AMSTERDAM – For the fourteenth time, the City of Amsterdam has officially welcomed Caribbean students beginning their studies at universities and colleges in the Dutch capital. The event was organized especially for students from Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten.

This year, due to ongoing renovations at Amsterdam City Hall, the students were treated to a canal tour. During the boat trip, Amélie Strens, chairwoman of the Central District Executive Board, extended a warm welcome. She highlighted Amsterdam’s multicultural character and its rich history and culture, encouraging the newcomers to embrace both the city’s opportunities and diversity.

Special guests

Among the special guests was Carlson Manuel, Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, who attended alongside a delegation from the Aruban cabinet. Also present was Nathaly Deville-Russell, study mentor for Amsterdam, who will support students during their academic journey in the city.

The event has become a tradition, underlining the strong ties between the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, while helping students feel at home as they begin their higher education abroad.