Study Abroad and Internships in Curacao

Find information about studying abroad, internships abroad, exchange programs, language courses and research opportunities in Curacao.
Explore internship vacancies, study experiences and practical tips for living, learning and gaining work experience in Curacao.
Prepare for your journey abroad, check your packing list and find suitable insurance for studying, internships and student travel.

Image

Image  Curacao

Intro

Studying and internships in Curacao

Find internship opportunities, study abroad information, travel preparation advice, packing lists and insurance

Image

Preparation & Packing

Packing list for Curaçao, travel insurance for Curaçao, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Curaçao, travel insurance for Curaçao, and taking your belongings

Packing list for Curaçao, travel insurance for Curaçao, and taking your belongings

  • Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Return or onward ticket (can be checked). Online and offline copy of your passport. Copy of your embarkation card.
  • Money: Curaçao uses the Antillean guilder (ANG) as its local currency, but the US dollar (USD) is also widely accepted. Bring USD or ANG cash for the first few days (for taxis, small shops or markets).
  • You can also use your debit or credit card in many places.
  • Care: a coral-friendly sunscreen with a high factor (certainly 30+) is a must if you don't want to turn into a lobster.
  • Outdoor and practical items: cap or hat and sunglasses. Essential in the Caribbean sun.
  • Clothing: light clothing made of cotton or linen, bikini/swimsuit, shawl for style and extra sun protection, cardigan or sweater for that freezing air conditioning.
  • Shoes: sandals/slippers for the beach and closed shoes for walks. Insects and animals: mosquito repellent such as DEET, icaridin or a natural remedy.
  • Medicines and travel kit: a small medical kit in case you make friends with sea urchins or scrape the coral (don't do that!).
  • Safety: money belt or fanny pack, that feels a bit safer. Waterproof case for your phone during beach days.
  • Technology and equipment: plug type A and B.
What else can you take with you?
  • Reusable water bottle, so you can at least stay hydrated!
  • Power bank for when you are driving around for days and use navigation.
  • Underwater camera for all the splendor.
  • Snorkeling set, because otherwise you won't get much use out of that camera.
  • Water shoes are also handy to take with you if you have them. Then you won't need your first aid kit as quickly!
  • International driving license, if you want to rent a car.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Curaçao? Knowledge of petty crime and how to protect yourself against it.

  • Where it is safe to swim, and the waves are not too big or the current to strong. 
  • Knowledge about the multiculturalism on the island.

Are there mosquitoes in Curaçao?

  • There are mosquitoes in Curaçao, which increase significantly in numbers during the rainy season from September to December.
  • Mosquitoes are mainly found around sunrise and sunset. Protection against mosquitoes is important because they can transmit various diseases.

Are there sand flies in Curaçao?

  • Sand flies are found in Curaçao, but only rarely. People often confuse the “no-see-ums” and mosquitoes, which are much more common, with sand flies.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Curaçao?

  • DEET, picaridin and other mosquito repellents (such as eucalyptus & lemon oil) are easily available at supermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores.
  • “OFF!” is the most popular spray in Curaçao.

Where can you get food and drinks in Curaçao?

  • There are large supermarkets such as Carrefour, Vreugdenhill and Van den Tweel.
  • Minimarkets can be found everywhere in and outside the city.
  • Restaurants are available in all cuisines and sizes.
  • Vegetarian and vegan food is mainly possible in Willemstad.
  • There is little real “street food”, but you will find food trucks and local markets.

Can you buy a beer or wine in Curaçao, or take it to Curaçao?

  • Yes, that is certainly possible! Beer and wine are available everywhere.
  • Customs allows a maximum of 1 liter of spirits, 3 liters of beer or 2.25 liters of wine upon arrival.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Curaçao, or take it to Curaçao?

  • Weed is illegal in Curaçao. You run the risk of a fine, arrest or even imprisonment. Medical marijuana with a doctor's prescription is also not recognized.

Health, Insurance & Safety

How does healthcare work in Curaçao, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does healthcare work in Curaçao, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Curaçao?

  • Healthcare in the Netherlands Antilles is generally good. Most medical treatments can be performed.
  • In urgent situations, patients are transferred from Aruba and Bonaire to hospitals in Curaçao.
  • However, not all specialist procedures are possible on the island. In the case of specialist procedures or serious or complicated cases, the air ambulance service is used to travel to the United States or Latin America (Colombia), for example.

How does the public healthcare system work in Curaçao?

