Highlights from the Budgeting Workshop
Presenting to nearly 300 attendees at last summer's budgeting workshop was an incredible experience. Since 2020, we’ve been organizing these workshops for students heading to the Netherlands, helping them navigate the financial challenges that come with studying abroad. Each year, around 1,600 Caribbean students begin their academic journey in the Netherlands, and financial management is often one of the biggest challenges they face. As a Caribbean student myself, I experienced these struggles firsthand and decided to write the book Living Rich as a Student in the Netherlands, a guide offering practical budgeting advice and tips for living frugally while pursuing higher education.
During the workshop, students engaged in an interactive budgeting exercise, estimating their future living expenses in the Netherlands. This hands-on activity gave them a realistic understanding of what it takes to manage their finances abroad.
The event took place in the elegant ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Aruba, in collaboration with Directie Onderwijs Aruba, Caribbean Mercantile Bank, and Arubahuis. We were honored to have Joselin Croes, Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba in the Netherlands, and Sharine Croes-Dubero from Directie Onderwijs Aruba join us for a panel discussion. During this session, students and parents had the opportunity to ask important questions about studying in the Netherlands.
The turnout was remarkable, with nearly 300 students and their parents attending. After the budgeting session, each student received a copy of Living Rich as a Student in the Netherlands, generously provided by Caribbean Mercantile Bank, equipping them with further guidance on their journey to financial independence.
A heartfelt thanks to Nu-Wave Entertainment for sponsoring the audiovisual equipment, which greatly enhanced the experience, and to Caribbean Mercantile Bank for their continuous support in empowering students.
Wishing all the students the best of luck as they embark on their first year in the Netherlands! Looking forward to next year’s workshop!
