Study on Remigration of Caribbean Students and Professionals: Identity and Emotion Play Key Role

AMSTERDAM – Remigration of Caribbean students and professionals is not just about employment and housing, but also about identity, language, and a sense of belonging. 

This is the conclusion of master student Roman Monte (VU) in his thesis Between Islands and Identities; The Mental Journey of Remigration.

Monte interviewed thirteen students from five islands and identified key social-emotional factors such as the importance of speaking Papiamentu, family ties, and appreciation for the slower pace of life. Challenges such as discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles were also mentioned.

Cultural Onboarding

Recommendations include the development of a remigration handbook, the organization of cultural onboarding programs, and the creation of an online platform for practical matters. Monte also describes the project as a personal journey that deepened his connection with Curaçao and the wider Caribbean region.