ARUBA – A major milestone has been reached as the first cohort of 300 students from Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten completed the Pre-Departure Program (PDP) ahead of their move to the Netherlands for higher education in September 2025.
The program was designed to equip students with practical skills and cultural insights to help them transition smoothly into their new academic and social environment. It included two online workshops held in April and May, focused on study skills for higher education (HBO) and Dutch language and culture.
Additionally, an in-person full-day event was held locally in each island, covering five essential themes:
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Introduction to the Netherlands
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Studying in the Netherlands
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Housing and Daily Life
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Language
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Support Networks
Participants praised the initiative for being engaging, informative, and emotionally supportive, with many expressing that it helped them feel more prepared, confident, and socially connected ahead of their move.
One student shared, “The PDP was not boring. It was very interactive and in-depth. The presenters had great energy and gave us the tools to feel stable in the Netherlands.”
The program also extended support to parents. Special sessions titled “The Transition to the Netherlands” and “Letting Go Differently” encouraged honest dialogue on how to support their children while remaining emotionally connected across long distances.
These conversations highlighted both practical and emotional readiness, creating a strong foundation for students and families as they begin this life-changing journey.
