Why Venezuela?
Why Mérida?
How old do I have to be in order to apply for the study abroad program(s)?
How do I apply for this study abroad program?
How long after I apply will I find out if I am accepted?
Can I transfer credit to my home college or university if I attend this
program?
How many credits can I earn in a semester, trimester or summer term?
How long are the terms?
Do I need to be an undergraduate student?
How much Spanish do I need to be eligible?
Are there classes other than language offered?
Can my home university request course syllabi?
What is the program fee?
What are the program features?
What is not included in the program fee?
Is there an application deadline?
What are my living arrangements?
Do I need a passport and visa?
Is there a travel specialist available to help me with my travel plans?
Do I make my own travel arrangements? Is there a group flight?
What city does the group flight depart from and when?
Where do I stay in
Miami & how
do I make these arrangements?
How can I find out more about Venezuela?
Will I require vaccines?
Can I go early or stay in Venezuela after the program?
Do I need insurance coverage while I'm abroad?
Will I attend an orientation?
Will I have access
to a computer & e-mail?
Should I take my laptop?
Can I store my laptop at VENUSA?
How do I get to my homestay once I arrive?
May I decide to stay for an additional term during my program?
Will I meet locals?
Are there opportunities to travel around Venezuela with other students
or on my own?
What should I pack?
How will I get around town?
Will I have a support staff while I'm abroad?
Will I have access
to my personal funds while I'm in Mérida?
May my parents and/or
loved ones visit me in Mérida?
Where are the classes held?
Are the courses taught by professors from U.S. Universities?
What are the academics like?
Are lifestyles really so different?
Is there animosity towards North Americans in Venezuela?
How about the cost of living in Venezuela?
How will I be matched with a family?
May I live on my own during the program?
What's it like to live with a Venezuelan family?
Why Venezuela?
There are probably few countries in the world, which combine so great a variety
of landscape and climate, so many contrasts in their social structure, or
such diversity of their population, as Venezuela. Located on the northern
coast of South America, Venezuela has a population of approximately 23 million.
The coastal capital city of Caracas, with a population of almost 4 million,
has a higher standard of living than many other Latin American cities. Venezuela
offers many practical advantages for a study abroad program: a moderate cost
of living, a high literacy rate, an extensive highway system, and a long
tradition of democratic government.
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Why Mérida?
Many factors were considered in choosing the best location for the program,
including size, climate, geographical location in the Andes, educational
resources, and the friendliness of the people. Mérida, known as "La
Ciudad de los Caballeros", is an ideal site for experiencing authentic
Venezuelan life and culture. Mérida is a mountain city nestled at
the foot of the Andean Mountains, but despite the snow-capped peaks, the
weather is never alpine in Mérida. The people of Mérida call
their climate "eternal spring." One look around while walking down
the street and you see lush green mountains on every side. "Breathtaking" is
how many students describe it. Growing in the lush valley are sugar cane,
bananas, palms and a profusion of flowers. In Mérida, you will find
one of South America's most spectacular attractions: the world's longest
cable car ride (teleférico) which extends from the city to the top
of Pico Espejo (14,000 feet). Magnificent views abound in Mérida.
Here you will find the colonial charm of an old Spanish town enhanced by
the vigor of a university community (approximately 35,000 students). The
sights in the town include the following: The area around the Plaza Bolívar
with its eighteenth-century cathedral. There are several small museums near
the Plaza, including the Museum of Colonial Art, housing an important collection
of South American paintings and sculptures. No one should miss the main market
or Mercado Principal. There you can purchase a wide range of handicrafts
made by the people of the Andes. Approximately 13 kilometers away from Mérida,
visitors can take hot-spring baths in the thermal waters of Tabay. Mérida
is a good starting point for mountain climbing expeditions; the surrounding
area offers outstanding opportunities for beginners as well as for the more
experienced climbers. The area around Mérida is also known for fishing.
