Education Research Current About VU Amsterdam NL
Bachelor's programmes Master's programmes VU for Professionals
Exchange programme VU Amsterdam Summer School Honours Programme Dutch language courses (NT2) Semester in Amsterdam
PhD at VU Amsterdam Featured research Prizes and distinctions
Interdisciplinary research institutes Scientists of VU Amsterdam Research Impact Support Portal Create impact with your research
News Events calendar Moving towards a healthier future
VU UPDATE: Situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions Culture at VU Amsterdam
Practical matters Mission, core values and vision Entrepreneurship on VU Campus
Governance of VU Amsterdam Valorisation and impact Partnering with VU Amsterdam VU Alumni Community Take a look at our vacancies!
Sorry! De informatie die je zoekt, is enkel beschikbaar in het Engels.
This programme is saved in My Study Choice.
Something went wrong with processing the request.
Something went wrong with processing the request.
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 16 - 20 November 2026, 12 - 16 April, 18 - 21 May and 15 - 18 June 2027.

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 writing week programme.

Workshops Writing Week 16 - 20 November 2026

  • Monday 16 November: 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
    Venue: HG-11A36
    Teacher: Maarten Klene
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form. 

  • Tuesday 17 November: 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
    Venue: HG-11A36
    Teacher: Paul Robertson
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form. 

  • Wednesday 18 November: Geef je tekst meer samenhang in 5 stappen

    Please note that this workshop is conducted in Dutch. You can read the description here.

    Language: Dutch
    Time: 13.30-15.00
    Venue: HG-11A36
    Teacher: Nel de Jong
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form. 

  • Thursday 19 November: 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 is not clear? In this workshop we will look at how you can create, rethink, or refine a logical structure for your text and 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 are also applicable for Dutch texts. 

    Language: English
    Time: 13.30-15.00
    Venue: HG-10A28
    Teacher: Anna Martonfi
    Registration: Reserve your spot for this workshop by signing up via this form. 

  • Friday 20 November: 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 reasons why people get stuck and which strategies can help you get started again and be more effective in your writing. We will practice various techniques that will help you to produce more text and make writing easier. At the end of the session, you will make a personal action plan for your writing assignments. You can participate in this workshop regardless of the language of your writing assignments.

    Language: English + Dutch
    Time: 13.30-15.00
    Venue: HG-0G28
    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

Quick links

Homepage VU Amsterdam Culture at VU Amsterdam University Library Dashboard

Study

Academic calendar Study Guide Timetable Canvas

Featured

Donate to the VU Fund VU Magazine Ad Valvas Digital accessibility

About VU Amsterdam

Contact with VU Amsterdam Take a look at our vacancies! Faculties VU Amsterdam Divisions VU Amsterdam
Privacy Disclaimer Safety Web Colophon Cookie settings Web Archive

Copyright © VU