Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Students who pursue pre-med coursework are training for their further education in the medical field. In addition to a focus on scientific studies such as biology and organic chemistry, this area of study generally lays the groundwork for many different careers in medicine.