What could be a more exhilarating experience than fishing for trout in an
Andean lagoon overlooking the white peaks of the Andes? On weekends and when
the sun sets, put on your dancing shoes and join the young crowd of Mérida
who will gracefully teach you how to dance Salsa and Merengue.
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How old do I have to be in order to apply for the study abroad program(s)?
You must be 18 or older to participate in this study abroad program. The average
age of the undergraduate students is 19-26.
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How do I apply for this study abroad program?
Regardless of where you attend school, you may download an application from
VEN-USA's web-site. Rotarian Scholars assigned to study in Merida should
contact VEN-USA directly, and CUA students should contact Dr. John Kromkowski
(kromkowski@cua.edu). All other students may contact Holly Zimmerman (zimme001@umn.edu)
at the University of Minnesota.
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How long after I apply will I find out if I am accepted?
If you apply directly with VEN-USA, it will be 7-10 days after receipt of your
application.
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Can I transfer credit to my home college or university if I attend
this program?
YES. Once you are accepted into the program, you will receive the appropriate
forms for credit transfer to your home institution. Start the process with
your home university early to obtain all of the approvals required.
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How many credits can I earn in a semester, trimester or summer term?
You may earn up to 17 credits during the semester program, 12 credits during
the trimester program and up to 10 credits during a summer session.
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How long are the terms?
Each semester runs for 15 weeks & the trimester for 10 weeks. There are
2 summer sessions that run for 6 weeks each. VEN-USA also offers a 2-week graduate
program during the summers.
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Do I need to be an undergraduate student?
NO, though the majority of the participants are.
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How much Spanish do I need to be eligible?
You may be from a beginner to an advanced Spanish level. Courses are available
at all levels and are listed in VEN-USA's web-site.
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Are there classes other than language offered?
YES. A complete listing of the courses offered are listed on VEN-USA's web-site.
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Can my home university request course syllabi?
YES. Course syllabi are available upon request. For quick access, they may
be sent as attachments via e-mail.
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What is the program fee?
For program fees, please contact VEN-USA College directly as fees may vary
slightly depending on university/institution granting accreditation and transcript.
An application may apply.
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What are the program features?
Study Abroad Insurance, Tuition/Accreditation/Transcript, Airport transfer,
General and Academic Orientations, Welcome session, Familiarization activity
in Mérida, Computer Access, wireless internet Access, laptop lockers,
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced Courses, approx 1-5 students in class, Social
Events, Cultural Activities, Cultural adjustment sessions, Homestay with a local
family, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner daily at homestay, optional Personal Funds Program,
recreational area, café, small on-site library.
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What is not included in the program fee?
Application fee, Airfare & travel documentation & travel insurance fees
(passport/visa), local transportation, $100 incidentals deposit (refundable).
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Is there an application deadline?
Student applications are reviewed up to 6 weeks prior to departure. Late applicants
are accepted on a space-available basis only.
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What are my living arrangements?
You will be placed in a pre-selected middle class home or apartment with a
local family, in a double occupancy room. Host families may consist of a
single señora (with or without children) or it may be a traditional
two-parent household. Once admitted to the program, you will complete a homestay
placement form. Using the information you provide, VEN-USA will do its best
to match you with a compatible family. Information regarding your host family
will be sent to you prior to your departure from the U.S.
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Do I need a passport and visa?
YES. You are required to have a valid passport to travel internationally. You
are also required to have a student visa if you staying in Venezuela over
90 days. Additional detailed information will be sent to you after your acceptance.
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Is there a travel specialist available to help me with my travel
plans?
YES. There is a travel specialist at VEN-USA's U.S. contact office in FL that
is available to help you with travel arrangements.
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Do I make my own travel arrangements? Is there a group flight?
You have the option to arrange your own travel or to have the travel specialist
at VEN-USA help you arrange the travel. Typically there is a group flight
option. The dates of the program listed are generally the same as your arrival
and departure travel dates to/from Venezuela. You are permitted to deviate
travel dates.
