Most costs, such as groceries and transportation, should be comparable to what UofSC students spend in Columbia. However, students should keep in mind that the tourist/ resort areas can be expensive, as can many imported goods. The UA International Office advises student to count on having about $1,400 total per month available to them. This amount includes rent, utilities, transportation, and food. Public transportation costs around $2 per trip, and students can pick up a letter from UA's student affairs office to receive a local rate discount. UA can lend students some household supplies, such as pots and pans for cooking, but advises students to bring their own linens, if possible.

Each semester, the University of Aruba's faculties of  Business, and HRTM offer a set schedule of courses. Exchange students enroll in all these courses, which transfer to UofSC as 15 total credits. Please work with your academic advisor to determine course equivalencies. Courses at the University of Aruba are highly interactive, and attendance and participation are expected.

To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table. 

This program does not offer organized excursions, but UA has campus activities such as a semester carnival and a service event. Students are encouraged to explore the many leisure and adventure activities available in Aruba.

Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.

 Students studying at UA are responsible for arranging their housing independently. However, the international office can provide contact information for apartment communities that offer long-term housing options for students at a range of prices. Leases can be arranged in advance, and prices will depend on whether the student lives alone or with a roommate. Students should budget approximately $650 USD/month per student. Most apartment communities have amenities such as pools, kitchenettes, laundry rooms, and Internet. Some have small restaurants and snack bars.

The University of Aruba follows a similar academic calendar to USC. The fall semester begins in August and ends in December. The spring semester begins in January and ends in April.

Students who arrive to Aruba within office hours will be picked up at the airport by Office of Student Affairs staff. Out of office, students can take a taxi to their apartments. Students are responsible for informing their apartment community of their arrival time. The University of Aruba pairs exchange students with a UA student mentor, who will give them an orientation around campus and introduce them to Aruba. 

 Americans do not need an entry visa to go to Aruba, but exchange students will need to arrange for a permit in advance in order to stay for the entire semester. The University of Aruba will begin the process of helping accepted students apply for their permits after applications are processed, and it is important to return all required paperwork in a timely manner.