Studying in the Region

• Increase the number of students pursuing vocational, higher and tertiary level education at regional institutions
• Reduce the cost for guidance, supervision and mentoring in the Netherlands
• Reduce the number of students studying in the Netherlands
• Reduce dropouts and frequent study changes
• Increase academic performance

• St. Maarten
• USA
• Canada
• Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire
• The Caribbean Islands:
  • Barbados
  • Puerto Rico
  • Trinidad
  • St.Lucia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Etc.

• Smoother transition to study and live abroad
• Closer to home
• Less integration problems due to language
• Better student care and guidance counseling provided by the schools
• Higher success rate: 90% of students complete their study in 5 years or less compared to 7 years in the Netherlands
• Less study changes: 20 % of students changes their studies compared to 45% in the Netherlands
• Better academic performance: 80% of students maintain a GPA of 2.50 or higher compared to 45% in the Netherlands obtaining 45 ECTS
• Less dropouts: 15 % of students dropped out compared to 40% in the Netherlands
• Lower study debt:
  • NED: average study debt € 50000 or NAF 125000
  • Region: average NAF 80000
  • 20% discount for returning home
• More rewards for outstanding academic achievement
• 2 + 2 programs between USM, JWU, FAMU and Monroe College
• All degrees are equivalent degrees issued in the Netherlands
• Reduced- and instate tuition fees available at MOU schools
• Better connection between secondary -and tertiary level education
• Extremely high exchange rate of the EURO
• Negative consequences of the changes in Dutch educational and study financing law:
  • Stringent admittance requirements
  • Study checks
  • Binding study advises after 1 year
  • “Basisbeurs” becoming a loan
• Most students studying in the Netherlands are pursuing international (English) degrees

• Proper planning and preparation is required
• Stringent process and requirements to obtain US student VISA
  • Financial guarantee letter &
  • 6 months of bank statements
• Parental contribution required of approximately US$ 5000.00 to 10000.00 annually dependent on students lifestyle
• Unable to gain experience through work after completion of study

Challenges strengthen the mind, as labor does the body

• Get a friend/relative or sponsor to stand as guarantor
• Work and save for 1 year before leaving
• Use the 2+2 program at USM
• Secure a loan from a bank for the amount
• In the event of insufficient financial means: Request an additional guarantee for the Government of St. Maarten