It is not necessarily a bad sign, but it is certainly understandable why an absolute beginner would find such a call confusing or even discouraging. This experience highlights a common challenge for new learners navigating Dutch language institutions.

While it feels counterintuitive, some language schools adopt a full immersion approach from the very first contact, believing it sets expectations and encourages rapid adaptation. This could be their school's philosophy, or simply that the specific staff member handling intake appointments primarily communicates in Dutch. It is a quirk, but not necessarily an indicator of poor teaching quality. However, it does place an immediate burden on prospective A0 students who are, by definition, unable to speak Dutch.

What to consider and next steps:

  1. Go to the appointment: You are right to still attend the appointment. This gives you a direct opportunity to assess the school's environment, teaching approach, and how they handle communication with beginners in person.
  2. Prepare for the appointment: If possible, bring a friend who speaks some Dutch. Alternatively, prepare a few key questions in Dutch using a translation app, or have a translation app ready on your phone. You can also write down your questions in English and ask if there is someone available who can assist with translation during the intake.
  3. Observe their approach: During the appointment, pay close attention to how they communicate with you. Do they make an effort to use simpler Dutch, or use visual aids? Do they have any English-speaking staff available for initial guidance? This will give you a better sense of their support system for A0 learners.
  4. Inquire about teaching methods: Ask directly how they support students who start from zero Dutch. Some schools might have dedicated support staff or use specific methods to bridge the language gap in the very first weeks of class.
  5. Consider the alternative: Since you mentioned ROC Nijmegen as your other option, it is wise to also explore their intake process and policies. Compare the two schools based on their communication, support for beginners, and overall impression.
  6. Look for quality marks: For inburgering courses, it is highly recommended to choose a school with a Blik op Werk Quality Mark. This independent certification ensures that the school meets specific quality standards set by the Dutch government for inburgering education. While TopTaal NT2 Expert BV is an example of such a certified school in other locations, you should check if either Nederlands de Baas or ROC Nijmegen holds this certification for their inburgering programs. This mark can be a strong indicator of a reputable institution, regardless of their initial intake call approach.

Ultimately, your experience during the intake appointment will be more telling than just the phone call. A school's commitment to quality education for beginners should be evident in their teaching methods and support, even if their administrative communication is strictly Dutch.