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What city does the group flight depart from and when?
Miami. You should arrive in Miami the day prior to the international departure.
Our travel specialist can also help you arrange flights to/from Miami. Detailed
information will be provided upon acceptance.
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Where do I stay in Miami & how
do I make these arrangements?
The students typically stay at a hotel near the Miami airport the night prior
to the group departure. Airport transfers are included with your stay. You
will receive a hotel request form and additional information in your acceptance
packet from VEN-USA. In order to minimize the hotel cost, arrangements for
roommates at the hotel may be requested.
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How can I find out more about Venezuela?
You may do this by continuing to browse VEN-USA's web-site or by visiting:
www.venezuelatuya.com OR www.frailejon.com
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Will I require vaccines?
Only you together with your doctor can make this decision. Vaccinations are
not required in order to enter Venezuela. However, we recommend the yellow
fever / dengue vaccine. Please visit the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for additional information on the tropical and subtropical regions.
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Can I go early or stay in Venezuela after the program?
YES. You can do both, but you are responsible for arranging your own accommodations.
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Do I need insurance coverage while I'm abroad?
YES. Insurance is required to attend this program. Your home or sponsoring
university typically offers insurance for studying abroad. Make sure that
the insurance coverage includes major/medical health and/or repatriation/medivac.
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Will I attend an orientation?
YES. There will be a full-day academic and general orientation on-site shortly
after you arrive. The University of Minnesota also offer an orientation approx.
6 weeks prior to departure.
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Will I have access to a computer & e-mail?
YES. There are computers available for word processing and internet access.
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Should
I take my laptop? Can I store my laptop at VENUSA?
YES. Most students that take their laptop are very happy they did so.
There is wireless access throughout VENUSA as well as laptop lockers for storage.
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How do I get to my homestay once I arrive?
You will be picked up at Merida’s airport and taken to school
or homestay, where your host family will be waiting.
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May I decide to stay for an additional term during my program?
YES, you will be required to contact your home and/or sponsoring university
to receive approval.
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Will I meet locals?
YES. Venezuelans are generally very friendly and helpful. They will be curious
about your country and your studies. Within a few days, you will know the
names of many new friends, acquaintances, store clerks, and others. Two special
features of VEN-USA will help you meet and get to know Venezuelans. First,
the homestay is not only a window into the culture, but it is also a door
opened for new friends and relatives of the family. Secondly, VEN-USA also
houses an ESL (English as a Second Language) program for Venezuelan students
and offers many opportunities for the U.S. program participants to meet and
share activities with Venezuelans. Students arrange weekly meetings, films,
excursions, and social gatherings of all types through the student social
group "Nuevos Encuentros".
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Are there opportunities to travel around Venezuela with other students
or on my own?
YES. We do prefer that you travel with other students and/or friends. You will
have the opportunity to travel as much or as little as you'd like. Typically,
students love to take off on the weekends to explore!
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What should I pack?
A complete list of suggested items is listed in the Student Handbook & Guide.
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How will I get around town?
Mini-buses or "busetas" are very popular among students. Busetas
are usually simple vans that are privately owned and inexpensive to use. Taxis
are also available at very reasonable fares. More detailed information concerning
local transportation will be discussed at the on-site orientation.
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Will I have a support staff while I'm abroad?
YES. VEN-USA's program director is your best contact while in Mérida.
Although, there are many staff members that will be available for consult.
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Will I have access to my personal
funds while I'm in Mérida?
YES. Through VEN-USA's optional PFP (personal funds program), you will be able
to access your funds with ease. Additional detailed information will be provided
in your acceptance material.
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May my parents and/or loved
ones visit me in Mérida?
YES, but VEN-USA discourages visits during the semester in order to avoid interfering
with your studies. Visits before or after completion of the program are preferred.
