AMSTERDAM - Eleven universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands have joined forces to improve the enrollment and retention of students from the Caribbean islands in higher education. For many of these students, the transition to the Netherlands is a significant change, which negatively impacts their academic performance. According to the universities, extra attention to reception and guidance is crucial. 

Each year, approximately 1,600 students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom begin their studies in the Netherlands. They face so many challenges during their studies that they often do not complete their education. 

There are various reasons for this, primarily language and cultural differences. Additionally, both the preparation in Caribbean secondary education for further studies and the guidance in the Netherlands need improvement. 

Kingdom-Wide Alliance 

The four education ministers within the Kingdom have launched the SEA (Strategic Education Alliance) program to increase the success of Caribbean students. SEA is a collaboration between Caribbean and Dutch educational institutions, from secondary vocational education to universities, and governments. 

To improve the success of Caribbean students, eleven universities of applied sciences have established a collaboration under the name 'HBO Student Success Caribbean Students'. 

Goals and Objectives 

Besides support and facilitation, there is also a substantial goal to intensify and formalize the collaboration between universities of applied sciences. There is a pressing need for an integrated approach at both Caribbean and Dutch institutions to ensure that activities on the islands by the universities of applied sciences and their Caribbean partners reinforce each other. 

Through this integrated approach, better information and guidance for potential students, as well as collaboration in education and research on the islands, are aimed for. 

Working Group 

On July 5, the administrators of the participating universities of applied sciences formalized the collaboration with their signatures. A national working group, consisting of representatives from the participating universities, will continue to work on better preparation, such as career orientation and study choice, and appropriate guidance for Caribbean students in the Netherlands. 

The working group will do this by attending education fairs, providing workshops and information sessions, and setting up and executing a joint preparation program on the islands for incoming students.