The charming city of Merida is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, deep in the heart of the Venezuelan Andes. In the lush surrounding valley, grows sugar cane, bananas, palms, and a profusion of flowers. Merida exudes the colonial charm of an old Spanish town enhanced by the vigor of student activity from the University. Merida is the home of the world's longest and highest cable car ride which soars to almost 16,000 feet, known as "La Cuidad de los Caballeros." Merida offers you a chance to experience authentic Venezuelan lifestyles and culture in an area unspoiled by the onslaught of tourism. While abroad, you are enrolled at the VENUSA College, Educational Center of International Studies and Modern Languages in Merida, Venezuela with the goal of providing you with the first-hand knowledge of the social, political and economic realities of Latin America. The program is designed to bring fresh perspectives to career choices.
| City, Country |
Merida, Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Session |
Semester, Summer, Academic Year |
| Dates |
Spring 2014 Session I: May 19 - June 30, 2014 Session II: June 30 - August 11, 2014 Fall 2013 Arrival Date: August 19, 2013 |
| Requirements |
2.5 GPA, Must be second semester sophomore or higher |
| Application Deadline |
Spring 2014 Admission: October 15, 2013 Fall 2014 Admission: April 15, 2014 Summer 2014 Admission: April 1, 2014 Please submit the following by the application deadline:
The Course Approval Form (due December 1st) is to be submitted by SUNY Cortland students only. Non-Cortland students must speak with their home campus study abroad office for information on the course approval process. Non-Cortland students must return completed Judicial Review and Code of Conduct forms along with the SUNY application. |
| Travel Information |
Participants will fly to Miami and board a group flight to Caracas. Upon arrival, participants will be met in the airport by representatives from VENUSA who will accompany the group to Merida. |
| Program Costs |
Spring 2013 Budget **Tentative and Subject to Change** Summer 2013 Budget - Cost is for 6 Credit program. **Tentative and Subject to Change** Fall 2013 Budget **Tentative and Subject to Change** Accepted students will receive an updated budget as a part of their acceptance packet. |
| Program Course Information |
Ten Week Semester Option (12 credits): The 10-week semester begins five weeks later than the 15-week semester and is more intense. Students take 3 hours of Spanish language in addition to two additional classes, Monday - Thursday. Beginning and intermediate level Spanish students take International Business and Cross Cultural Communications, taught in English, as the additional two classes. Advanced level students take a literature and Latin American Studies class, taught in Spanish, as the additional two classes. Fifteen Week Semester Option (12-15 credits): Students choosing the 15-week semester choose from a wide range of courses taught in Spanish. A limited number are offered in English. Classes are held Monday - Thursday. Human Service internships are available to students who are fluent in Spanish. Summer Semester: 6 to 10 credits. The price of the program tuition will change depending on the courses you select when submitting your application. Please review the Course Selections to determine how many credit hours you would like to take. |
| Accommodations |
Host family |
|
Student Mentors |
Kerry O'Connor: kro6@buffalo.edu |
| Host Website |
YouTube Video - Check this out! |
