THE HAGUE - Eleven Dutch universities of applied sciences have decided to form a consortium aimed at improving the opportunities for study success among Caribbean students. This decision stems from the Strategic Education Alliance (SEA), a previously presented initiative by educational institutions in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. 

The consortium, formed by the universities of Amsterdam, Leiden, Rotterdam, Stenden, Fontys, HAN, Hanze, Saxion, Utrecht, The Hague, and Inholland, has taken on the task of better informing students from the islands about studying in the Netherlands, as well as improving their reception and guidance. 

A relatively high number of Caribbean students prematurely drop out of their studies in the Netherlands. In 2020, National Ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen investigated the causes. He revealed that inadequate preparation and bureaucratic hurdles, such as the inability to obtain a citizen service number, contribute significantly to the high dropout rate. 

The first recommendations have already been implemented, including the introduction of kingdom scholarships. Further improvements are being advocated through the Strategic Education Alliance.