The number of foreign priests in Dutch Roman Catholic parishes is growing. Approximately 30% of Dutch priests now come from abroad. In this way, the Church is easing the pain of the shortage of priests and the priests provide a new dose of enthusiasm, idealism, and inspiration from the world church.

This is also the case in the Diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch. STE Languages is pleased to collaborate with the Diocese to develop and improve the foreign priests’ Dutch language skills. The priests come from Uganda, Brazil, and India, and they develop the Dutch language from a basic level with great enthusiasm and dedication. They receive their first lessons online in their home country. If they prove suitable, they then take the Basic Civic Integration Examination Abroad. In consultation with the Diocese, they then work in a parish. The ultimate target level the priests will achieve once they arrive in the Netherlands is C1+ (near native), which is the second-highest language proficiency possible. It is important for them to learn to use the Dutch language intuitively, with the correct words and intonations.

On Tuesday, 8th April, STE Languages, along with the Diocese staff, including Bishop Gerard de Korte, Vicar General Theo Lamers, Episcopal Delegate Peter de Vries, Policy Officer Jeroen Goosen, and Secretariat Officer Marijke Stokkermans, were present at the Sint-Janscentrum in the centre of 's-Hertogenbosch to witness the significant progress in the Dutch language made by the 18 priests. It was a great pleasure to listen to the priests' moving and remarkable presentations. The programme also included a fun language quiz, which clearly demonstrated the their progress. The day concluded with a pleasant lunch.