About this study program

Are you sure that you want to get a higher education, but unsure of exactly what you want to do?

Do you feel like your study and language skills could use some improvement before you declare your major?

If so, then AFY is the perfect program for you!

The Academic Foundation Year (AFY) is a novel approach to education. The structure of the AFY is based on an instructional model called the flipped classroom, which is a type of blended learning that reverses the traditional learning environment. Students will develop sound study habits and have access to career counseling as well as develop their language skills.

Quick Facts

What can I expect from this study program?

The Academic Foundation Year has four components: coaching and counseling, academic skills, language skills, and content courses to introduce you to a variety of fields of study which help students decide their future study plans. Students are encouraged to create an individual study plan that reflects their interests during the academic orientation program.

Learning environment

The AFY program offers learning opportunities that maximize student engagement and provides opportunities for regular feedback on student progress. The Academic Foundation Year has been created with the purpose of serving as a bridge between high school and university. This 1-year program provides students with the tools and skills needed to ensure their success at university-level programs. Students will further develop their language and communication skills and will be introduced to academic principles and working methods. Students will receive coaching and guidance in choosing their further study and career paths.

Graduate possibilities

Further education

At the end of the AFY, you will have a strong academic foundation and be prepared for whatever area of concentration you decide to pursue. You will have a better sense of what you want and have the academic skills to excel in whatever area of study you choose.

Alumni

Study Resources and Downloads

For all downloads, including study guides, schedules, book lists and more, please use the button below.

Admission requirements

General criteria

To be admitted to the Academic Foundation Year program you must possess a:

1. HAVO diploma;
2. VWO diploma;
3. EPI/MBO level 4 diploma;
4. International School of Aruba diploma;
5. Ibero American high school diploma; or
6. CXC diploma

The diploma must have been received no more than one calendar year before the date of application to the program.

Study program overview

Language of instruction

The Academic Foundation Year program is taught in English and Dutch.

Tuition fees

**International students are non-Dutch passport holders who have resided in Aruba for less than 5 years.

Important dates

Deadline first payment: September 1

Deadline second payment: January 15

Study program structure

The Academic Foundation Year is divided into 4 quarters. In the Year Calendar, you can find our holidays and breaks as well as exam periods.

Academic program

The following gives an overview of the courses offered in the Academic Foundation Year program. During the academic year, the student must enroll in and follow a minimum of 60 credits (ECs).

Students will have 30 credits in required courses (three areas: language, academic skills, and study choice/career coaching) and 30 in electives.

• 10 credits in language skills development (English, Dutch or both)
• 10 credits in academic and critical thinking skills development
• 10 credits in study and career choice development

Examples of possible electives are:

A detailed description of the study program’s course subjects can be found in the Study Guide or in the course catalog of OSIRIS.

Course materials

All study materials will be made available via the electronic learning environment StOnE. Every registered student is also provided with an email address of the UA, which is used to communicate with you. It is advisable to purchase a laptop or tablet for this study program.

Digital Tools

Study program digital resources

Important information about this study program can be found in the Study Guide. The Study Guide provides helpful details about the University, the study program, and essential information for every stage of the student journey, from registration, to assessment, to graduation.

You can also consult the Year Calendar, Course Schedules, and other essential documents relating to the program of study for more detailed information.

Library Databases

The UA library may be of assistance in providing you access to digital databases to quickly find relevant scholarly information you can use in research papers or other course projects.

StOnE

The Academic Foundation Year has an electronic learning environment, the University of Aruba Study Online Environment (StOnE). You can access StOnE via stone.ua.aw with your username and password. This information is made available after your final registration. For any questions, you can contact the helpdesk via StOnE@ua.aw.

With StOnE you can:

• Easily access course content – browse the content of your courses, even when offline.
• Connect with course participants – quickly find and contact other people in your courses.
• Keep up to date – receive instant notifications of messages and other events, such as assignment submissions.
• Submit assignments – Upload images, audio, videos and other files from your mobile device.
• Track your progress – View your grades, check completion progress in courses and browse your learning plans.

Course material and assignments are made available by the lecturer of the course via StOnE. Other important announcements are also sent via StOnE or distributed via your UA email address. To ensure that you are sufficiently informed of the ins and outs of the study program you are expected to consult StOnE and your email address regularly to stay informed of any notifications.

OSIRIS

OSIRIS is a Student Progress Tracking System, in which all information regarding your studies and study progress is stored from the moment of your first registration up to and including your graduation. All UA students have an OSIRIS account as soon as they are fully enrolled and are admitted to the UA.

We recommend downloading the OSIRIS app on your phone so that you can stay up to date with your grades, your schedule and can have easy access to registration for courses and exams. Students must register to take courses via OSIRIS. Consult the course schedule to see when each course is given. This registration is mandatory!

You can log in here or via the OSIRIS Mobile App (available via the Google Play Store or Apple Store). For more information regarding your grades, course schedules, missing information, or other education-related issues to be found in OSIRIS, please contact the Office of Educational Affairs (OEA), in charge of the educational administration of students, at oea@ua.aw.

To gain access to OSIRIS you need a username and password. This information will be made known to you at the start of your studies. Your username for OSIRIS is your student number, your password is your UA network password (the same password you use in the Computer Lab or Library). If you encounter problems logging in, you may have to reset your password. During office hours you can do this at the reception of the main campus at UA.

For further assistance regarding technical problems you can contact the Computer Center at cc@ua.aw or by telephone at (297) 526-2252, or (297) 526-2253.

G Suite

G Suite is a set of cloud computing, productivity, and collaboration tools, software, and products developed by Google. Every registered student will obtain access to their own G Suite account and can make use of its email (Gmail), cloud storage (Google Drive with a capacity of 30GB), and other tools, such as Google Docs. This eliminates the need to use external storage devices such as USB sticks during your studies, minimizing the risks of viruses and losing your data. G Suite also allows you to access your information from any computer, eliminating the need to sync your data on different computers. The data on G Suite is available from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.

Your student email will be attached to your G Suite account. Important announcements are distributed via your student email. You are expected to consult your email regularly to stay up to date with student affairs and notifications.

For any questions relating to your G Suite account, you can contact the Computer Center at cc@ua.aw or by telephone at (297) 526-2252 or (297) 526-2253.

Application and practical matters

How to apply?

Thinking of applying to our University? It only takes 2 minutes.

Our online registration opens from May 15th until July 15th. To apply visit our homepage and click on the online registration link, which will be visible during the registration period. You will be directed to the application portal Osiris. If you’re a new student, create an account and submit your application. Once you have submitted your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation and instructions on how to submit any required hard-copy documents to the university.

The deadline for submission of your application is July 15. The University of Aruba reserves the right to deny any application submitted after the deadline.

Maximum registration period

The Academic Foundation Year program is a one-year certificate program. You can be enrolled as an AFY student for a maximum of one year. This period starts on the day after the registration is completed.

Practical information

For more practical information about student life at UA, the facilities the university offers, and information about your registration or changes in your personal information, please contact the Office of Student Affairs. You can also browse our website, or consult your Study Guide.