23/03 – 06/04/2026
Tur Cos Ta Posibel recently hosted a group of students and tutors from Blackburn College as part of their Turing Scheme mobility project in Aruba. For the first time, the programme brought together business and engineering students, creating a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning experience on the island.
Over the course of two weeks, students engaged in hands-on work, professional exchange, and cultural immersion, gaining real-world insights while contributing to local initiatives.
BUSINESS PROJECTS: MARKETING, STRATEGY, AND REAL-WORLD PRACTICE
The core of the business students’ experience took place at ArtisA Gallery, where they worked closely with the team to understand the structure, values, and day-to-day operations of a creative social enterprise.
Their main task was to redesign the promotional flyer for the San Nicolas mural tours – a unique cultural experience showcasing the vibrant street art scene that has earned San Nicolas recognition as the Caribbean’s street art capital. These tours guide visitors through an open-air gallery of murals created during the Aruba Art Fair, telling stories of culture, identity, and island life.
Throughout the project, students:
- Analyzed the current marketing approach and identified areas for improvement
- Developed new strategies to increase visibility and bookings
- Redesigned the tour flyer to better communicate the experience and attract a wider audience
To put their ideas into practice, students spent a full day actively promoting and selling the tours across the island, engaging directly with potential customers. This gave them hands-on experience in communication, sales, and public engagement.
A key highlight of their work was the development of a professional pitch for the mural tours, which they presented to the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) – the official Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO) responsible for promoting Aruba worldwide, coordinating tourism policies, and ensuring sustainable tourism growth. This experience allowed students to present their ideas in a real industry context and receive valuable feedback.
Students described this as an immersive introduction to the business world, where they could apply theory to real challenges and see the direct impact of their work.
Engineering Projects: Sustainability and innovation
Engineering students focused on two main projects, both rooted in sustainability and practical problem-solving.
Water Harvesting System
Students were tasked with designing a rainwater harvesting system for a community house, aiming to reduce water consumption and promote sustainable practices.
Water harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater – typically from rooftops – for later use. On Aruba, where water is produced through desalination and is therefore costly, such systems offer an environmentally and economically beneficial solution.
Taking into account local conditions, students:
- Analyzed rainfall patterns and infrastructure
- Designed a system to collect and store rainwater during short but intense rainfall periods
- Proposed solutions for using the collected water in outdoor bathrooms and laundry facilities
- Considered how to switch between rainwater and the main water supply during dry periods
With the support of WEB, they sourced water tanks, and their work laid the foundation for a functional and sustainable system that can be developed further.
Process Optimization at Aruba Aloe Factory
The second project took place at the Aruba Aloe Factory, where students were challenged to:
- Analyze existing production processes
- Identify areas for improvement
- Develop and present innovative solutions
Students worked in teams to research, design, and propose three different optimization strategies, which they presented to management. Their work not only contributed fresh perspectives but also created a starting point for future collaboration, as upcoming student groups will continue developing these ideas alongside the factory team.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORATION
Outside of their professional activities, students fully embraced island life and explored Aruba through a wide range of activities. They:
- Played beach tennis at Beach Tennis Aruba
- Hiked to the Natural Pool (Conchi) and explored caves
- Went on a boat trip around the island
- Visited the Donkey Sanctuary
- Explored multiple beaches and went snorkeling
- Participated in a mosaic workshop
- Spent time at Palm Island
- Cooked meals together and even organized a friendly cooking competition
These shared experiences helped build strong connections within the group while deepening their understanding of the local culture and environment.
A MEANINGFUL EXCHANGE
This project provided a valuable opportunity for students to develop practical skills, gain international experience, and engage in meaningful cultural and professional exchange.
We would like to thank Blackburn College for their trust and collaboration. It has been a pleasure hosting their students in Aruba and supporting their learning journey.
Project co-funded by the Turing Scheme programme of the UK government.