The doors to a Canadian education have now been opened for students in the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao.

Located about 65 kilometres north of Venezuela in the Lesser Antilles, Curaçao is known for its beaches, coral reefs and a strong education system with students eager to leave the island for their post-secondary education.

A memorandum of understanding signed on Feb. 16 made Brock the first university in Canada to implement a scholarship agreement with the country.

The agreement will enable Curaçaoan students to use their nation’s educational loan program (similar to OSAP in Ontario) to pay for an international education at Brock. The students will also have full access to Brock University’s various scholarship programs.

“Brock is very excited by this new partnership as it establishes a mutually beneficial relationship through education and the exchange of knowledge,” said Director of Brock International Leigh-Ellen Keating.

The Ministry of Education in Curaçao believes that the geopolitical position of their country, unique socio-economic resources and national commitment to sustainable economic growth through renewable energy provides valuable learning and research opportunities for both Curaçao and Brock.

“Brock would like to celebrate and build on the success of its Curaçaoan student population and we look forward to future students from the island choosing to make Brock their educational home,” said Keating.

Curaçao joins Brock’s growing international community representing more than 100 countries on campus.