Venezuela - a fantastic study destination
Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
Venezuela lies on the northern tip of the South American continent. It is comprised of a mainland and also several islands which lay to the north and east of its coastline in the Caribbean Sea. With its perfect tropical location, Venezuela is a beautiful place to not only vacation but to learn to speak Spanish as well.
Venezuela is a former Spanish colony, which is why its national and official language is Spanish. When planning to study Spanish in Venezuela, keep in mind the culture will be unique to its specific history and its geographical location. The culture has been heavily influenced by the Caribbean, shaped by indigenous Latin Americans, and influenced by the Spanish and African. In additional to Spanish there are 31 indigenous languages spoken in Venezuela.
Spanish programs are available in Merida City - home to the country’s second oldest university. It is also the highest city in Venezuela and enjoys one of the most pleasant climates in the nation. Its situation in the midst of two of Venezuela’s Andean mountain chains makes it one of the prime locations for outdoor pursuits, but the city also boasts a long and varied history which has left lots of fascinating buildings and monuments in its wake.
Geographically, Venezuela is vast. Definitely worth a visit during your stay though is the country’s bustling capital and largest city, Caracas. Caracas lies within a valley surrounded by a coastal mountain range. The average temperature is 73 degrees and it mostly feels like Spring all year long. Its large and straight-forward Metro system makes it very quick and easy to get around, which is a huge bonus in a city with so many sights and attractions to visit!
You would also be well-advised to head to Venezuela’s countryside, or one of the gorgeous Venezuelan islands in the Caribbean. For example, Margarita Island, or Isla Margarita, where not only can you practise your Spanish, you can also learn to windsurf!
Studying Spanish in Venezuela will not only fully immerse you in the culture and language but will also be cost effective for you. The cost of living in Venezuela is relatively inexpensive compared to North America.
As of June 2009, 1 US Dollar equals 2.15 VEF (Venezuela Bolivares Fuertes) and the VEF is subdivided into 100 céntimos. Keep in mind that the currency has recently changed in Venezuela. On January 1, 2008, the VEF replaced the VEB (Venezuela Bolivares). The change was made as the government thought transactions would be easier in this new currency. The name “Bolívar Fuerte” is only being used temporarily to distinguish it from the VEB being used alongside the VEF.
More on language courses in Merida
Tags: spanish, culture, languages, language, venezuela, merida
Posted by Jessica Wingate under Experience Cultures,
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