Beginning in September 2026, students from Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba studying in the European part of the Netherlands will be eligible for dedicated support throughout their second year of study. The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) funds this trial program, which is carried out by TuranGoeloe, an organization that already supports first-year students. The trial program will run until August 1, 2028.
Who is the support intended for?
The program is open to all students from the Caribbean Netherlands enrolled in MBO, HBO, or WO courses who are starting their second year in the Netherlands. Students can access this support regardless of whether they have finished their first year of study or if they have used TuranGoeloe's help in their first year of school.
What support is provided?
Support through this pilot is free of charge for students from the Caribbean Netherlands (Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire). All conversations are confidential. During a weekly drop-in hour, students can discuss their studies, planning, motivation, or other concerns. TuranGoeloe staff can help them explore their next steps and explain where and how to access further help. Conversations can take place online or at the TuranGoeloe office.
TuranGoeloe also organizes “Peer-to-Peer Vibes” meetings, where students can meet others from the Caribbean Netherlands, share experiences, exchange practical tips and ask questions. Professionals who work with these students can also use the consultation hour to discuss questions or situations they encounter when supporting students.
You can find more information about the drop-in hours and the meetings on the website of Turan Goeloe: www.turangoeloe.nl/student2-0.
Why this trial program?
The pilot follows an evaluation of TuranGoeloe’s first-year support, in which students indicated that they also needed guidance after their first year. The Ministry wants to understand what students need in their second year, what support educational institutions and municipalities already offer, and whether additional support is needed.
ResearchNed will be conducting research and evaluation. During the pilot, students will be invited to take part in group interviews and questionnaires. Participation is voluntary, and responses will be treated confidentially. The findings will help the Ministry make decisions about future support for second-year students from the Caribbean Netherlands.
Information about this can be found at: www.researchned.nl.
More information
Are you a student who could benefit from this support, a professional working with these students, or do you know someone who could benefit? Visit https://www.turangoeloe.nl/student2-0/ to find out more and share this information with others.
For questions, email info@turangoeloe.nl or call +31 (0)70 785 9532.