Van assistent tot docent (VAD)

Van assistent tot docent (VAD) is a cohort support programme that helps German- and French-speaking language assistants transition into teaching careers in Dutch secondary and vocational (mbo) schools. Participants work as language assistants for 4–6 half-days per week while being supported to enroll in a shortened teacher training programme at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences. Nuffic acts as the contact point and mediator, facilitating placement at a school, guidance toward an appropriate teacher education and organised training and check-in meetings during the programme. The programme includes structured evaluation and progress conversations between the assistant, Nuffic and the school.

Monthly payment of €1,200; placement at a Dutch secondary or mbo school; mediation and guidance toward a shortened teacher training; organised language and culture training and programme meetings.

Native speaker of German or French who completed schooltime in a German- or French-speaking country; minimum Dutch language level B1 at programme start; motivated to become a teacher in the Netherlands. A completed bachelor or master degree is a plus for exemptions that shorten study time.

Nuffic acts as contact point and mediator for placement; assistants register with a Dutch university or university of applied sciences for the teacher training and sign a placement/stage agreement with the host school.