The Netherlands

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Here are some helpful websites about foreign medical doctors who want to practice in Holland:

Information for foreign medical doctors (MDs)-Utricht university
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Medical Dutch for foreign doctors and dentists

Since 2005, doctors and dentists who obtained their qualifications outside the Netherlands are legally bound to sit the 'Algemene Kennis- en Vaardighedentoets' (AKV test, the 'General Knowledge and Proficiency test') before receiving permission to practice in the Netherlands. In addition, doctors and dentists also have to be tested on their medical knowledge. For more information please check the website of the Commissie Buitenlands Gediplomeerden Volksgezondheid (Bureau of Foreign Degree Holders of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports).

• Course objective

Medical Dutch is a course that prepares students for the Dutch language and communication skills portion of the AKV test .

• Target audience

This course is intended for those who have obtained there medical diploma or dentist diploma outside the Netherlands.

• Level of Dutch

The starting level of Dutch is that of the State Examination NT2 programme II (level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference). If you don't hold a certificate for the four skills tested in this exam but do feel your Dutch is on the same level, please contact drs. Marijke Huizinga.

• Course content

Since 2000, the Department Dutch as a Second Language has offered Medical Dutch to students enrolled at both universities in Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit and Universiteit van Amsterdam). The department has modified the curriculum to fit the new admissions requirements for foreign doctors in the Netherlands, as stipulated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports. Upon completion of this modified course, participants will have achieved the level of Dutch language proficiency necessary for carrying out their profession, both in spoken contexts (for communication with patients and colleagues) and written contexts (e.g. for writing up reports).

• AKV test dates 2008

The test fees are € 500.

Further information can be obtained from the CIBG (Central Office for Healthcare Professions): telephone number within the Netherlands 0900-8998225; telephone number outside the Netherlands 0031-70-3406600. Check also RIBIZ.

• Course dates

The course lasts 9 weeks (from 17 November till 30 January 2009) and consists of 25 meetings, 3 hours each. The course will be given on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 13.30 until 16.30 hours. You are expected to spend at least 75 hours on self-study.

English, ICT and Knowledge of the Dutch healthcare system will be given after October, 31. (Also look at 'Other courses'.)

Please contact us about the course dates of the next course.

• Group size

The minimum number of participants is 6, the maximum number is 12 participants.

• Course material

- Bekedam, L.M. / van Palenstein Helderman-Susan, L.H.M. (2000) Hoe zit het met staan? Cursus Nederlands voor anderstalige artsen. Houten: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum, ISBN 9031346136. Price: around € 60.

- Reader containing course material for the NT2 department. Price: € 15.

- (recommended) Palenstein Helderman-Susan, L.H.M. / Mans, E.M. (2000) Van aambeeld tot zwijgplicht. Woordenlijst medisch Nederlands Nederlands/Engels. Houten: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum, ISBN 9031346136. Price: € 25.90.

• Course fees

€ 1050,- (course material not included).

• Other courses

In addition to testing Dutch language proficiency, the AKV test covers three other subjects: English reading proficiency, ICT skills (Information and Communication Technology) and knowledge of the Dutch healthcare system.

In cooperation with VASVU (the Foundation year for International students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) you will be given the opportunity to prepare for both the English language test, which consists of reading a medical text, and the ICT skills test, which requires knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Internet and e-mail). The number of classes to be given will depend on your level of knowledge.

It there is sufficient interest, the Faculty of Medical Science will organize a series of 9 lectures on the topic of Knowledge of the Dutch healthcare system. Participants will have to sit a written test and write an essay.

Fees for the extra courses are dependent upon the number of participants and their level of knowledge.

• Registration / More information

For more information please contact drs. Marijke Huizinga.

Department of Dutch as a Second Language at Vrije Universiteit. For fast and effective Dutch courses and improvement of the quality of language education.

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About learning Dutch language in Amsterdam university:
-Dutch language courses are given in VU( Amsterdam university) for non-dutch speakers(beginners), either as day courses, evening courses, summer or winter courses. The day courses for example are intensive courses for highly educated ppl who speak either english or french or German, they contain 4 levels, 9 weeks in each level .
During those courses participants gradually prepare for the State Examination of Dutch as a Second Language, which is the starting level that attendees must have to enrol in the course of medical course that lasts 9 weeks.
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The medical Dutch course prepares applicants to do the 'General Knowledge and Proficiency test' (AVK) that gives foreign doctors permission to practice in Holland after inclusion in the BIG register, You are not allowed to view links.
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