Collaboration ‘HBO’ Student Success Caribbean students
Every year, hundreds of students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom make the switch to the Netherlands to enroll in a university of applied sciences. An exciting step, but also a huge transition. The differences in language, culture and education systems are large and are often challenging. The result? Many of these students perform less well or even drop out. This requires a targeted and joint approach.
Eleven universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands are therefore joining forces to better guide the transition to higher professional education and to increase the success of Caribbean students. Together, they are committed to a future in which these students start and successfully complete their studies with more confidence and better opportunities.
Curious about what the different universities of applied sciences have to offer for (Caribbean) students? Click on the university of applied sciences you want to know more about!
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A shared mission: to invest in student success
Every year, about 1,600 students from Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius start a study in the Netherlands. Too often they get stuck along the way. Not only because of the well-known obstacles such as language and cultural differences, but also because of poor preparation and insufficient guidance during their studies.
In order to better support these students, the Strategic Education Alliance (SEA) program has created a Kingdom-wide collaboration. SEA brings together Caribbean and Dutch SEA educational institutions and governments – from ‘MBO’ and ‘SBO’ to ‘WO’ – with one goal: to increase the student success of Caribbean students.
Universities of applied sciences work together
The national collaboration HBO Student Success Caribbean Students is organized on two levels: an administrative and an operational level.
The administrative consultation consists of administrators from the eleven participating universities of applied sciences. This consultation gives direction to the collaboration Based on developments and insights from higher education and the cooperation with partners in the European Netherlands and on the Caribbean islands, the board determines the strategic frameworks. In addition, the administrative consultation directs and feeds the working group responsible for implementation.
The national working group forms the operational level of the cooperation. This group consists of employees of the various universities of applied sciences and thus represents the entire partnership. Within the established frameworks, the working group works on the development, coordination and implementation of programs that contribute to increasing the study success of Caribbean students, including the Pre-departure Program, the Study Choice Program and support for study trips from the Caribbean to the Netherlands.
Through a comprehensive approach, the universities of applied sciences aim to ensure that activities on the islands and in the Netherlands are better coordinated. This includes, among other things:
- Providing better and earlier information for potential students
- Strengthening preparation in Caribbean secondary education
- Intensified cooperation in education and research
- Eye for personal guidance and support during the study
The collaboration focuses on three main phases:
- Preparation & study choice
From havo 4, vwo 5 or mbo-3/4, we help with study choice pathways, workshops and information, so students make conscious choices and leave well prepared. We do this, among other things, through the Study Choice Program and by support for study trips. - The transfer & first 100 days
With a Pre-departure Program, among other things, we ensure a soft landing in the Netherlands, in which students learn what to expect and how to start successfully. - Guidance during the study and afterwards
Think of extra support, building communities, and guidance in the transition to work or further study.
Through a comprehensive approach, the universities of applied sciences aim to ensure that activities on the islands and in the Netherlands are better coordinated. This includes, among other things:
- Providing better and earlier information for potential students
- Strengthening preparation in Caribbean secondary education
- Intensified cooperation in education and research
- Eye for personal guidance and support during the study
Working together to promote equal opportunities
By combining knowledge, experience and networks, we are building sustainable cooperation and a stronger Kingdom. As a result, Caribbean students will not only start, but also successfully complete their studies.
Would you like to know more? See below which universities of applied sciences are participating and what they can do for you.
