History of the Dutch Caribbean Student Association at the University of Central Florida 

Schools within the Florida state university system have always been a draw for students from the near Caribbean territory to pursue their higher education. In particular the Central Florida region, home to schools such as the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Valencia Community College (VCC),

became a popular choice for students originating from the Dutch Caribbean islands towards the end of the 90’s.

It was this trend that inspired a group of UCF students to begin an initiative called ‘Opvang USA’ in the Spring of 2003.

The goal of Opvang USA (dutch for ‘US Reception’) was to provide a local support group of students originating from the same cultural background that allowed new students to the area schools to comfortably adapt to the often overwhelming transition that came with attending school in a foreign country. In addition, the group led several informational forums back in their home country to help prepare high-school students looking to attend college in the US.

Opvang USA’s success soon led to the creation of a campus organization at UCF that would allow these students to continue to build relationships and participate in other community service and campus events.

The Dutch Caribbean Student Association (DCSA) was officially registered as an UCF campus organization in the Spring of 2004. Opened to all UCF students, the Dutch Caribbean Student Association’s goal is to create an environment that promotes the Dutch Caribbean culture to the UCF campus and unites students originating from or having an interest in the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Today the organization boasts a strong membership of current students and alumni members across the state of Florida and larger US, that carry on the organization’s mission while continuing with the initial goal of inspiring others hoping to make the move from the Dutch Caribbean islands to the Central Florida region to pursue their college education.

By Bryan Herde, Founding Member of DCSA.