Hi, I’m Brenda de Jong-Pauley, MA — American-born language trainer, founder of The English Center, and long-time Metro Amsterdammer. I started this company in 2009 with a simple mission: To help professionals speak English with confidence, clarity, and comfort.
The English Center began with a small classroom and one big idea — that language coaching should be personal, practical, and professional. More than 16 years later, we’ve helped thousands of clients take their English — and their careers — to the next level.
📍 Based in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and The Hague — with online and in-company options available throughout the Netherlands.
Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, founder of The English Center in the Tegelkamer at the Binnenkant, in Amsterdam.
We provide customized English training for professionals — always tailored to your goals, industry, and preferred learning style. Whether you need to prepare for an important meeting, speak more clearly in English, or boost your confidence fast, we’ll help you get there.
All CEFR levels (A2 to C2) – With a strong focus on intermediate to advanced learners
We work with individual professionals, company teams, and HR departments across the Netherlands and beyond. Most of our clients already speak English regularly at work — but want to speak it better.
Our clients include expats, Dutch professionals, international employees, and jobseekers preparing for English interviews or career transitions.
✅ Expert native-speaker trainers from the UK, US, Ireland, and Australia
✅ Private and in-company training — no public group courses
✅ Flexible scheduling and locations — online or in-person
✅ Real progress — goal-focused, practical, and highly personalized
✅ Recognized by CEDEO and CRKBO — trusted by HR and eligible for employer reimbursement
✅ Excellent reviews on Trustpilot
We’re also proud to be a woman-owned company with a diverse, international team and a strong reputation for quality, care, and results.
Every client’s story is unique. That’s why we start with a free consultation — so we can understand your goals and recommend the right training for you or your team.
👉 Click here to book your free consultation
Or call us directly at +31 20 823 0569. We’d love to hear from you.
The English Center, founded by Brenda de Jong-Pauley in 2009, offers high-quality English training for professionals across the Netherlands and online.
We specialize in Business English, intensive courses, spoken English, pronunciation, and job interview coaching — all customized to your needs.
CEDEO recognized. Trustpilot loved. Personal, professional, effective.
What do our clients think about us? Just click the TrustPilot icon to read some reviews.
The English Center partners with Dutch Review and IamExpat.
