The Plenipotentiary Minister in the US, Zulema Dabian-Erasmus, and Edseline Gomez, Education USA Adviser, recently held an informative session for students in Aruba titled “Let’s Talk It Out: Study in the US.”
On Friday, May 10, the session was held with 30 participants consisting of students going to the US, parents, and educators. The session had a “peer-to-peer” format in which current students in the US provided information and tips to future students.
The panel consisted of three students and an alumnus who is now living back in Aruba. Maria Zambrano is a Marketing student at Valencia College, a community college in Orlando, Florida that prepares students to continue their bachelor’s degrees at the University of Central Florida. Maria studied for a few years in the Netherlands and elaborated on the differences between the Netherlands and the US.
Jesselyn Peterson is a student of Software Development and Cyber Security at Wayne State College, Nebraska, a very financially accessible college, among others, due to the MoU that the Government of Aruba has with this college. Jean-Pierre Croes started at a community college in Texas and is now graduating with a Major in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. He works and studies at the same time and is excelling.
Emeliën Kelly is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Florida State University in International Relations. After her studies, she decided to return to her country and now holds an important position in the Department of Finance.
Each panelist shared their perspectives based on various questions posed by Ms. Edseline Gomez on topics such as Budget, Scholarships, Applications, Visa, Packing, Insurance, Housing, Transportation, Culture Shock, Academics, and Campus Life. At the end, various questions were answered. A representative from the Department of Education also provided an explanation regarding the misconception that Aruban students in the US do not receive sufficient attention. They emphasized that if deadlines are met and the necessary paperwork is submitted, the application process for an Aruba Loan proceeds without problems.
The main topics highlighted were for students to set up a plan, not only to determine their career goals but also to make a plan for applying to schools, scholarships, and the Aruba Loan. Secondly, it was mentioned several times for students not to isolate themselves. Different panelists encouraged students to join various clubs and seek internship opportunities.
Another tip each panelist brought forward was to arrive a few weeks before school starts to get to know the city and, if not staying on campus, to find accommodation in a neighborhood where the student feels comfortable.
The Plenipotentiary Minister and Education USA hope that the participants felt they received valuable tips and information based on the dynamic and vibrant discussion. The intention is to hold more sessions with different focuses.
