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ALP Writing Week: improve your academic writing skills

Are you insecure about your language skills in Dutch or English? Do you struggle with structuring your texts or need some help in conveying a message? Then join a free writing workshop at the ALP!

During the year, the Academic Language Programme (ALP) is organizing a series of writing weeks for students who want to improve their academic writing skills. During these (free) workshops, you will receive practical tips from experienced instructors and learn how to improve your texts and your writing process. Whether you write in Dutch or English, you are welcome to join. The workshops are small-scale, allowing for personal attention. 

The next writing weeks will take place from 18-22 May and 15-19 June 2026.

Workshops and scheduling 
The workshops for each week will be announced on this website. If you would like to receive updates when the topics of the workshops are announced and registration opens, you can sign up for the e-mail list by sending an email to alp.sgw@vu.nl

Check the drop-down menu below for the May writing week programme.

Looking for individual coaching?

Workshops Writing Week 18 - 22 May 2026

  • Monday 18 May: Academic writing in the age of AI 

    Since the introduction of ChatGPT, generative AI has transformed how people write. GenAI tools can support academic writing by helping to generate ideas and refine assignment drafts, but there are also challenges. AI-generated content is not always accurate, and its use raises important questions about originality and academic integrity. In this workshop, we explore the role of generative AI in academic writing. How can AI tools like ChatGPT support your writing process? What are the risks and limitations? And how can you ensure responsible and ethical use? 

    Language: English
    Time: 13.30-15.00 
    Location: HG-14A36
    Teacher: Paul Robertson
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form

  • Tuesday 19 May: Geef je tekst meer samenhang in 5 stappen

    This workshop is Dutch only. Read the description here.

    Language: Dutch
    Time: 13.30-15.00 
    Location: HG -07A36
    Teacher: Nel de Jong
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form.

  • Wednesday 20 May: Making a Point with Style  

    Academic writing is supposed to be formal, precise and evidence-based, but also engaging and persuasive. How do you accomplish such writing while still sounding like yourself? In this session we explore the ins and outs of writing style and personal voice. You will learn the different ways you have agency in your writing and test how your writing comes across to others. To do so, we will explore the advantages of both individual and group-based writing practices.    

    Language: English
    Time: 13.30-15.00 
    Location: HG-09A16
    Teacher: Maarten Klene
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form.

  • Thursday 21 May: The No Stress Writing Process 

    Do you often struggle with writing? Do you postpone writing your assignment until just before the deadline? Writing is a complex task which creates a lot of stress for many students. In this workshop you will learn about common causes why people get stuck, and you will learn strategies to get started again and be more effective in your writing. We will practise with various techniques that will help you to produce more text and make writing easier. At the end you'll make a personal action plan for your writing assignments.  We'll give this workshop in English and Dutch, so you can participate regardless of the language of your writing assignments.  

    Language: English and Dutch
    Time: 13.30-15.00  
    Location: HG-07A36
    Teacher: Anna Martonfi
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form.

  • Friday 22 May: Structure and substance in academic writing 

    Do you find it hard to come up with a clear structure for your text? Do you get feedback from your teacher that the organization of text isn’t clear? In this workshop we will look at how you can create, rethink, or refine a logical structure for your text and how you can make sure that your readers understand where you are going in your writing—and why. Our workshop will provide you with some concrete strategies to work on your organization and structure skills. The workshop will be given in English, but the general principles also hold for Dutch texts.   

    Language: English
    Time: 13.30-15.00  
    Location: HG-14A37
    Teacher: Carmen Defty
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form.

About the ALP

Contact the Academic Language Programme

For VU staff: contact us about courses on communicative skills or questions related to language policy.

Dr. Gea Dreschler, ALP academic director

Dr. Nel de Jong, coordinator ALP for Dutch (NT1, NT2)

For students: for questions or information about a course, workshop or coaching, contact us at

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