Studying in the Region

On this page you will find links to our pages with the information you will concerning studying in the region.

1. Objectives

  • 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

 

2.  Definition of the region

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

 

3. Advantages of studying in the region

  • 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

 

4. Challenges

  • 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

 

5. Options

  • 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

 

 

 

 

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