From Sicily to Maastricht
Starting a language school was a dream that started in 2005 in Sicily, a dream which lasted for nearly 12 years with my schools Avola Language College and Noto Language College in the province of Siracusa, Sicily.
My name is Catherine Aarts and I am the owner and teacher of Maastricht School of English and Dutch.
I have been an English teacher ever since I graduated in Nijmegen in English and French in 1988. I moved to Sicily in 1989 where I stayed for 27 years. In 2005 I set up 2 language schools in different towns there. I managed them on my own until I left in July 2016. I love teaching and always have done, I think it’s the best job in the world. It makes me happy to work with people. By helping them to learn English and/or Dutch I feel I contribute to their setting up a new life in Maastricht or somewhere else in Holland. When they have learnt English or Dutch they have a better opportunity to find a good job.
There is another special feature added to this: I am very fortunate to meet and welcome people from all over the world into my school and learn from them about their countries, cultures and languages. It makes every day different and interesting!
Since 2016
When I returned to Holland in 2016 I immediately set up a new language school and I have been running this school in Maastricht since then. This is also when I got a post-graduate in Dutch at the university in Leuven, ( Belgium) as an NT2 teacher. I like to think that my language school is exclusive because it is set in a small and personal setting. I am able to give people individual attention because of this. I love creating a learning environment where people feel relaxed and at ease, where I get to know them and they get to know each other. We have a good time together. Fun enhances the learning experience, even in an adult class!
I am looking forward to teaching you !
Catherine