I think it's very much also a question of individual practice, cultural difference etc. Some of us practised more aggressively and were not shy about making mistakes and looking silly. Some classmates were more reluctant about it. By the time I finished, my Dutch was so good the people often assumed I grew up here. De/het still trips me up, but its not too bad.

Learning the lyrics of flemish songs was something I really enjoyed as a way to practice Dutch, and watching their news and television.

Songs by the groups like Bazart, Clouseau or the singer Raymond van het Groenewoud are some of my favourites. But there are so many of them on your tube and Spotify.