The Ban Studia EducationUSA Aruba initiative was officially explained by Minister Gerlien Croes during the opening of the new student guidance office.
Minister Croes, responsible for Education, Youth, Innovation, and Sports, shared how the initiative originated from her early experiences as a minister. During a visit to Aruban students in the Netherlands in June 2025, she engaged in discussions about their academic journeys, challenges, and the support they needed.
She explained that many students highlighted a key issue: a lack of accessible information before leaving Aruba. Often, students only discover the full range of opportunities after arriving abroad, while also having to adapt to a new country at the same time.
The Ban Studia EducationUSA Aruba initiative was created to address this gap. According to the minister, the process of preparing to study abroad can be complex and overwhelming, especially when students do not know where to seek guidance or who to contact.
Although the Department of Education has long supported students, Croes emphasized the importance of having a dedicated, accessible center where students can receive both digital and in-person guidance.
She also highlighted that the initiative began with a short-term project called “Ban Studia”, which used social media platforms to share videos and information aimed at helping students, particularly those planning to study in the Netherlands.
The goal of the Ban Studia EducationUSA Aruba initiative is to make educational guidance more accessible, engaging, and relevant to young people, ensuring they are better prepared when making important decisions about their studies and future careers.
Minister Croes expressed confidence that the initiative will play a key role in supporting Aruba’s students and helping them navigate their educational paths with greater clarity and confidence.
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