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About the Program
Venezuela is a country of astonishing beauty and variety, from Caribbean beaches to steamy jungles to snow capped mountains. Nestled in an Andean valley, the city of Mérida boasts an ideal climate and a pleasant mix of narrow colonial streets in the old central district and modern residential areas. The 35,000 university students in Mérida account for over one quarter of the city’s population. University buildings are scattered throughout the city, and students going to and from classes fill the city streets, creating a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.
Visit here to see images and student profiles of previous sessions.
Begin your Spanish language studies, or increase your current skills, on this program offered in collaboration with the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. You will have plenty of opportunities to develop your language proficiency through homestays and interacting with Venezuelan students as you study Spanish at the VENUSA college of International Studies and Modern Languages. Excursions and social events planned by VENUSA will help you develop and improve your Spanish skills, learn about Venezuelan culture, and make new friends in one of South America’s most beautiful countries.
This program is offered collaboration with the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and other University departments.
Faculty & Staff
All instructors are professional academics with higher degrees in their fields. Program courses are held at the comfortable and convenient VENUSA facility in central Mérida. The Venezuela program is offered jointly by VENUSA Institute of International Studies and the Learning Abroad Center of the University of Minnesota. Both VENUSA and the University of Minnesota have established procedures to assure that the content and rigor of the program are consistent with the academic standards and scholarly reputations of the two institutions.
Housing & Meals
You will live with Venezuelan host families. Your family provides not only housing and most meals, but also a vital connection to the culture and social life of Mérida. Your Venezuelan family is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Nearly all families have hosted program participants before and have been chosen for their genuine interest in sharing Venezuelan life with a visiting program participant. Each participant is matched with a family based on preferences and requests.
Excursions
& Social Activities
Tours and excursions in the city of Mérida and at least two day trips to nearby mountain lakes, national parks, theme parks, or other local sites of interest are included in the program. Also included are weekly activities such as lectures, films, and other social events. Hundreds of Venezuelans take English classes at VENUSA year-round and are eager to meet North Americans. VENUSA’s Nuevos Encuentros arranges language partnerships and other activities designed to encourage participants and Venezuelans to get to know one another.
Contact a Past Participant
Below is a list of students who participated
in past program sessions. They are ready and willing
to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact additional participants during your decision-making process
or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student
perspective.
- Emily F— Spanish studies major, fall semester 2007, homestay
- Christopher F— Economics major, Spanish minor, fall semester 2007, homestay
- Cassie M— Psychology and Spanish major, fall semester 2007, homestay
- Beth M— Environmental studies major, Spanish minor, fall semester 2007, homestay
- Alissa L— Spanish major, summer sessions 2006 and 2007
Access Abroad
Persons with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad. The Learning Abroad Center and Disability Services are collaborating to enhance access to study abroad for students with disabilities. Go to the Access Abroad web page for more information.
Last modified on May 20, 2008 |