Informative lectures
Across the two days, The Go-Abroad Fair made full use of its three lecture halls. Attendees of the lectures could learn about many different topics. For example, options for taking a gap year, how student financing and housing works while studying abroad, or how to prepare for a bachelor or master abroad. These sessions were presented by experienced students or professionals from different organizations and addressed all relevant topics one could think of when wanting to go abroad.
We spoke with several visitors at the fair and asked for their first impressions of The Go-Abroad Fair. “Extensive!” remarked Dirkje Nolde (4 HAVO). With so much information available, it could be challenging to know where to start. Fortunately, personalized maps and the information desk helped visitors to navigate at the event.
Ayman Feddahi (MBO year 4) also remarked that there is a lot of variety and many different options and choices at the fair. “I saw this on TikTok and always wanted to go here and now we are here for a school project.” Ayman has a broad interest and is looking at studying in America, France or Dubai but has also visited booths of Norway, Denmark and Hong Kong.
Enthusiastic parents also shared their excitement about the possibility of their children studying abroad. Cindy van Gompel attended The Go-Abroad Fair with her daughter who mentioned her interest in studying her masters in Sweden. “I think it is a very good thing to go abroad and have adventures before you start working all day. This is a place where you can hear a lot of stories from those who already went abroad and meet inspiring people,” stated Cindy. Cindy tells us, she asks as many questions as she can to support her daughter no matter where she wants to go, close by or far away.
Plenty of activities
Had enough of wandering around? There was still plenty to do if you needed a break from processing all the information. The visitors engaged in competitive puzzle-solving with the chance to win a Polaroid camera. A bucket list wall invited students and parents alike to share their aspirations, from learning Spanish to extensive traveling and working abroad, we saw many different bucket list items on the wall. The event even offered the opportunity to send a cheerful postcard directly home—a delightful touch!
Satisfied exhibitors
With 150 exhibitors, there was no shortage of engagement and exploring opportunities. According to Study in Scotland, their participation was well worth it due to the high-quality of the visitors including thought through questions from well-prepared students. Club Med echoed this sentiment and confirmed their return next year. A particularly appreciated feature for exhibitors was the QR-code scanning system, which made post-event follow-ups with visitors seamless. The structured organization and excellent communication with event coordinators were especially valued.
Government interest in The Go-Abroad Fair
Friday’s event featured a special guest: Carlson Manuel, Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, visited the fair and the booth of the University of Curaçao. Enthusiastically exploring the event, he remarked, “There’s so much to see! All continents are represented, and the interest is significant.”
As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, there is a strong cooperation in the field of education between Curaçao and the Netherlands. Approximately 138,000 Curaçaoans live in the Netherlands. “We want to promote education in our country and show young people that Curaçao also offers excellent study opportunities,” Carlson said.
The Go-Abroad Fair 2025
Reflecting on The Go-Abroad Fair 2024 fills us with pride and joy. A heartfelt thanks to all visitors and exhibitors for the positive and welcoming atmosphere. Together, we continue to help each other explore new horizons.
For those already excited about next year’s event: you are warmly invited to The Go-Abroad Fair 2025, taking place on November 28 and 29 2025 at Jaarbeurs Utrecht.
