The Academic Language Programme (ALP) is organizing several free writing workshops from 2 - 6 June 2025 for students looking to improve their writing skills and process. Choose the workshop that best fits your wishes and the language of your assignments.
Writing with AI (English)
Date and time: Monday 2 June, 13.30-15.00
Location: HG-11A37
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? More information.
The Final Thesis Sprint (English and Dutch)
Date and time: Tuesday 3 June, 13.30-15.00
Location: HG-11A37
How can you stay on top of your thesis and avoid getting overwhelmed by everything you still need to do? How can you effectively plan your writing sessions? And what can you do when you get stuck? 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 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. More information.
Structure and Substance in Academic Writing (English)
Date and time: Wednesday 4 June, 13.30-15.00
Location: HG-11A37
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. More information.
Clear Writing in Dutch (Dutch)
Date and time: Thursday 4 June, 13.30-15.00
Location: HG-11A37
This workshop is Dutch only. Read the description here.
Shut up and Write! (English and Dutch)
Date and time: Friday 6 June, 13.30-15.00
Location: HG-11A37
Do you sometimes struggle to find time and focus to write? Do you want some company while writing? Join us for a ‘Shut up and write!’ session. We will start by giving you some tips on the writing process. We will then have two timed sessions for focused work, with a break in-between, so you can chat to fellow thesis writers. More information.
Sign up for any of the workshops by emailing us at alp.fgw@vu.nl.
Please note: A limited number of spots are available, full = full.