Aruba’s Minister Plenipotentiary Zulema Erasmus, who represents the Aruban government in Washington, D.C., visited Husson University to advance a partnership that would create a clear path for Aruban students to study in Maine—and open research opportunities in Aruba for U.S. students.
“The best part of my work is the social part,” Minister Erasmus said, noting that Aruban students often have higher graduation rates when they study in the United States. Erasmus is working with Bangor Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith, who has Aruban roots, to help formalize the collaboration.
Husson University, which hosts nearly 100 international students from more than 35 countries, is developing a memorandum of understanding with Aruba to support student recruitment and academic exchange. “Our international population in Bangor is having an impact and a footprint,” said Dr. Victor Brown, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Husson.
According to Erasmus, the agreement—expected to be signed by Aruba’s Minister of Education—would allow Husson to actively recruit in Aruba while enabling American students to pursue hands-on research on the island. The partnership is slated to launch next fall.
