5.1.2.1. Cultural diversity
Culture plays an important role to attract foreign students because they are looking for cultural diversity and a good social structure with a low level of discrimination (Chen, 2007; Cheng, 2013; Mazzarol & Soutar, 2002; Sidhu, Ho & Yeoh, 2011; Wilkins & Huisman, 2011). Organizations are also interested in cultural factors when deciding to go to a foreign country (Austin, 1990; Andreassen, 1995). In external reports, it has been stressed that the culture can play a role in the improvement of the education. According to the Ministry of General Affairs (2013), the renovation of the education system can guarantee well-trained and skilled children, which are connected to the culture, the business culture and business administration. The cultural background has been seen as positive in the survey answers. The respondents saw a multi-cultural environment (100%) as well as the cultural connectivity to Europe (79%) and America (63%). This does not completely fit with the estimation of the low level of discrimination because there are 27%, who disagree on that point. Taking the interviews into account, the evaluation of Curacao’s cultural diversity is completely positive (see table 5.4). As one of the participants outlined:
5.4 Results of the interview: Cultural diversity
“I think the cultural aspects are extremely positive. I think there is little or no aspect of our culture that would make students or researchers feel not welcome over here. Be it religious beliefs, sexual orientation, everybody can live the lifestyle they prefer […].This is
very strong over here, culturally it is an asset.” [I6: 161-165]
As presented above, respondents did not consider religion and gender roles as being problematic. This is strongly connected to the estimation that the country’s population is very open to foreigners. Due to its already mentioned size, it is easier to get in touch with people and you find a multicultural environment, which can have positive influence on students. In summation, the information from the interviews, reports and the survey the cultural diversity can be evaluated as a big advantage of the island.
5.1.2.2. Safety
Safety is a criterion, which is important for both organizations interested in doing business and for students deciding to study abroad for a half year or longer (Goede, Neuwirth & Lousia, 2011). According to a report developed by the A.M. Best Company (2014), Curacao can be considered safe. The opinions of the participants in the interviews and survey were quite different on the question whether Curacao is safe or not. In the
Positive Neutral Negative No Answer
12 0 0 4
survey, 63% agreed that Curacao is a safe place, 21% had a neutral opinion and 16% disagreed. In the interview, every point of view was stated (see table 5.5).
5.5 Results of the interview: Safety
It has been stated that Curacao is a safe country with a comparatively low crime rate in the region, facing only the problems each country faces, like robbery or drug dealing. Furthermore, they have a good legal system due the connection to the Netherlands (see chapter 5.1.4.). Nevertheless, the respondents took negative experiences and events into account, which influence the feeling of security of foreigners and the image of the country. Respondents were positive, negative or careful concerning their estimation of the security in Curacao. As the two respondents below confirmed:
“There is always the problem of criminality but that is kind of general in that region like South America and on some islands, too. Still, I think it is manageable. [I12: 248-250]
“There is a substantial criminality unfortunately. Like stealing and much drug related of course. It is not that it is a very dangerous place or something like that but then in the end
there are other places that are safer than Curacao.” [I8: 242-245]
Overall, there are some concerns about the safety of the island but it is not a completely unsafe island. It has to be said that the opinions on criminality and security in Curacao are different. It should be compared to other countries and afterwards it has to be defined what is seen as dangerous and unsafe.
5.1.2.3. Languages
The last cultural criteria are languages spoken in Curacao. Languages can be used as a competitive advantage in the development of a successful hub (Lee & Hobday, 2003). Languages also play a role for students who would like to study in a specific language, do not have any language barriers, or try to improve their language skills (Cheng et al., 2013). Companies are interested in languages in terms of international collaborations and communications. The survey shows that 79% have a positive opinion on the languages in Curacao. The opinions regarding the languages in Curacao need to be evaluated from two sides (see table 5.6).
5.6 Results of the interview: Languages
From a general perspective, it has been estimated positively that Curacao is multilingual. People on the island are able to switch between languages easily and can speak Spanish,
Positive Neutral Negative No Answer
5 6 4 5
Safety
Positive Neutral Negative No Answer
12 0 6 2
English, Dutch and Papiamentu. In the tourist sector this knowledge is beneficial and supporting the position of Curacao. The number of languages are seen as “[…] great asset
[…]” [I3: 117-118] and as a “[…] competitive advantage […]” [I10: 400]. The critical part on the language aspect is its professional use and level. People can speak these languages to communicate on a simple level but not on a level required in education, taught courses in one of the foreign languages or communicate in complicated business or political matters. As the example statement below shows:
“Language is a problem because more Curacaos speak Papiamentu, […], which means that students and staff use all other languages as a second or third language, even Dutch even English and that is a problem for the staff and for the students. […].That definitely is a
handicap” [I8: 151-157].
In the end, language can be considered as positive for the cultural environment and the needed openness to foreigners, especially tourists, of the island. Complications can be found if the inhabitants have to use it on a professional basis for education or negotiation. However, in general, the cultural factors have been stressed in a rather positive and beneficial way for Curacao while taking into account some problems and remarks.