Eric Mijts studied Linguistics and Literature at the University of Antwerp and is specialized in sociolinguistics. In 2000 he joined the University of Aruba where he works as researcher and lecturer in skills and linguistics as well as an initiator of educational innovation and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research programs. As a researcher he is affiliated to the University of Antwerp and Ghent University. He coordinates the Academic Foundation Year, the UAUCU student research exchange and he is a founding member of the SISSTEM program (Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). His research and publications focus on multilingualism, language policy and planning, education for sustainable development and inclusion/exclusion processes.