With these tips for expat parents and children, a smooth start to the new school year is easy.

For expat and international families, the start of a new school year brings excitement and challenges. As summer slowly gives way to autumn, children are ready to start a new chapter in their learning adventure. This article aims to provide expat parents with practical tips. Tips on how to best prepare their children for the new school year, and also highlight their own role and involvement.

For Dutch-speaking parents, please click this link for the Dutch version..

Start the new school year by exploring and welcoming the school environment

The new school environment can be exciting and overwhelming for expat children. Before the first day of school, plan a visit to the school to explore the classrooms, playground, and other facilities with your child. Get your child used to the new environment and point out places of interest to them, such as the library or art room. This helps to allay any fear of the unknown and strengthens them because they know better what to expect. If possible, practise some basic sentences or just words in Dutch, which will help them with their first encounters.

You can use these words and sentences, for example. Another idea is to watch a YouTube video in Dutch about going to school.

Greetings

• Hallo / Hoi — Hello / Hi

• Dag / Doei — Bye

• Goedemorgen — Good morning

• Goedemiddag — Good afternoon

• Ik ben [naam]. — I’m [name].

• Hoe heet jij? — What’s your name?

In the class room – basic words

• de juf / meester — (primary) teacher

• de leraar / lerares — (secondary) teacher

• het lokaal — classroom

• het boek — book

• het schrift — notebook

• de pen / het potlood — pen / pencil

In the class room – basis sentences

• Mag ik naar de wc? — May I go to the toilet?

• Ik begrijp het niet. — I don’t understand.

• Kun je dat herhalen? — Could you repeat that?

• Hoe spel je dat? — How do you spell that?

• Waar moet ik zitten? — Where should I sit?

• Mag ik een [voorwerp] lenen? — May I borrow a [item]?

In the school yard – basic sentences

• Mag ik meedoen? — Can I join?

• Zullen we samen spelen? — Shall we play together?

• Wat zullen we spelen? — What shall we play?

• Ik ben aan de beurt. — It’s my turn.

• Jij bent aan de beurt. — It’s your turn.

• Wacht even! — Wait a second!

Social talk

• Alsjeblieft / Alstublieft — Please / Here you go

• Dank je wel / Dank u wel — Thank you

• Graag gedaan — You’re welcome

• Sorry — Sorry

• Excuseer — Excuse me

• Ik ben nieuw hier. — I’m new here.

If possible. I

If you like these words and sentences in a printable PDF, please get in touch with us and put ‘Dutch starter list’ in the subject line.

Start the new school year by creating a routine in advance with a fixed structure.

A structured routine is the basis for a successful school year. Start adjusting sleep patterns and daily schedules a few weeks before the school year starts. For expat children, a stable routine is essential to feel safe and grounded. After all, things are already changing enormously, like country and language. Plan regular bedtimes and meals more or less in the Dutch time schedule to create a sense of stability..

Build a social network

Friendships are invaluable, especially for expat children adjusting to a new environment. Spend time with other parents and children in the neighbourhood to foster friendships. Organise an informal get-together where children can get to know each other, and parents can share experiences. These connections provide support not only for the children but also for the parents..

Start the new school year by encouraging language skills

For expat children, learning the local language can be an integral part of their adjustment to the new environment. Consider taking Dutch language lessons, where they learn the language and gain insight into the culture and traditions. Ensure the lessons are interactive and fun so your child remains motivated to learn.

For those considering learning Dutch for their children but are not yet convinced, I highly recommend one of our latest articles (available in English): Is Dutch really a difficult language for your child to learn? The mystery unravelled..

Start the new school year & find a balance between school and extracurricular activities

Besides school, it is essential that children get involved in extracurricular activities such as sports and hobbies. Consider enrolling your child in local sports teams, art classes, or other activities that interest them. These activities promote their social and language skills and provide a welcome change from the school routine..

Support the expression of emotions when the new school year starts

Provide space for art, music, or any other way in which your child can express themselves creatively. It helps develop their imagination. Moreover, it also provides a healthy outlet for emotions and experiences they may encounter during their expat journey..

Self-care for parents in the new school year

Don’t forget to make time for yourself as a parent. Guiding expat children through a new school year can be challenging. So it is crucial to monitor your own well-being. For instance, look for local expat parent groups where you can share experiences and find support. You can sometimes find these groups through school, social media, or information from the municipality in your city..

Start the new school year at Dutch for Children

The new school year is upon us. We are pleasantly “busy” preparing for the next school year at Dutch for Children. We are taking on new students, possibly offering regular students a different class time, and updating and replenishing all materials.

🌍 Moving abroad is exciting, but for children, it can feel overwhelming.
New language. New school system. New social rules.

At Dutch for Children, we go beyond teaching Dutch grammar and reading. We help expat kids integrate socially, culturally, and emotionally.
Children learn:
✔️ Everyday Dutch they need at school and with friends
✔️ How to join conversations and games with confidence
✔️ Dutch classroom “rules” and cultural cues

Because integration is more than language, it’s a connection. You can enrol your child anytime, as we don’t have fixed starting dates: we teach all year round.

The start of a new school year offers opportunities

The start of a new school year marks an exciting period full of opportunities for expat children and their parents. Expat children can integrate smoothly into their new environment. By paying attention to a structured routine, social connections, language skills, and extracurricular activities.

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging this adjustment. Through open communication and a healthy balance between school and free time, you and your children can enjoy a successful and enriching school year.

School start dates

• North: 17 August
• South: 24 August
• Central: 31 August

Through this link, you can find which region your child falls under.

Dutch for Children wishes all children and parents lots of fun with the start of this new school year!. You can contact us now for more information or a free meeting.