moving to the Netherlands and joined the session to better understand how to build confidence while speaking the language.

“The session was one-on-one, which made it more easy-going and fun,” Garima said. “We also did some fun activities. One thing I started using is puzzles. Learning Dutch words with puzzles is easy, interactive and fun.”
She added that the workshop was helpful and that she hoped to learn even more practical tips from the book itself.
The event also gave students the opportunity to ask questions, share their own experiences and reflect on the role language plays in feeling connected to a new environment.

‘Beyond Grammar’ is currently available through the Wittenborg webshop.
Alexandra also shared that she hopes to continue developing workshops and future sessions connected to the book, including possible activities for new student intakes.

WUP 11/05/2026
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press