Frequently Asked Questions
Would you prefer to ask the Kompas For Students team a specific question? Then please feel free to send your query and we’ll get back at you as soon as possible.
General Questions
When and where do the Kompas workshops take place?
Every year during June and/or July in Aruba or online.
The exact dates and location are to be announced during the month of May and are subject to change.
How can I sign-up for Kompas?
You can sign up on the Join page.
During the month of May you will receive an email with information on where to pay to make your registration official.
I'm going to study abroad, can I join Kompas?
If you are going to study in the Netherlands in the upcoming year, then you can join the workshops.
Do I have to pay to participate? Why?
Yes, every student has to pay a participation fee.
This fee can vary from year to year. Since we are a non-profit foundation, we are completely dependent on sponsorships and a small participation fee to be able to do our work every year.
What is included in the participation fee?
The fee you pay covers your participation during all days of the Kompas workshops (including food and drinks). In addition, you can join our online community and will receive year-round guidance from the Kompas team whenever you need it.
If I sign-up and paid for the workshops, am I obligated to attend?
No. However, we do ask you to inform us in advance if you are not attending a session so we can take it into account when preparing for lunch and the cooking classes. Also, your arrival/departure should not interrupt the sessions.
We believe all students should have the freedom to decide whether they attend all days or not, especially since they will be living on their own soon and will not have someone to tell them what to do 24/7.
Nonetheless, we do encourage you to attend as many sessions as possible so you don’t miss out on any important information and the opportunity to get to know more people.
I have dietary restrictions, what should I do?
Please inform us at least 3 days before the start of the workshops so we can take it into account for the snacks, daily lunch and cooking classes.
If you do not inform us in advance, we cannot assure you that the food will meet your dietary restrictions.
What do I need to bring to the workshops?
A positive attitude!
Of course, if you want you can bring a notebook or your laptop as well. Come in comfortable clothes as each day will be roughly 6-8 hours long.
My study is a 'WO' or 'HBO' level. What steps do I need to take?
- Choose a study, and research whether this is the right study for you.
- Sign up for Studielink
- Apply for DUO / Other study loans
- Attend Kompas
My study is a 'MBO' level. What steps do I need to take?
- Choose a study, and research whether this is the right study for you.
- Check when the intakes take place
- Apply for DUO
- Attend Kompas
When do I need to apply for DUO?
At least 3 months before you arrive in the Netherlands.
How and what do I need to apply for DUO?
When do I start looking for housing?
We recommend for every student to register on housing websites at least 2 years before leaving for the Netherlands.
There is a housing shortage for students in the Netherlands, which means you need to be on time otherwise you will arrive and will not have a place to stay and cannot register at the municipality.
Where can I find more information about housing in the Netherlands?
Head over to the LSVB website to find detailed information about each city.
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Same-day appointments are available.