applynow

Lifestyle and Culture in Curacao

Find Programs
(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

Why does culture knowledge matter? Why should you know about etiquette in a forign country? Well, RocApply has your back when it narrows down to culture and lifestyle in the country of your choice. We have made this guide to make sure you are well informed on the latter hassle-free. Talking of,this guide serves to introduce the Curacaoan culture and lifestyle to the aid of those who intend to stud here!

The culture of Curacao lends itself to many backgrounds, with the island place to a majority of Afro-Caribbean, along with Dutch, French, Latin American, and Asian folk. There is also a significant Jewish input. Though English is widely spoken, the local tongue is Creole of Portuguese descent. Dutch and Spanish can also be discerned in everyday communications.

The country has a very rich culture and Curacaoans are friendly and open. International students never feel estranged in the country. There are a number of ways to keep yourself occupied at your free time. Curacao has a working society made up of individuals who are trying to work together for the better. Curacao has a unique culture and many business opportunities for those who are willing to work. For anyone who wishes to add to their skills and get a successful and bright career, the country is the only choice for higher education.

Preparing yourself to stay with new people can be a mountain to climb alone. This is why RocApply has made this functional guide to help you with the process of acquiring information on the daily routines to observe in the land of the Curacaoans! We are committed to making life easy for you! Apart from this, we can guarantee you that people here are as welcoming as it gets. You will certainly make a few friends with the minimal effort here!

Communication and Conduct

  • Curacaoans tend to be very indirect in communicating. Often times points are made with stories and fables as many people take the long way around to get to the point.
  • A perfect conversation starter is to talk or ask about one’s family.   
  • Humor and laughter play a massive role in communicating. 
  • It’s best to avoid talking about politics until you have established a good relationship with someone.
  • Communication via telephone is commonplace, but it is no substitute for personal visits and conversation in person.

On-Campus Lifestyle and Rules

  • University students socialize during parties, attending discos, going to bars, cinemas or having evening walks in the streets of Curacao
  • There’re cafes, discos, karaoke bars, and parks where students gather.  In the summer, outdoor life is much more active, and when the winter settles in, many stay at home and occasionally gather together.
  • Drinking and smoking is acceptable, though excessive drinking is not encouraged.  Women, especially, need to be sensitive to this issue. It is typical to be at an Curacaoan social event, which will be showered with many toasts to celebrate the event.  These toasts include many types of alcohol; beer, wine, brandy, and vodka.  One just needs to be sure to eat a lot, and there will always be a lot of food on the table.   Women should not feel forced to drink to the toast.  If you are not a drinker, just put the glass to your lips.
  • Generally men ask women out. Men tend not to be that forward on the first date, though they can be on the second. There are no special things that are done on the first date but talking and so on.

 

How RocApply Works