Pre-departure program
The time has come. You’ve made your decision. You’re going to study in the Netherlands. And that can be pretty exciting! A different country, a different culture, and a new field of study.
You’ll have a lot on your plate: plenty of practical and administrative matters, but also: how can I best prepare for this program? What can I expect? What is expected of me? And how can I ensure that I complete my studies as successfully as possible?
These are all questions that we will help you with in the Pre-departure Program! Prepare well and get on the plane with confidence!
Prepare for your studies, study successfully
Research and the stories of students show that starting a higher professional education study in the Netherlands can be quite exciting. There are many new things coming your way and that can be challenging at times. With this program, we help you to start your studies well prepared and increase your chances of success. After the program, you will know what to expect and you will have all the knowledge you need to get through the first 100 days of your studies. The program is offered in collaboration with partners on the islands: Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao (SSC) on Curaçao, Directie Onderwijs Aruba on Aruba and The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) on Sint Maarten.
Here’s what to expect…
The Pre-departure Program consists of three half-days that will be given on the islands themselves between 1 and 10 June 2026. The meetings help you to start your HBO education in the Netherlands well prepared.
Various topics will be discussed in the meetings, and we will work on important (study) skills that you need in higher education. Think of planning, study techniques, use of AI and collaboration. We also pay attention to the Dutch language and culture. What can you expect and what are the biggest differences? What language do you encounter at HBO and how can you prepare for it as well as possible? And what is life like in the Netherlands and what do you have to arrange?
We offer three in-depth meetings on location. This will give you practical tools to successfully complete your studies, such as learning to plan, present and prepare tests. How do you stay confident in a new environment and dare to ask for help when needed?
In addition, we are organizing a special meeting for parents: ‘Help, how do I let go of my child?’. Parents and caregivers receive tips on how to support their child remotely and properly guide the changing relationship.
Do you want to be well prepared?
Apply for the program in the following ways:
Curaçao: Submit your application at Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao (SSC). Send an e-mail to afspraak@ssc.cw to apply for the program.
Aruba: If you come to the Netherlands with an Aruba loan, you are automatically registered for the program. If you do not come via Arubalening but you do want to participate in the Pre-Departure Program, please register via the following e-mail address: arubalening@ea.aw.
Sint Maarten: In Sint Maarten the registration is done by the guidance counselors of the schools. For more information, you can also send an email to:
hbo-nl@strategiceducationalliance.org
You can register until May 7th, 2026.
Samenwerking HBO Studentsucces Caribische studenten
The Pre-Departure Program is an initiative of 11 Dutch universities of applied sciences. They developed the program in collaboration with colleagues on the islands and are responsible for its implementation.
In addition, the universities of applied sciences also offer their own guidance and support to (Caribbean) students. You can find more information on the website of the university of applied sciences where you will be studying.
Frequently asked questions
Are you going to start a college education in the Netherlands soon? The Pre-departure Program is especially for you! Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this program, so you know exactly what to expect.
Wat is het Pre-Departure Program?
The Pre-Departure Program helps you to start your HBO studies in the Netherlands well prepared. You will work on knowledge and skills that you will need in higher education. During workshops and personal guidance, you will gain insight into studying in the Netherlands and work on your personal development. The program is partly online and partly on location.
Who is the program for?
The program is intended for all students who start a higher professional education program in the Netherlands in September, whether it is a bachelor’s or associate degree (Ad), full-time or part-time.
It doesn’t matter whether you come from havo, vwo or mbo, have had a gap year or have already worked. Everyone is welcome!
When does the program take place?
In Aruba and Curaçao, the meetings will take place between June 1 to 6, 2026.
On Sint Maarten, the meetings will take place on June 9 and 10, 2026.
Where do the meetings take place?
The meetings will take place in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The exact locations will be announced later, and you will receive them by email after registration.
What does it cost to participate in the Pre-Departure Program?
Participation in the Pre-Departure Program is completely free!
How do I sign up?
Are you excited? Then sign up as soon as you know that you are going to follow a higher professional education in the Netherlands.
Curaçao: Submit your application at Stichting Studiefinanciering Curaçao (SSC). Send an e-mail to afspraak@ssc.cw to apply for the program.
Aruba: If you come to the Netherlands with an Aruba loan, you are automatically registered for the program. If you do not come via Arubalening but you do want to participate in the Pre-Departure Program, please register via the following e-mail address: arubalening@ea.aw.
Sint Maarten: In Sint Maarten the registration is done by the guidance counselors of the schools. For more information, you can also send an email to:
hbo-nl@strategiceducationalliance.org
You can register until May 7th, 2026.
Contact
hbo-nl@strategiceducationalliance.org