  • There are several hospitals in Curaçao, including the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), the Taams Clinic and the Antillean Adventist Hospital.
  • Curaçao has a national healthcare system, the so-called Basic Health Insurance (BVZ), which offers mandatory healthcare coverage for residents and persons with a residence permit. This is arranged by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
  • The BVZ covers basic healthcare, including visits to the general practitioner, hospital admissions, medicines and some specialist treatments. Dental care and optical care are included to a limited extent.
  • The premium is automatically deducted from the wages of working residents. For expats who do not work, access to BVZ depends on their residence status.
  • Waiting times in the public system can sometimes be long, especially for specialist care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Curaçao?

  • Private care in Curaçao is of high quality, with modern facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many expats choose private clinics because of the shorter waiting times and personal attention.
  • Private care is more expensive than public care, but still considerably cheaper than in many Western countries.
  • Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is the largest and most modern hospital on the island. Private clinics such as Vidanova and Medwork also offer quick access to specialists.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Curaçao?

  • It is useful to know that for almost all care, you need a referral from your general practitioner or from a specialist. In the public system, you have to register with a specific GP, while in the private system you are free to choose.
  • With private GPs, you pay a considerable amount per consultation. So make sure you are well insured!

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Curaçao?

  • In Curaçao, you have plenty of choice between different dentist(s) and practices, with different specializations and treatment options.
  • Basic dental care is covered by the BVZ, but advanced treatments are not.
  • Private dentists offer advanced treatments at reasonable prices. Expats with private insurance often choose private dentists because of the flexibility and quality.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Curaçao?

  • Pregnancy care in Curaçao is generally well arranged. Both public and private care options are available.
  • Prenatal care, ultrasounds, and deliveries are covered by the BVZ. Deliveries usually take place in the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC).
  • Many expats choose private care because of the personal attention. Costs for a private birth start at around $2,500.
  • Breastfeeding is encouraged and socially acceptable, including in public places.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Curaçao?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Curaçao?

  • Petty crime, such as theft, does occur. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in tourist areas and on beaches. Also be aware of the risks of (car) burglary.
  • Walking in dark, remote areas is not recommended, as street lighting is sometimes lacking.
  • Curaçao is known for its clear water and beautiful snorkeling spots, but be alert for sea urchins and fire coral, which can cause painful injuries.
  • Watch out for Portuguese man-of-war (a type of jellyfish with painful stings). They are sometimes spotted while snorkeling or swimming.
  • Hiking trails and nature reserves are beautiful, but come prepared or take a guided tour. Bring enough water and ask locals about the safety of specific areas.
  • Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, but heavy rainfall can cause flooding during the rainy season (October-December).

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Curaçao?

  • Mosquitoes are a problem, especially during the rainy season. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
  • The tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink and of excellent quality, thanks to desalination plants.
  • Due to the intense sun, sunscreen is essential to prevent sunburn and skin problems. Also, make sure you don't get dehydrated, drink enough!

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Curaçao?

  • The main roads are well maintained, but many side roads have potholes or are poorly lit.
  • A car is quite essential on the island. Traffic rules are sometimes not strictly followed, so be alert.
  • Parking in Willemstad can be difficult. Paid parking is available, and pay attention to where parking is prohibited (recognizable by yellow lines).
  • Minibuses, buses (ABC app) and taxis (24/7 app)are available, but the system is not very clear and less reliable. Many expats opt for a rental or own car.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Curaçao?

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Curaçao?

What is insurance for studying abroad, and why should you take out specialized travel insurance for your education abroad?

What is insurance for studying abroad?

  • Insurance for studying abroad means that you take out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your studies, your education, and your related activities abroad.
  • Insurance for studying abroad is also referred to as study insurance. This study insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to take courses, study, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for a study abroad?

  • Study insurance is specifically designed for studying abroad, whereas regular travel insurance policies may offer coverage on paper but handle this situation differently in practice.
  • Study insurance offers coverage for longer stays than regular (vacation) travel insurance.
  • Study insurance is also suitable for many types of activities, ranging from various sports to hiking at high altitudes.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if you start working during your trip, whether planned or unplanned. If you have not taken out insurance before departure that allows you to work, there is no guarantee that you will be able to take out insurance abroad that provides coverage.
  • Study insurance continues to provide coverage if your own country's health insurance no longer provides coverage.
  • Student insurance also covers your healthcare costs above the rates in your own country; with regular insurance, you have to pay the extra costs yourself.
  • Student insurance can also continue to provide coverage if (study) visa issuers impose additional requirements on how you insure yourself, for example if you are going to the US and applying for a J-1 visa.
  • Student insurance continues to provide coverage if you are staying abroad for a longer period of time and want to visit your own country in between.

