Turning Brain Drain into Brain Gain
We’re flipping the script and turning challenges into opportunities! This year, Caribbean Spotlight Week is all about Brain Gain—empowering students, building strong networks, and connecting talented individuals to exciting careers in the Dutch Caribbean. By reshaping traditional narratives and shifting our focus from brain drain to brain gain, our student-led initiative celebrates the vibrant potential of Dutch Caribbean immigrants and students in the Netherlands.
This week, join us as we open doors for growth, foster transformative connections, and explore innovative career pathways that empower you to bring your unique skills home. Whether you choose to stay abroad or return to our island, your impact matters. Embrace a future where your talent fuels progress and helps maintain the Dutch Caribbean as a powerhouse of talent. The Caribbean future is bright—are you ready to be a part of it?
Caribbean Spotlight Week 2025:
The Caribbean Spotlight Week (CSW) is our first nationwide initiative uniting Dutch Caribbean student associations across the Netherlands. Over one exciting week, associations from 10 cities will host a dynamic lineup of career-building workshops, engaging networking events, vibrant cultural showcases, and fun trivia nights. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to level up your skills, CSW offers endless possibilities for growth, connection, and celebration.
Caribbean Spotlight Week start in:
Scheduled Events:
Hop on board for Nationale Carrièrebeurs on March 28, 2025! Join our private bus trip from Leiden Centraal to RAI Amsterdam to explore the Netherlands’ biggest job fair. Meet recruiters, uncover career opportunities, and gain real-world industry insights—all wrapped up with a festive borrel to celebrate your future success!
Date: March 28th
Time: 9:30 – 17:30
Location: RAI Amsterdam (transport from Leiden Centraal)
Get ready to Level Up: Unlock Your Dream Career! This fun-filled event in the best Caribbean spot in Noord-Brabant mixes interactive games, great tunes, tasty food, and drinks. Discover your talents, explore future career opportunities, and gain insights from a panel of inspiring professionals—all while connecting with fellow Caribbean students for a truly unforgettable experience!
Date: March 28th
Time: 16:00-20:00
Location: Santiago de Cuba, Stratumseind 65, Eindhoven
Tune into our online podcast, where we dive into the CSW Brain Gain in Healthcare! Join us as we spotlight Caribbean students making a splash in the healthcare world, sharing inspiring journeys, insights, and a dash of fun along the way.
Date: March 29th
Posted: Online
Join us for an engaging Q&A session featuring engineering grads who’ve returned to the Islands after studying abroad. They’ll share real stories about the challenges and opportunities in the local engineering scene, highlighting how their expertise fuels the islands’ growth under our “Brain Gain” theme. Come be inspired and see how academic know-how meets local industry!
Date: March 31st
Time: 19:00-21:00
Location: Prof. Schemenhoornstraat 4, Delft
Join us for a fun-filled networking event with in Rotterdam where students and young professionals connect with Caribbean industry leaders! Enjoy a lively panel discussion and interactive ‘hot seat’ Q&A sessions, as company reps share their career journeys and reveal what makes their workplaces awesome. Come, connect, and get inspired!
Date: April 2nd
Time: 18:00-21:00
Location: Lommerijk, straatweg 99, 3054AB Rotterdam
Step into the Talent Carouse—an upbeat showcase of the brilliant talents of Dutch Caribbean students! Experience TED Talk-style presentations and interactive workshops led by one standout student from each of the six islands, and join us for an inspiring and fun-filled event celebrating creativity and knowledge.
Date: April 2nd
Time: 17:30 – 21:00
Location: HAN Campus, Arhem
Get ready for Brain Boost Trivia Night—a lively celebration of Caribbean culture, history, and smarts! Join us for fun trivia rounds on everything from history and geography to music and cuisine, and enjoy a night of friendly competition and cultural discovery.
Date: April 4th
Time: 17:00-20:00
Location: Hogeschool Utrecht, Utrecht
Meet our Partners:
ABC Compas
ABC Compas is a Dutch Caribbean student association based in Delft, dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive community for students, primarily from the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Our mission is to celebrate and preserve the rich culture of the Dutch Caribbean while also fostering the personal and professional development of our members.
AMA Mediko
The AMA association, established in October 2017, unites (future) doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals from the Dutch Caribbean islands. As a non-profit, AMA supports their growth by advocating for their interests, facilitating training opportunities, and strengthening connections within the field. Through lectures, conferences, and social initiatives, AMA promotes collaboration between students and professionals in both the Netherlands and the islands. Together, we are cultivating a dedicated medical community committed to the well-being of the ABC-SSS region
CariMix
CariMix is the network of Caribbean students at Hogeschool Utrecht. Our mission is to connect, support, and celebrate Caribbean culture here in the Netherlands! It’s Where Cultures Come Together and Grow. CariMix not only offers you support, but also a place where you can develop yourself on a social and personal level.
Fontys Caribbean Connection
Fontys Caribbean Connection (FCC) was officially established in January 2024. FCC aims to unite Caribbean students and foster a sense of belonging on the campuses in Eindhoven and Tilburg, as well as in the surrounding cities and provinces in the South of the Netherlands where Fontys locations are present. The community is dedicated to supporting students throughout their entire academic journey—from the beginning until graduation.
FCC became an official community of Fontys University of Applied Sciences when community initiator Shane Lobato de Mesquita collaborated with teachers and counselors to create a network for Caribbean students. As a growing community, FCC continues to expand its reach, welcoming new members and strengthening its support system for Caribbean students at Fontys.
HAN Huntu
HAN Huntu Arnhem & Nijmegen is a community at the Hogeschool van Arnhem & Nijmegen (HAN) for all Dutch Caribbean students studying at the HAN.
Huntu means "together," and we are a community that supports and uplifts one another.
Our mission is to enhance the well-being and study experience of HAN students from the Caribbean islands. To achieve this, we organize monthly events and support groups. In addition to supporting students, we also provide workshops and training for teachers and HAN professionals on cultural sensitivity and inclusive education.
Founded in 2014, HAN Huntu was built by students, for students. We continue to create a home away from home, fostering personal, so
Leiden Caribbean Community
Leiden Caribbean Community (LCC) is a student association for and by Dutch Caribbean students in Leiden. While we are an independent organization, we maintain a strong partnership with Hogeschool Leiden and Universiteit Leiden.
Our mission is to bring the warmth of the islands to Leiden by incorporating Caribbean food, music, and culture into everything we do. Through our events and activities, we create a home away from home, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. In addition, we are committed to the personal and professional development of our members, helping them grow both socially and academically.
