CFY Students Achieve 100% Pass Rate on Dutch State Exams
June 12, 2026
All five Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) students who sat the Dutch State Examination successfully passed, with most progressing from A1 to B2 proficiency in just ten months. The achievement highlights the impact of the program in preparing students for higher education and future opportunities.
Pond Island, St. Maarten – The University of St. Martin (USM) is proud to celebrate a major achievement by students enrolled in the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY) program. All five students who sat the Dutch State Examination (Staatsexamen) at the B2 level successfully passed, resulting in a 100% pass rate for the cohort.
The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as most of the students entered the program with Dutch language proficiency at the A1 level and, within just ten months, progressed to achieving B2 certification. Advancing two full language proficiency levels within a single academic year demonstrates the students' dedication, resilience, and commitment to their academic development.
The results represent one of the strongest indicators to date of the impact of the Caribbean Foundation Year program, which was designed to help students strengthen their academic skills, explore educational pathways, and prepare for success in higher education.
Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, President of the University of St. Martin, congratulated the students on their achievement.
"This is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of our students, the quality of instruction, and the support provided through the Caribbean Foundation Year program. Moving from A1 to B2 proficiency within ten months requires discipline, perseverance, and commitment. We are incredibly proud of what these students have achieved."
The University also recognizes the contribution of Dutch language instructor Dina Thiel, whose guidance and expertise played a significant role in supporting students throughout the program. Appreciation is also extended to Marva Sam-Arrindell, CFY Coordinator, and the many partners who continue to support student success through this initiative.
The achievement comes as the Caribbean Foundation Year prepares to welcome a new cohort of students in August 2026. Following a successful pilot year, the program has evolved from the Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) into the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY), continuing its mission of helping students across St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius build a strong foundation for higher education and future careers.
Applications for the August 2026 Academic Track are currently open. Students may apply using their current transcripts and do not need to wait for their final CXC or CSEC examination results.
For more information about the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY), visit www.usm.sx or contact the Admissions Office at admission@usm.sx
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The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as most of the students entered the program with Dutch language proficiency at the A1 level and, within just ten months, progressed to achieving B2 certification. Advancing two full language proficiency levels within a single academic year demonstrates the students' dedication, resilience, and commitment to their academic development.
The results represent one of the strongest indicators to date of the impact of the Caribbean Foundation Year program, which was designed to help students strengthen their academic skills, explore educational pathways, and prepare for success in higher education.
Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, President of the University of St. Martin, congratulated the students on their achievement.
"This is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of our students, the quality of instruction, and the support provided through the Caribbean Foundation Year program. Moving from A1 to B2 proficiency within ten months requires discipline, perseverance, and commitment. We are incredibly proud of what these students have achieved."
The University also recognizes the contribution of Dutch language instructor Dina Thiel, whose guidance and expertise played a significant role in supporting students throughout the program. Appreciation is also extended to Marva Sam-Arrindell, CFY Coordinator, and the many partners who continue to support student success through this initiative.
The achievement comes as the Caribbean Foundation Year prepares to welcome a new cohort of students in August 2026. Following a successful pilot year, the program has evolved from the Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) into the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY), continuing its mission of helping students across St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius build a strong foundation for higher education and future careers.
Applications for the August 2026 Academic Track are currently open. Students may apply using their current transcripts and do not need to wait for their final CXC or CSEC examination results.
For more information about the Caribbean Foundation Year (CFY), visit www.usm.sx or contact the Admissions Office at admission@usm.sx
Latest News →