What is important to insure when you are going to study abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the country or countries where you are going to travel and work.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you are going to participate in during your period abroad
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return if something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you only insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • That you pay close attention to choosing the right coverage when performing work alongside your studies.

Check out more about international insurances

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

What is insurance for an internship abroad?

  • Insuring an internship abroad means taking out insurance that continues to provide coverage during your internship abroad
  • Insurance for internships abroad are also referred to as internship insurance. This internship insurance is specifically for when you go abroad for a long period of time to work as an intern, take courses, or conduct research abroad.

Why should you take out specialized travel insurance for an internship abroad?

  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance for an internship abroad.
  • During internship activities abroad, additional requirements may apply as soon as you start performing work that involves additional risks. Only specific insurance policies offer coverage during these activities.
  • During your internship, the risk of accidents is sometimes greater, for example because you are doing work with which you have little experience or because of the nature of the work.
  • During your internship, local employers generally do not offer insurance, or offer limited insurance that does not provide sufficient coverage.
  • During an internship abroad where you receive financial compensation (or, for example, food or accommodation), your home country's health insurance coverage will potentially lapse. You will then need special insurance to remain insured for illness and accidents.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally provide coverage for trips of a limited number of days. If your trip or stay abroad exceeds the maximum number of days, this generally means that for the entire travel period, you will not be covered.
  • Regular travel insurance policies generally only provide coverage for recreational trips without work activities.

What is important to insure when you are going to be an intern abroad?

  • That you have insurance that is valid in the area where you will be traveling and doing your internship.
  • That you are adequately insured for the sports and activities you will be participating in.
  • That you are insured for emergency assistance and early return in case something happens to you or your immediate family.
  • That your medical expenses are insured up to the actual cost (what it actually costs), and not just for the standard costs. The costs per medical treatment vary greatly between countries.
  • That you insure your luggage and take sufficient precautions against theft or damage.
  • That you are well insured against personal liability and, preferably, also for liability during your internship.
  • That you are well insured in case of accidents.
  • That you insure yourself for legal assistance if there is an immediate reason to do so, unless the coverage is already automatically included in the insurance.
  • Make sure you choose the right coverage for internship work in healthcare, with wild animals, or with dangerous machinery!

Check out more about international insurances

What insurance can you choose as backpacker, emigrant, expat, intern, nomad, student, volunteer or traveler abroad?

What are the main international insurances through JoHo and WorldSupporter for activities, backpacking or travel to or from Curacao

Advice and decision support
Insurance

What are the main international insurances through JoHo and WorldSupporter for emigrants, expats and nomads in Curacao

Advice and decision support
Insurance

Image

Image ACTIVITIES

Check courses, jobs, projects, recipes, suggestions and tips related to: 'Curacao'

CHECK MORE ACTIVITIES

No results found.

Activities abroad: home bundle

Main content and contributions for activities abroad

,,,accommodations, adventure activities, courses, internships, jobs and volunteer projects

...to help another, travel with care, work together , learn to share and inspire with your experience

 

Activities abroad: home page

Activities abroad: home page

From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

    What social activities can you do abroad?

    • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

    What work related activities can you do abroad?

    • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

    What sports activities to do abroad?

    • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
    • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

    Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

      Activities abroad: for experiencing countries and cultures abroad

      Activities abroad: for experiencing countries and cultures abroad

      Bundled content for experiencing countries and cultures during gap year, travel and backpacking abroad

      Access: 
      Public

      Image STORIES

      Check blogs, experiences and information related to: 'Curacao'

      CHECK MORE STORIES

      No results found.

      Countries & Destinations: home bundle

      Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about the countries and destinations in the world

      ...to help another, travel with care, work together , learn to share and inspire with your experience

      Africa: country bundles

      Africa: country bundles

      Access: 
      Public
      Asia: country bundles

      Asia: country bundles

      Country bundles of Asian countries

      Access: 
      Public
      Europe: country bundles

      Europe: country bundles

      Country bundles of European countries

      Access: 
      Public
      The Caribbean: country bundles

      Image ORGANIZATIONS

      Check sectors and organizations related to: 'Curacao'

      CHECK MORE ORGANIZATIONS

      No results found.

