Life in Curaçao

Curacao is one of the most modern islands in the Caribbean, which has benefited Avalon and its students in many ways. To learn more about what Curacao has to offer, along with other essential information please click the “Read More” button below the beautiful images of Curaçao!

Beautiful Beach in Curaçao
Beautiful Beach
Curaçao International Airport (CUR)
Downtown Night Time
avalon-Curacao
Downtown
mambo-beach-Curacao
Mambo Beach/Mambo Plaza

Flight & Travel

MIA - CUR (approx. 2.5 Hours Flight)
Curaçao International Airport (Hato)
Curacao International Airport (Hato), Airport Code - CUR

Curaçao is a tropical island in the southern Caribbean Sea and is located 37 miles north of Venezuela. Curaçao has a population of approximately 150,000 people and is the largest and most populous of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao). Curaçao is an independent country that is part of the Netherlands, and with its proximity to South America, Curaçao is considered one of the most diverse and cultural islands in the Caribbean. The languages spoken in Curacao are Dutch, English, Spanish, and the native language Papiamento, which is a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish.

Curacao enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and has an excellent infrastructure that is among the best in the Caribbean. With its geographical location with respect to the United States and South America and its unique position of being part of the Netherlands, it is able to benefit from strong business ties within these regions.

With its location in the tropics, Curaçao has a hot, sunny climate all year around. The average temperature during the year is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Trade winds blow constantly from the east, providing a welcome cooling effect. Because of its unique location, it is in a hurricane-free zone and there has not been a hurricane in over 150 years. With over 30 beaches and being one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, Curaçao is a popular tourist destination.

Curaçao has a wide range of food options, which includes a variety of seafood, Dutch cuisines, and many local Curaçaoan food options. Curacao also has many fast-food options such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Denny’s, KFC, Church’s Chicken, Wendy’s, Dominos and Pizza Hut, Subway, and Quiznos. The grocery stores have many food options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, as well as Halal and Kosher meats. Being a diverse island that consists of a large Indian and Chinese population, there are Indian and Chinese restaurants located throughout Curaçao.

Flights into and out of Curaçao International Airport are frequent, and Curaçao can be reached through major airlines. There are daily and direct flights from Miami, Florida, but also direct flights from New York/New Jersey, Charlotte, and Toronto. Curaçao’s airport is Hato International Airport (CUR). To find out more about available flights, click here.

Exquisite beaches and spectacular diving, stunning architecture, activities, and adventures for every interest, plus multicultural diversity, intriguing music, art, and cuisine make Curaçao a beautiful gem in the Caribbean.

Curaçao Immigration

Upon acceptance, Avalon students are provided with a detailed checklist based upon their birthplace and country of citizenship which will guide them through the immigration process. All entering students are required to obtain a temporary student resident permit from Curaçao Immigration. At the time of immigration submission, applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

International students who require a visa to go to Curacao will turn in this document packet first to apply for their landing permit (invitation) and then they take this permit to their nearest Dutch embassy to apply for their visa.

To see what countries do not require a visa to travel to Curacao, click here.

In general, Curaçao immigration requires the following:

  • Passport copies (color preferred).
  • Newly issued Birth Certificate with an Apostille (or legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if the country of birth does not issue an Apostille).
  • State or National Police Clearance Certificate/Background Check.

  • Bank Statement of $7,000 USD minimum or $600 Deposit Verification per month (12 months).
  • Completed Immigration Forms (Student Declaration, Model-I & Authorization) – provided to the student with their checklist from the Admissions office.

Curacao is a vibrant island and home to an array of culinary delights that cater to all dietary needs, including those seeking Halaal food options. Our medical school understands the importance of providing diverse food choices for our students and their families, particularly those from North America. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of the popular fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, Dominos, Burger King, Churches Chicken, and Quiznos. We recognize the significance of cultural familiarity, and our island ensures that North American students and their families can enjoy their favorite fast-foods while adhering to their dietary requirements.

KFC Curacao

All KFCs in Curacao serve Halaal

burger king curacao
dominos curacao