Tips for traineeships
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Car & Public transportation
Public transportation is different from what you are used to in your home country. Aruba has bus services, these buses drive from A to B but do not cover the island. A one-way trip costs Afl. 2,- and a return trip Afl. 3.50,- Beside this service, there are smaller private buses that take you more quickly from A to B for a slightly higher price. Do not assume that the buses are on time, as in the Netherlands.
It is possible to rent a car, which gives you the freedom to go as you please. JobCare can help you with this. To be able to rent a car at the larger rental companies, you must be 21 years or older. The prices tend to be high because of the young ages of trainees. JobCare has contacts with local carrentals where trainees can rent a car for lower prices. This might also be the case for under 21. To learn more about drivers licences or the traffic rules on Aruba visit things to know about Aruba.
Calls
You can bring your telephone from your home country if it does not have a SIM lock. Aruba has two different phone companies, Setar and Digicel. Both companies offer a SIM card that fits your own telephone. The costs of these cards are Afl. 40.= at Digicel and Afl. 35.= at Setar (NOTE! Setar sells two types of cards: GSM and Primo, ask which one you need when you buy your SIM card). Both companies offer you free minutes with your purchase.
It is not possible to send SMS messages abroad with your Aruban SIM card, but calling overseas is possible.
Contacts with other trainees
Getting in touch with other trainees is often very easy. Most of the time, there are several trainees living in the apartment building where you stay. A regular meeting place for trainees on the island is the café/restaurant The Paddock. The Paddock is a Dutch café, regularly organizing activities for trainees. You may also find other trainees at your trainee post.
Difference in culture
Despite the fact that Aruba belongs to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, there is a big difference in culture and you often have to check your agenda for many things. Things are different in Aruba, also because of the climate. People take it easy and there is not so much of a stressed lifestyle here. In general, you can say that the Aruban population is very friendly and eager to help.
Homesick
All students going abroad for a traineeship take the step to living and working in a foreign country. This move often entails great changes. The intimacy and certainty of the home situation is lost. You often have to get used to your new surroundings, with which you might not be so familiar as yet. Homesickness is a stress reaction to leaving home, it is a natural reaction to leaving the familiar surroundings. You will notice that, with the new people around you, you can resume things that used to matter to you (such as going out, sports and hobbies).
Climate
Aruba has a tropical climate and the weather is always agreeable. We do have quite some rain in the so-called rainy season: November, December, and January. Often a few heavy showers, but it gets dry soon. The average temperature is 27.8 degrees. The difference between summer and winter is only 3.6 degrees on average. The difference in temperature between day and night is 5.5 degrees on average. So winter clothes can stay at home, in Aruba the sun is generally shining!
Nightlife
Aruba has a rich nightlife. There is a great variety of cafés, bars and nightclubs and many, many young people. For a total survey of the events and the various places of entertainment you can consult "Aruba ta Hot!". This is a bi-weekly hotel and restaurant magazine containing all the ins and outs with regard to events.
Housing
Aruba has several apartment buildings for students. At approximately AFl. 650,- per person per month you have a nice apartment. You often share some things in the apartment building with a few other students. Please take into account that water, gas and electricity are sometimes added to the rent. Should you go to Aruba for a traineeship with a few other people at the same time, finding a house is not very difficult. The rent will turn out much lower this way and you often have more space than in an apartment. The same applies in this case: the rent does not include utilities.
