Venezuela

When the plane arrives in Caracas, Venezuela's capital city, you will see a modern city in a colorful valley. The people you meet will welcome you warmly-Venezuelans enjoy introducing visitors to the charms and richness of their country.

Venezuela has welcomed people from Western Africa, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and, more recently, immigrants from other Latin American countries. This ethnic mix has produced a creative and energetic culture that spans all art forms.

In Venezuela, family connections and the bonds formed by friendship are the network that tie the country together, so chances are good that your host family will take its family ties and responsibilities seriously. Your host family will have many reasons to get together with extended family and friends for parties, holiday gatherings, and Sunday dinners.

You'll celebrate many holidays tied to Venezuela's independence, the Catholic church, or to African ancestry. Depending on where you live, you may participate in Carnival in February or Los Diablos Danzantes (Devil Dances) in late spring. This holiday, celebrated in San Francisco de YarÃ, a town south of Caracas, is marked by a spectacular parade and the "Dance of the Devils," who are elaborately masked and costumed.

Language

Spanish. Two years of previous Spanish language study is required for the year program and a basic knowledge of the language is needed for the summer program.

Host Family Placement

In urban areas throughout Venezuela.

School

School begins in October and ends in mid-July. The typical school day lasts from 7:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. 

Pastimes

Sports (baseball and soccer).

Program	Departure	Cost (CAD)
Summer	July	$6735
Year	August	$8950