Eager to learn a new language or brush up on your French or Dutch but not sure where to start? The Brussels-Capital Region is offering its own e-learning platform where residents can learn 22 languages free of charge.
'Brulingua' was first launched by the regional employment office Actiris in 2013 to make jobseekers more employable. Actiris commissioned Belgian e-learning company Altissia, which specialises in languages, to run the platform on a four-year rolling contract.
At the time of its launch, only people who were looking for a job in the Brussels region had access to the platform. But around four years ago, Actiris decided to make it available to all Brussels residents.
Altissia educational coach Frédéric Lahaut cited the precarity of the job market as one of the reasons for the change. "It opened up to all residents because any employee can lose their job from one day to the next," he tells The Brussels Times.
Multilingualism for the masses
Initially, only French, Dutch, English and German were offered, but this has now expanded to 22 languages (as well as North American English and Canadian French). Dutch remains the platform's most popular language (44% of users), followed by French (34%) and English (26%). "These are the three most important languages if you want to find a job in Belgium."
Some 110,000 residents have now signed up, with 55,000 new users registering between 2021 and 2023. And this figure is steadily increasing: Lahaut sees approximately 1,500 new registrations on Brulingua every month.
The platform is intended solely for Brussels residents. They must sign up with a valid postcode and the system detects whether they are registering from within the region. "But if you leave, you can still use the platform outside the Brussels region," Lahaut admits.
Asylum seekers and refugees also have access to the service, as it forms part of Actiris' wider integration programme. The employment office organises several activities and courses in French and Dutch to help these people integrate into Belgian society.
Babbel, but for Brussels
The online language learning market is competitive and flooded with apps, classes and more. What makes Brulingua stand out?
"Firstly, it's completely free. Secondly, we are a Belgium-based company, so we work with stakeholders to develop professional vocabulary based on the Belgian market and needs," Lahaut says.
People can use the platform according to their individual learning needs, whether personal or professional. Lahaut says there is business-specific vocabulary on offer, but also lessons for everyday use. Moreover, there is both a website and app, so people can learn at home or on the go.
The courses are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). When signing up, users can take a language assessment test or enter their current level. They can also switch to a different level at any time if their course is too easy or difficult.
The platform offers live classes with small groups and teachers, videos and articles, interactive exercises, quizzes and more. The 'Speaky' tool also enables people to connect with native speakers and put their skills into practice.
Brulingua is currently unable to offer an officially recognised certificate when people have completed a course. This is because they cannot verify the person behind the screen and who is doing the activities. "We are hoping to implement a recognition system soon with video software, but this is not possible right now."
Why don't more residents know about Brulingua? "Many people think it's still only for job seekers. But we try to promote the website on our social networks," Lahaut says, promising no threatening green owls as part of the platform's promotion.
'There's a sense of achievement'
Simon (50) from Ireland has been living in Brussels for a year and completed two sections of a course (both business and general) to brush up on his French ahead of an EU exam.
"It's so much better than Duolingo, which for me is a waste of time. You may as well play candy crush," he tells The Brussels Times. "Brulingua has videos, reading, speaking, practising, testing all in a proper flow which feels like you're learning and making progress. There's a sense of achievement. It's much better to be off the phone and sat at a desk with it too."
Find more information on Brulingua's official website.
