Tsarina Language & Media

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

Dutch Language Challenge for Expats & International Professionals
Win a Real Christmas Tree in Vlissingen!🎄

Do you know this Dutch riddle?
Every expat hears this word daily in Dutch workplaces…
but almost nobody knows all its meanings.

Here’s the challenge:

There is one short Dutch word that can mean:
✔ “No problem”
✔ “You’re welcome”
✔ “Don’t mention it”
✔ “Yes, go ahead”

Which word is it?
Drop your answer in the comments!
🎄 The correct answer wins a real Christmas tree.
(Prize must be picked up in Vlissingen.)

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Why this challenge?

Dutch is practical, friendly, and full of hidden meanings.
I help expats and international teams understand Dutch communication, culture, and workplace behaviour, so they can feel confident and successful in the Netherlands.

🎁 Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for an expat?
My book is available now with free shipping + signed copy.
👉 Order via [email protected]
👉 Or visit: www.tsarina.info

Good luck with the challenge!
I can’t wait to see your answers.

Special thanks to Joop from Stichting In- en Uitloophuis Vlissingen for providing the Christmas tree.

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01/12/2025

Travel opens your eyes, but language opens your world.
Where would you like to travel next? 🌍
And which language would you love to speak fluently?

Today felt like a mini world tour — skating on the ice rink, dancing on the beach, and wandering through the magical domes of the Royal Pavilion. ❄️
Travel gives you memories… but language gives those memories meaning.

💬 Riddle:
I look like India with my domes and colours, but I stand proudly in England.
Where am I?

Learning a new language feels just the same — new sights, new feelings, new worlds opening with every word you speak.

Your next adventure might start with a single phrase.
Let’s make languages part of your journey. ✈️

👉 www.tsarina.info/book
👉 www.tsarina.info

28/11/2025

Where would you like to travel next?
And if you could speak any language fluently tomorrow, which one would it be? ✈️

During a visit to Schiphol Airport, I realised it’s like a mini world tour under one roof. Every corner offers a lesson in culture, language, and communication. Hearing different languages and accents reminds us that travel isn’t just about places, it’s about connection.

Mini riddle — guess where I’m flying today:
It’s just one hour away by plane, and you arrive at the same local time you departed. Where am I going?

One new phrase can open doors, create opportunities, and deepen understanding. Travel and language go hand in hand, your next adventure often starts with a few words.

📘 Resources for learners and expats:

Language courses and coaching: www.tsarina.info

My book: www.tsarina.info/book

💬 Question for you: Which language would you most like to speak fluently, and how has it shaped your travel or professional experiences?

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28/11/2025

Where would you like to travel next?
And if you could speak any language fluently tomorrow, which one would it be? ✈️

During a visit to Schiphol Airport, I realised it’s like a mini world tour under one roof. Every corner offers a lesson in culture, language, and communication. Hearing different languages and accents reminds us that travel isn’t just about places, it’s about connection.

Mini riddle — guess where I’m flying today:
It’s just one hour away by plane, and you arrive at the same local time you departed. Where am I going?

One new phrase can open doors, create opportunities, and deepen understanding. Travel and language go hand in hand, your next adventure often starts with a few words.

📘 Resources for learners and expats:

Language courses and coaching: www.tsarina.info

My book: www.tsarina.info/book

💬 Question for my network: Which language would you most like to speak fluently, and how has it shaped your travel or professional experiences?

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18/11/2025

Open Day invitation
Visit the HZ Open Day on Saturday 22 November (09:30–14:30) and discover the Maritime Officer programme:
https://hz.nl/opleidingen/maritiem-officier

Vlissingen When Hell Freezes Over

Last Friday I joined a training mission inside the full-mission ship bridge simulator at HZ University of Applied Sciences. We worked in a team of nine, each responsible for navigating our own vessel and communicating only via radio — teamwork was essential.

My task: navigate a 396-meter ship called Apocalips through heavy ice into the port of Vlissingen, supported by two icebreakers, Diepvries and Iceage.
The Ice Age scenario included coastal fires, aircraft overhead, multiple vessels and even a whale sighting.

An unexpected collision jammed our propeller with ice, and we had to call a diver before continuing — a realistic test of communication, situational awareness and problem-solving.

If you are considering a maritime career, this simulator offers an excellent hands-on introduction.

If you do not speak Dutch yet, that is not a problem.
Tsarina Language School in Vlissingen offers Dutch courses for international students and professionals:
www.tsarina.info | www.tsarina.info/book

Team present (feel free to tag):
Brederveld Verhage Richard van Iwaarden Sylvia Schouwenaars-Hilt van Gelderen Gerritsen Mies

Question:
What helps you take the first step into something completely new?

17/11/2025

Open Day invitation
Visit the HZ Open Day on Saturday 22 November (09:30–14:30)
Vlissingen When Hell Freezes Over
On Friday I participated in a training mission inside the full-mission ship bridge simulator at HZ University of Applied Sciences in Vlissingen. We were a team of nine people and each team member was responsible for their own vessel. Communication took place entirely via radio, so teamwork and clear communication were essential.

My assignment was to navigate an 396-meter ship called Apocalips through heavy ice into the port of Vlissingen. I was supported by two icebreakers named Diepvries and Ice Age. The scenario took place during an Ice Age simulation and included fires along the coastline, aircraft overhead, other vessels, and even a whale sighting. At one point an unexpected collision with a smaller ship jammed our propeller with ice and we had to call a diver to clear it before we could continue.

This mission tested communication, coordination, situational awareness and problem solving. It is excellent realistic training for anyone considering a maritime career.

Open Day invitation
Visit the HZ Open Day on Saturday 22 November (09:30–14:30) to discover whether the Maritime Officer programme is right for you. Explore the programmes, experience student life and learn more about practical training on the full-mission simulator: https://hz.nl/opleidingen/maritiem-officier

If you cannot yet speak Dutch, that is not a problem. Tsarina Language School offers Dutch courses in Vlissingen to help international students and professionals integrate quickly. See www.tsarina.info and www.tsarina.info/book for courses and resources.

Team who took part in the mission (please feel free to tag):
Brederveld - Docent Maritiem Officier opleiding
Verhage
van Iwaarden
Schouwenaars - Hilt
van Gelderen
Gerritsen
Mies



Question for the network: Which expression or small action gives you the courage to take the first step in a new field?

More information and resources:
www.tsarina.info | www.tsarina.info/book | https://hz.nl/opleidingen/maritiem-officier

09/11/2025

The language of Christmas is joy.
Every smile is a word everyone understands.
🌐 www.tsarina.info/book

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