Let me help you navigate.

Moving to a new place is hard. I’ll coach you through living and working in a new environment. Or help you learn German. Or both.

Hello, I'm Jacoba, an accredited coach certified by Co-Active and the International Coaching Federation. I specialise in coaching international employees transitioning to the German-speaking region - I draw from my personal experience of relocating from Canada to Germany.

With a background in teaching Business German at Learnship, I seamlessly integrate language instruction with coaching, aiming to make the transition a joyful and fulfilling experience. My approach empowers individuals to not only adapt but thrive in their new life.

In just three months, I went from basic German proficiency to passing the B2 German exam Level 4 of 6), a testament to the effectiveness of my approach. Now, I leverage my personal and professional experiences to help both employees and employers make the transition smoother and more successful. Together, let's turn the challenges of relocation into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Who am I?

Transition coaching for international employees moving (or recently moved) to the German-speaking region
Unique perspective: someone who has been through the same experience, mastered the language and is an accredited coach
Seamless integration of behavioral-science-informed language instruction with coaching
Guidance on how to adapt and thrive in this new culture, not only professionally, but socially as well
Holistic approach to relocation support, making the transition joyful, smooth and fulfilling for both employee and employer
Or perhaps you just want to learn German to expand your facility with this beautiful language!

What’s in it for you?

Looking for coaching on personal or career goals or something else? I have training on that too. Let’s talk!

Email me

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What clients say

“I have been connected with Jacoba since our arrival in Germany last summer (2023). Not only has Jacoba been a fabulous language instructor but she was very instrumental in supporting me through these cultural challenges. My online meetings with her became a highlight in my day.
When we arrived in Stuttgart, I found navigating a new culture and adapting to life in here quite challenging and it was really wonderful to have a happy, smiling, positive person to chat to and ask questions when I was finding things particularly difficult.
I have also really enjoyed, and still enjoy, my German language training with Jacoba. She initially asked me what my language learning goals were, and we worked together in achieving them. Jacoba regularly revisits these goals with me to ensure we are on track.
Our sessions are always interesting and relevant to topics that I enjoy. Jacoba continually varies my lesson format (speaking, listening, dialogue, games, writing, vocabulary) to ensure that while learning we are still having a lot of fun! I find the variation and delivery keeps me interested and motivated.
Thank you, Jacoba, for all your support over the past 7 months. I look forward continuing coaching with you through 2024.“
- Lucille, Founder of Wild Women on the Run
“Jacoba is a one of the best coaches I've ever had, or can even imagine, 3 continuous package bookings already says it all.
She seamlessly combines language instruction and conversations about adapting to life and work in Germany and is my cheerleader in my goals.
Firstly, it’s quite amazing that she is a non-native speaker with only 4 years of professional German experience - it shows the effective methodology that she has on learning language. This is also an important factor for me to learn from her since the learning paths of Native Speaker and Non-Native Speaker on a language are totally different.
Secondly, she can consistently dedicates her full attention to coaching every minute, regardless of the course duration. I've realized firsthand that this is incredibly challenging yet crucial for earning the respect of learners.
In a nutshell, not only can Jacoba balance different aspects very well to help people learn and adapt happily, but also is very easy to form a strong connection with. This is essential during the whole transition journey, as a human being with emotions.
All in all, thanks Jacoba.“
- Jia Deng, UI/UX Engineer, Mercedes-Benz
“I didn’t have a clear idea of what to expect from coaching but went into it with an open mind. I was feeling confused, lost and down about what I was doing and unclear about what I wanted for my future.
I couldn’t be happier that I heard about Jacoba. I end each session feeling so much lighter and have learned some great skills that I can use daily when feeling overwhelmed. She has a toolbox of ideas that she can instantly pick from when I bring up a new topic to discuss and I am also so impressed by how professionally she works.
She knows what she’s talking about and makes each session easy and fun. She is able to adapt everything to my needs and gives me the accountability that I need. I couldn’t be happier working with Jacoba. Thank you!”
– Rachel Lynch, Entrepreneur
“Jacoba is an exceptional coach! She has listened attentively to my goals and dreams and has helped me break them down into manageable milestones, making this huge transition in my life a little less scary to embark on.
As a new PhD student, I felt like there was too much change going on at once. She is always extremely well equipped with thought provoking questions and leaves me with guiding thoughts to ponder on. Always reframing my thinking to be able to look at my life and goals from a different lens.
Jacoba has given me assignments and assessments that have allowed me to dig deeper and get to know and quiet my inner critic. If you are looking to level up and tackle your dreams, Jacoba’s coaching will help you break those down into manageable bite-size pieces. Many thanks!
- Catherine Hughes, founder of Hamilton Forest School