A diploma from the State Examination Dutch as a Second Language (Nt2) is required when applying for a Dutch passport. Those wishing to improve their chances of passing, can prepare in a targeted way via Inburgering.org. ‘It is an online platform with more than sixteen thousand exercises and follows exactly the same format as the state exam: speaking, listening, reading, writing and knowledge about Dutch society.’
To fine-tune
With the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Svavolia developed the platform. ‘To safeguard quality, I also used AI to check the generated content. The website is now live. I receive feedback from users, which allows me to fine-tune everything.’ Compared to other paid platforms, Svavolia offers flexible memberships. ‘These range from €3 for one course to €35 per all courses per month for a full package, and everything in between.’
A dream come true
There is also a podcast on Spotify, also created using AI. ‘It focuses on Dutch culture, public holidays, and history. All content is relevant and aimed at passing the state exam.’ At present, there are six hundred subscribers and two hundred website users. For Svavolia, it is a dream come true. ‘Yes, I can make a living from it, and that was always my goal: to work as an independent entrepreneur. Now I want to continue building and explore whether I can develop it into an app.’
Ambition
Kirill Svavolia moved from Russia to Enschede in 2019 to study. He deliberately chose the University of Twente because of its entrepreneurial character. ‘That really appealed to me, as it had already been my ambition to start my own business.’
After a foundation year at Twente Pathway College, Svavolia studied for a bachelor’s degree in business information technology. He also completed the Honours Programme, specialising in Entrepreneurship and Business Development. ‘In 2021, I was nominated for the title of most entrepreneurial student of the year. I came third.’
Entrepreneurial spirit
Although he did not take first place, the nomination reflects Svavolia’s entrepreneurial spirit: a student who is constantly active and takes on numerous initiatives. During his time at the UT, he founded the Eurasian Student Organisation, the Twente Debating Society, and was involved in TEDxTwente.
He completed his master’s in business administration & management part-time at the University of Amsterdam. At the same time, he worked there as a project controller. ‘As a knowledge migrant, you can apply for Dutch nationality after five years of uninterrupted residence in the Netherlands.’
He did so. A requirement is passing the Nt2 state examination. He did so as well. ‘During my own search for suitable and accessible practice materials, I encountered limited availability. With Inburgering.org, I am adding something of value and combining my IT knowledge with my entrepreneurial spirit.’
