E23 Going Dutch (Confidence in Language Learning) - with Rebecca van Raamsdonk

Ever feel confident in your field, but not in your language? This episode of English for Engineers dives into how to fix that. I’m joined by Rebecca van Raamsdonk, founder of NABU Academy, to talk about what really works for language learning at the advanced level — especially for ambitious professionals like you.

We unpack why confidence often matters more than fluency, how to actually feel at home in a new language, and why grammar is the foundation — but never the whole house. Rebecca shares real-world strategies for breaking past the textbook, simplifying complex grammar, and using podcasts as your secret language weapon.

Whether you’re learning Dutch, English, or any other language for work, this episode will change how you think about language, mistakes, and real progress.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How feeling “at home” in a language boosts clarity, confidence, and connection
• Why confidence > fluency when it comes to high-stakes communication
• Simple ways to integrate language learning into your daily routine — no flashcards required
• How to reframe mistakes as growth markers (not failures)
• Why speaking regularly — even imperfectly — builds real, lasting confidence

The English for Engineers podcast is for engineers and technicians who want to communicate clearly, sound professional, and finally stop translating in their heads. It’s packed with real-world tips, cross-cultural insights, and practical ways to turn Technical and Business English into a tool you actually like using.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Free Coaching Resources (Rebecca):

Masterclass: From Insecure to Fluent (B2/C1 Dutch)

Free Learning Resources (Olivia):

Olivia’s Freebies for Engineers

Courses + Templates

Technical English Group Course: for engineers ready to lead meetings, explain designs, and stop second-guessing their words.

Emails for Engineers Template Pack: real emails you can copy and paste into your next update or request.

Missed last week’s episode? Catch Ep #022 with Saskia Slotboom, where we explore authentic leadership for technical minds.

CONNECT WITH OLIVIA 

Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a 2nd language and Business English teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of technical English that gets the job done. 

Work with me: marcode.org/solutions

Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter

LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin

Instagram: @_marcode_

CONNECT WITH REBECCA

Founder of Nabu Academy: Dutch for advanced learners (B2–C1).

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-van-raamsdonk/

Company Website: http://www.nabuacademy.nl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabuacademy/