THE HAGUE, BRUSSELS – Curaçao is seeking to expand opportunities for students and young professionals to study, train, and gain work experience in Europe through programs such as Erasmus+ and internships at the European Parliament.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Sithree van Heydoorn, Minister Plenipotentiary Errol Bishop, and Member of the European Parliament Marit Maij. The discussions focused on increasing access for Curaçaoan students to European educational programs, internship placements, and funding opportunities.
According to the Curaçao delegation, providing young people with greater international exposure is essential for the island’s future development. Officials emphasized that students who gain academic and professional experience abroad can later apply their knowledge and skills to strengthen Curaçao’s economy, institutions, and workforce.
A key topic during the meeting was participation in Erasmus+, the European Union’s flagship program for education, training, youth, and sports. Established in 2014 as the successor to the original Erasmus exchange program launched in 1987, Erasmus+ enables participants to study abroad, undertake internships, receive training, teach, or engage in youth and sports initiatives. The program also promotes cooperation among universities, educational institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations.
The discussions coincided with developments in Brussels, where the European Parliament’s Development Committee recently took steps toward proposals aimed at making Erasmus+ more accessible to young people from the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and other partner countries.
Among the proposals under consideration are additional financial support for students from low- and middle-income countries, fairer travel reimbursements for participants from the Caribbean and overseas territories, and extra assistance for students who must travel long distances to participate in educational exchanges.
The proposals also seek to reduce administrative barriers that can make it difficult for educational institutions and organizations in smaller territories to participate in European programs.
Another important issue raised during the meeting was the creation of more internship opportunities for students from Curaçao and the other Caribbean countries of the Kingdom within the European Parliament. Such placements would allow participants to gain firsthand experience with European policymaking, international cooperation, and the functioning of European institutions.
Government officials view these opportunities as a way to strengthen ties between Curaçao and Europe while providing young people with valuable international experience and professional networks.
The discussions form part of broader efforts by the Curaçao government to increase educational and professional opportunities for the island’s youth and to ensure that more students can benefit from international exchange programs and career development initiatives.