At The English Center, we’ve seen how Business English empowers Amsterdam—not just in offices and boardrooms, but across the wider community. In collaboration with the Gemeente Amsterdam, our programs support expats, job seekers, and other residents in gaining the language skills they need to participate more fully in professional and social life. By offering high-quality training with a strong social purpose, we’re proud to contribute to initiatives that make a meaningful difference.
Sharpen your Business English skills with a customized course
Why choose The English Center for your training?
Amsterdam is a global city, and most of the people we support through these community programs come from outside the Netherlands. While some are Dutch, the majority are expats, migrants, or refugees who face the additional challenge of adapting to a new language and culture. For these clients, English is not just a language—it’s a lifeline, a bridge to integration, employment, and independence.
The English Center’s community outreach supports expats, newcomers, survivors of trafficking, sex workers, and job seekers—mainly from outside the Netherlands—by providing English skills that help them integrate, find work, and build confidence in Amsterdam’s diverse community.
Learn more about our English Courses in Amsterdam
Our collaboration with CTM (formerly ACM) focuses on survivors of human trafficking, most of whom have come to the Netherlands from other countries. These clients face unique and often daunting challenges: many arrive with no English skills and deep trauma, making it difficult even to leave their rooms, let alone participate in a class. As one of our trainers explains:
“My goal in these English classes is not only to teach them English but also to show them that they are able to get control of their lives again and learn a new skill. When they first joined the class, many of them did not know how to express themselves or even tell their mentors or police officers about their experiences.”
To address the wide range of backgrounds and abilities, The English Center adapts its approach—dividing classes into beginner and intermediate/advanced levels, and always focusing on creating a safe, fun, and supportive space. Regular attendance is encouraged, as it’s key to progress and confidence.
The impact goes far beyond language. One teacher recalls a student who, after weeks of gentle encouragement, began to open up, share her dreams, and eventually found a job, built a community, and now enjoys a fulfilling life. “Teaching English is not just learning a skill but it’s allowing the clients/survivors to get some independence and power back into their lives.”
For many, the weekly English class is a highlight—a chance to escape isolation, connect with others, and rediscover joy. As our trainers often note, “Being an English teacher is not just about teaching… you are a friend, a mentor, confidant and sometimes a bit of a therapist.”
Read more about Teaching Survivors of Human Trafficking here
The English Center also works with ACS, an organization dedicated to empowering sex workers—many of whom are foreigners or expats. Language skills are vital for clear communication with clients (who are often also from other countries), for safety, and for business success.
We recognize that sex work is a complex and sometimes controversial topic. It is legal and regulated in the Netherlands, but not in many other countries, and may not align with every reader’s personal values. Our role at The English Center is not to take a position on the legality or morality of sex work, but to provide language skills that help individuals operate safely, confidently, and professionally,
Our classes are designed to be open, dynamic, and free of judgment—covering not just standard English, but also the slang, negotiation skills, and business vocabulary that are essential in their work.
“Sex work is a business and these clients are just businessmen and businesswomen. Essentially, they are freelancers in control of their lives and their bodies.” – English Center Teacher
By equipping sex workers with the language tools they need, The English Center helps them operate more safely and with greater independence.
In partnership with the Gemeente Amsterdam and RMT, The English Center supports low-income job seekers—many of whom are expats or newcomers—aiming for roles in the English-speaking market. The process begins with a personal intake to understand each client’s goals, followed by tailored support in CV and cover letter writing, and English job interview practice. This program is highly effective, with a success rate of approximately 90%.
This hands-on, personalized approach helps clients not only find jobs but also build confidence and independence.
Learn more about our Job Interview Coaching
For The English Center, community work is not a side project—it’s at the heart of who we are. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and participate fully in society. For our business clients, partnering with The English Center means joining a network that values social responsibility, quality, and real impact.
As one of our trainers says:
“Learning English is gaining power. By learning English, you’re able to find new jobs, express yourself, and perhaps even make new friends. The English Center is just one of the many ways to help survivors do that.”
Whether you’re a business leader seeking business English training for your team, an expat looking to advance your career, or a community organization aiming to support integration, The English Center’s Business English Gemeente Amsterdam programs deliver real results. Join us in building a more connected, confident, and professional Amsterdam—where Business English empowers everyone to succeed.
“Business English Empowers Amsterdam” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
Since 2009, thousands of learners have trusted our courses
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews.