This will permit you to devote your full attention to your visitor and to
travel with them to other parts of Venezuela or to other countries. Upon
availability, VEN-USA offers accommodations (Bed & Breakfast) to parents
and loved ones at the institute at a very reasonable fee. Also, there are
plenty of local hotels to choose from.
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Where are the classes held?
Classes are held at the VEN-USA College, which is a short bus ride from downtown
Mérida. VEN-USA is housed in a modern three-story building located
across the street from a park and just three blocks south of the airport.
The building includes classrooms, administrative offices, a small café,
game room, library with study spaces, and outdoor tables.
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Are the courses taught by professors from U.S. Universities?
NO. They are taught by native Spanish-speaking professors, though
credits have been approved by various universities in the U.S. (University
of Minnesota, SUNY-Cortland, University of Texas at Austin, Maryville
College, Longwood College, Rotary International, among others).
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What are the academics like?
The program is designed to be similar to coursework on an American Campus.
The biggest differences are that most courses are taught in Spanish and that
field projects are assigned in many courses. Mérida and surrounding
areas are wonderful learning laboratories. Every attempt is made to use the
Venezuelan setting as an educational resource. This means less work in the
library and more time in structured field assignments. Don't worry too much
about taking classes in Spanish. The first weeks taking notes and speaking
in Spanish will be a real challenge, but you will adapt sooner than you think.
As long as you make the same effort in your VEN-USA classes as you do at
home, your grades in Venezuela will be comparable to those you earn in the
States.
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Are lifestyles really so different?
YES, and if you go the extra mile to adjust, you will find the differences
most enriching. Some adjustments will be easy, such as eating dinner late
in the evening, or going around the room saying good-bye to everyone when
you leave a party. Others may take more effort, such as the relaxed sense
of time or the seeming rudeness of bank employees.
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Is there animosity towards North Americans in Venezuela?
In general, Venezuelan people are very receptive to North American people.
Any animosity is of an impersonal nature, i.e., it is directed against the
foreign policy of the U.S. rather than at its people. You will be judged
as an individual, and how you act and react will determine your acceptance
by the Venezuelans. Use your observational skills to adapt to a new culture.
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How about the cost of living in Venezuela?
In general, Venezuela is quite inexpensive compared to the United States. For
example, you can buy a meal in a cafe for about US$5 and the 13-hour bus
ride to Caracas (about 400 miles) costs about US$20-$30. On the other hand,
manufactured goods such as electronics, batteries and film may cost double
or even triple U.S. prices. The cost of living also varies somewhat with
the rate of inflation.
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How will I be matched with a family?
Once admitted to the program, participants complete a homestay placement form.
Using the information provided, VEN-USA will match the student with a compatible
family. Basic information regarding the host family will be sent to each
participant prior to departure.
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May I live on my own during the program?
Participants are required to live with a Venezuelan host family. VEN-USA strongly
believes that the student’s experience with the host family is one
of the most important aspects of the cultural immersion while in Mérida.
Students in the past have consistently rated their experience living with
their family as one of the highlights of the program. Returning students
are permitted to live on their own.
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What's it like to live with a Venezuelan family?
VEN-USA considers the homestay to be one of the most important educational
components of the program. Students typically find their families to be extremely
warm and welcoming. A successful homestay requires sensitivity to Venezuelan
cultural norms and to the family's routines and expectations. Venezuelan
families are rather conservative, and students are expected to dress properly
at all times in their homestay residence, use good judgment about how late
to return at night, let families know in advance when they will miss a meal,
advise about any travel plans, etc. In Venezuela as elsewhere, family life
involves much give and take. Although the host families try to respect the
individual needs, values and personalities of the students, remember that
for the most part you need to adapt to the family, not the family to you.
Having said that, your host family is likely to be the best part of your
stay. Most of our students find it very hard to say good-bye at the end of
their stay in Mérida.
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