The University of West Florida: an option for Aruban students
ORANJESTAD - The government of Aruba cooperates with different universities and colleges in the United States to provide a more affordable education to students of Aruba.
.It signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate with the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
The State University System of Florida includes the University of West Florida (UWF). It places UWF with 12 other public colleges in Florida, including the University of Central Florida in Orlando, with many Aruban graduates. Two professors from Aruba are now teaching there. In addition, there are now two professors from Aruba teaching. Underwater archaeology, marine biology, and environmental science are among the fields in which UWF is renowned. It also offers all types of studies, including hospitality, MBA, and finance. UWF also has a sports program that includes baseball, tennis, swimming, and cross-country running. UWF has a Division II in the NCAA, which allows student-athletes to develop on a competitive level. For more information, you may consult the University of West Florida website.
Among these renowned universities, UWF stands out for its tuition.
The MoU that the Government of Aruba has with UWF provides Aruban students with a GPA of at least 2.75 upon graduation, a reduction of 66% compared to other international students. Aruban students pay the same amount as other Florida students (in-state tuition). In addition, the student receives an automatic scholarship of USD500 for each semester. If the student continues getting good grades, they may be eligible for additional merit-based scholarships.
Another point that makes UWF stand out is the city of Pensacola is not a city that Arubans know much about because it is located in the Panhandle of Florida, a bit far from the better-known cities such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Since it is located in Florida, it is one of the universities in the United States closest to Aruba for the students. In addition, Pensacola is a coastal city that is charming, touristy, safe, quiet and has a lifestyle that revolves around the sea and nature.
Minister Plenipotentiary is conducting talks with all colleges and universities in the United States that have a MoU with Aruba. The plan is to in 2025 focus on colleges and universities in Canada. Thus, we are working to maintain the current collaboration and to expand it. UWF, on the other hand, is also interested in Aruba. The desire to send their students to Aruba as part of an exchange program was highlighted by Rachel Hendrix, Executive Director of UWF's Office of International Affairs. She is also very interested in what the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Aruba can offer UWF.
Finally, Minister Plenipotentiary Zulema Dabian-Erasmus, would like to remind everyone of the Aruba College Fair that will take place at the Renaissance Convention Center on November 8 and 9, 2024. Parents and students can better understand the American educational system and gain the confidence to choose to study in the United States by speaking with American universities at this event. More information about this event can be found on their website.