Can you tell us something about your company?
NTC De Eekhoorn has been providing Dutch Language and Culture Education (NTC) for more than 15 years. Our mission is to offer high-quality Dutch language education abroad that aligns as closely as possible with the Dutch and Belgian educational systems. In addition to language instruction, we integrate Dutch and Belgian culture into our curriculum to help children maintain a strong connection with their cultural roots and to support a smooth transition should families relocate back to the Netherlands or Belgium.
We provide education to children from Dutch and Belgian families living in The Woodlands area (north Houston), ranging from families temporarily assigned abroad to those permanently residing in the U.S. Our students include children from both fully Dutch-speaking households and bilingual households.
Our program serves primarily school students from grades 1 through 8 with weekly classroom-based Dutch language lessons. We also organize six cultural theme days annually, maintain a large Dutch library, and foster an engaged Dutch-speaking community. Since 2023, we have expanded our offering to include secondary education, providing both online and in-person lessons focused on writing, speaking, literature, and culture. Students work toward obtaining an official Dutch language certificate (CNaVT).
What makes us unique is our traditional classroom approach with native Dutch-speaking teachers, combined with a strong sense of community and cultural identity.
Why did your company choose Texas?
We established our activities in the Woodlands, because Houston is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing international business communities in Texas. The region hosts many Dutch and Belgian professionals working in sectors such as energy, engineering, technology, and international trade. This creates a strong and consistent demand for high-quality native language education for expatriate and international families.
Texas offers an attractive business climate, strong economic growth, and a highly international workforce, making it an ideal location to build sustainable educational community. The presence of international schools, global corporations, and expat networks provides opportunities for collaboration and community building, which are essential for organizations like ours.
What advice can you give Dutch entrepreneurs who want to do business in Texas?
Texas offers tremendous business opportunities, but success often depends on understanding local business culture and building strong personal relationships. Networking plays a crucial role in Texas business culture. Personal connections and trust are often just as important as the business proposition itself. Invest time in community involvement, professional associations, and local events is key.
