Hi there, I’m Feykje!
Born and raised in the Netherlands, I moved to Barcelona in 2020 with lots of enthusiasm and a stubborn desire to “blend in perfectly”. I quickly realised that was never going to happen, and not only because I’m tall and blond. My (Dutch) identity and appearance shaped me, and culture shocks (from office habits to something as simple as buying bed sheets) affected my confidence and made me question my sense of independence. Even when I knew the theory around moving abroad, and my language level was more than fine. There were many moments where I felt like a completely different version of myself. Less articulate, less confident, less fun… less me.
“It’s not about having the right words. It’s about feeling like yourself when you use them.”
But I realised I wasn’t alone.
And more importantly, I realised that trying to blend in was never the answer. The moment I stopped trying to become someone else and started finding a way that actually fit me, something shifted.
That is where the name comes from. Beyond Native is not about sounding like a local or ignoring where you come from. It is about finding a way of communicating that feels like you and taking that with you in every room you walk into.
Step by step, I came to understand what that actually means in practice. It is not just about having the right words. It is about your non-verbal appearance, how you structure your message and how you read the room. This way, no single element has to carry all the (awkward) pressure when you talk.
When you train all of those layers together, this is where you improve. You stop performing and start communicating. And that new version of you? That will stick with you. To any language, any room, any audience.
So, let’s find the freedom to communicate in your own voice. Let’s go Beyond Native!
Why choose me as your trainer?
Academic background
Master’s degrees in adult second language acquisition and effective communication and policy. Theory that I use in practice.
International experience
Over 8 years working in international professional contexts, and 5+ years living and working abroad. I know what it feels like from the inside.
Personal guidance
Flexible, attentive and focused on your unique situation. I want you to succeed.
Practical expertise
My experience in rhetoric, intercultural communication and training design combined into one approach that addresses language, culture and confidence as one.
Does any of this sound familiar?
If you recognise the gap between what you know and how you come across, in a second language, in a professional setting, in front of a group, that is exactly where I work.