Aruba’s educational system, patterned after the Dutch system, provides for education at all levels. The Government finances the national education system, except for private schools, such as the International School of Aruba (ISA), which finance their own activities. The percentage of money earmarked for education is higher than the average for the Caribbean/Latin American region.
Arubans benefit from a strong primary school education. A segmented secondary school program includes vocational training (VMBO), basic education (MAVO), college prep (HAVO) and advanced placement (VWO).
Higher education goals can be pursued through the Professional Education program (EPI), the teachers college (IPA) as well as through the University of Aruba (UA) which offers bachelors and masters programs in law, finance and economics and hospitality and tourism management. Since the choice for higher education on the island itself is limited, many students choose to study abroad in countries in North America, South America as well as Europe.
There are 68 schools for primary education, 12 schools for secondary education and 5 Universities. In 2007, there were 22.930 full time students registered.
There are also two private 4-year medical schools in Aruba, All Saints University of Medicine and Javier Xavier School of Medicinehttp://imed.ecfmg.org/. All courses are presented in Englishhttp://www.asumaruba.org/. Both school curricula are based on the United States medical school model and will lead to a Doctor of Medicine degree that is recognized in North America.