      Organizations & Services: home bundle

      Bundled content, suggestions, stories and tips about organizations and their products and services

      ...to help another, travel with care, work together, learn to share and inspire with your experience

      Organizations: home page
      Organizations for administrative, tax and legal work and consulting

      Organizations for administrative, tax and legal work and consulting

      international law

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in administration, tax and legal consulting

      Administrative, tax and legal consulting abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for agriculture, grape picking, farming and vineyards
      Organizations: for animal protection, animal care and working with wildlife abroad
      Organizations: for au pairs, youth work and child care abroad
      Organizations: for bush camping and working at a campsite abroad
      Organizations: for catering, hospitality and entertainment abroad
      Organizations: for civil society and social work abroad
      Organizations for corporate business services

      Organizations for corporate business services

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in corporate business services

      Corporate business services abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for customer services abroad and help desks
      Organizations: for diving, snorkeling and water sports abroad
      Organizations: for education and schools abroad
      Organizations: for expatriate insurances, travel insurances, and emergency call centers
      Organizations: for gap year activities abroad and sabbaticals
      Organizations: for internship placement abroad
      Organizations: for insurances and finance abroad
      Organizations for IT, engineering and construction

      Organizations for IT, engineering and construction

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in IT, webdevelopment, engineering and construction

      IT, engineering and construction abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for language travel and language teaching abroad
      Organizations for marketing, communication and PR abroad

      Organizations for marketing, communication and PR abroad

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in marketing and communication

      Marketing, communication and PR abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for mediation in au pairs, childcare and elderly care in the Netherlands
      Organizations for moving, international relocation and transport abroad

      Organizations for moving, international relocation and transport abroad

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in transport and international relocation

      Moving abroad and relocation services abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:

      Moving abroad and relocation

      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations for nature conservation, environmental protection and working in nature abroad

      Organizations for nature conservation, environmental protection and working in nature abroad

      Costa Rica rain forest - Jungle

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in environmental protection, sustainability and nature conservation

      Nature conservation and environmental protection abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for nonprofit projects, development work and international cooperation
      Organizations: for online work as digital nomad, freelancer, or independent entrepreneur from abroad
      Organizations: for outdoor activities and sports
      Organizations: for providing accommodation and hospitality work in hotels, guesthouses, ecolodges and hostels abroad

      Organizations: for providing accommodation and hospitality work in hotels, guesthouses, ecolodges and hostels abroad

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in hotels, resorts, guesthouses, ecolodges, bed and breakfasts and hostels abroad

      Working in hospitality and tourist accommodations abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad

      Organizations: for providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in healthcare

      Providing healthcare and working in medical care abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for psychological assistance and mental health care abroad

      Organizations: for psychological assistance and mental health care abroad

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in psychological assistance, coaching and mental health care abroad

      Psychological assistance, coaching and mental health care abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for real estate, brokerage abroad and property rental abroad
      Organizations: for research and scientific work abroad

      Organizations: for research and scientific work abroad

      Image

      Organizations: for research, R&D, data collection, data analysis and scientific work abroad

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work in research and science

      From R&D to data collection and data analysis

      Research and science abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page
      Organizations: for student support and student associations
      Organizations: for tour guidance and adventure tours abroad
      Organizations: for tourism and organized travel and leisure work abroad
      Organizations: for voluntary work mediation and project placement abroad
      Organizations for yacht and shipping crew and working on a cruise ship abroad

      Organizations for yacht and shipping crew and working on a cruise ship abroad

      Image

      Activities, internships, paid work, services or volunteer work on cruise ships, sailing yachts and other ships

      Boat crew, deck hand or working for an international shipping organization

      Working on a yacht or cruise ship abroad: by position

      For job roles and duties related to activities, internships and jobs abroad, see:
      ......Read more on this page

      Image SUMMARIES

      Check summaries and study assistance related to: 'Curacao'

      CHECK MORE SUMMARIES

      No results found.

      Image ALL CONTENT

      Search all related content within the topic: 'Curacao'

      ALL CONTENT WITHIN TOPIC

      Select any filter and click on Apply to see results

      Image

      SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

      Image

      TOPICS : check associated topics and more activities

      Check more: activities in WorldSupporter
      Check more: of the topic below
      Snorkeling around the world and abroad

      Snorkeling around the world and abroad Table of content Snorkeling abroad: questions and answers about the work and locations

      • What is snorkeling abroad like?
      • What are the reasons for snorkeling abroad?
      • What skills and motivations do you need when snorkeling abroad?

      Het Eilandgebied Curaçao/Erven Boyé - Arrest

      Het Eilandgebied Curaçao/Erven Boyé (HR 17-05-1985, NJ 1986/760) Casus AR-CU N.V. had een stuk grond op Curaçao verworven en had daarbij zich jegens de erven Boyé contractueel verplicht om voor bepaalde grondstoffen, indien uit de grond gewonnen, een vergoeding te betale...

      Go abroad!
      Page topic

      Studying and internships in Curacao. Find internship opportunities, study abroad information, travel preparation advice, packing lists and insurance.

      Submenu & Search

      Search only via club, country, goal, study, topic or sector