From the 6th until the 8th of July approximately 35 prospective students, who are going to study abroad, attended the VOBESS course on Bonaire (VOBESS stands for Preparation BES students). This course, which is organized annually by RCN Studiefinanciering, consists of two parts: the orientation and self-reliance course.
During the orientation course attention is given among other things to social skills, the culture shock of studying abroad, planning and budgeting, drugs and sexual education. There were also two senior students, who shared their experiences of studying abroad with prospective students.
The self-reliance course offers a combination of theory and practice. This year the students get a practical assignment, to go shopping in groups for a three-course meal, and they have to keep within the given budget. The meals are prepared, under supervision, by the students themselves.
On Saba the course also takes place from the 6th until the 8th of July and on St. Eustatius from the 8th until the 10th of July.