Being a Caribbean Student in the Netherlands is Hard

10/27/2025

Let’s be real — being a Caribbean student in the Netherlands is hard. From the moment you step off that plane and realize “cold” doesn’t mean 23°C, to figuring out how to bike uphill against the wind with three bags of Albert Heijn groceries… it’s survival of the fittest out there.

School students standing and talking outside brick school building with bicycles in the background, young people, education, student life, peer interaction, urban school setting.
A young woman engages in a friendly conversation with school children outdoors in front of a school building, surrounded by bicycles. The scene highlights community, youth education, and urban school life with students dressed casually, emphasizing a welcoming and educational environment.

Our new mini-documentary, Leaving The Nest, tells this story through the eyes of Eduardo and Mariana — two brave souls from the Caribbean who left their island homes to study and now live and work in the Netherlands. Their journeys are filled with laughter, loneliness, lessons, and a lot of layers (because… winter). But through it all, they prove that even though life abroad can be tough, it’s never impossible when you carry a bit of home in your heart.

Modern urban train station with contemporary architecture and city backdrop, featuring a red train ready for departure, clocks, and clear signage, in a vibrant cityscape.
Modern city train station with red train, clocks, and urban architecture, showcasing transportation and city infrastructure.

The official trailer is out now! Get ready for a fun, heartfelt, and inspiring peek into what it really means to chase dreams 8,000 kilometers away from the beach.

Leaving The Nest is a project realized by Stichting Djis Pa Hari Media Verse, published for free on all Djis Pa Hari platforms as a service to our community — to inform, inspire, and remind us that no matter where we go, we are all connected by the same Caribbean spirit.

A huge thank you to our supporters at Fonds BJP for helping bring this story to life. 

Because yes — being a Caribbean student in the Netherlands is hard… but also beautiful, brave, and absolutely worth it. Enjoy the trailer below!

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