Dutch Exam Level A1 Done!

It has been a week. I am still anxious. I've heard horror stories. Speaking was the hardest part.


Last week, I gathered up all my courage and went to the embassy for my Dutch exam. I was very nervous. Well, even now. The room was filled with the cold air that punctures my skin. Though I was just the only one in the room, I feel as if someone's looking at me. One computer, a chair, and a set of headphones. Those are all I had inside.

The lady explained to me what to do. I tried to listen very carefully but the mask blocked her voice that I cannot pick up some of what she said. Anyways, I proceeded. The first part was speaking. I felt a little bit confident on that one. I just wish I spoke clearly and loudly, for I am not in the mood to retake that part.

Then it was reading. That was the hardest. The first two parts were easy, but the last one was reading comprehension. There were some words that I am not familiar with. I was skeptical.

Last was the knowledge of Dutch society. It was okay. I know I had one mistake, which I terribly regretted answering. I know it was not right but I still pursued it.

I have checked all the questions when I got home.

My travel time was only an hour and a few minutes, which normally takes me two or more. There were not many cars on the highway.

Today, a friend shared her results, she did not pass the speaking. My heart pounded again. Thoughts started to enter my head, what if I did not pass the speaking as well? What if I need to retake again? I will be a total embarrassment. I do not want to do it again.

Waiting for the result was the hardest. Imagine spending eight weeks just to know that you will fail. What a heart ache!