You may do this by continuing to browse VEN-USA's web-site or by visiting: www.venezuelatuya.com OR www.frailejon.com

Venezuela is located in the north of South America . It is between the 0º 38' 53" of latitude north in Amazonas and the 12º 11' 46" in Falcón and between the meridian 59°45' 00" of longitude west in Delta Amacuro and the 73°25' 00" in Zulia. Venezuela borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Brazil to the south, Guyana Essequibo ( Venezuela claimed this territory) and Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Colombia to the west.

In accordance with the national institute of statistic of Venezuela , the country counts with a population of 26.872.086 (February 2006).

The best way to pay is cash and in Bolivar, however, this brings also the most risk. In almost all the stores in Venezuela you can use your credit card visa and master card as well as the debit cards (EC Card) cirrus, maestro and conexus. Both the credit cards and the debit cards can be use in the ATM.

WEATHER: Daytime temperatures typically range from 80-100 during the day, but typically cool down to the 70s in the evening. Heavy tropical downpours can occur in the "rain season" but it usually only last a short while. Humidity in the tropics can play havoc with cameras or other electronic devices.

We consider Venezuela a safe destination. After more than 15 years of operating trips to Venezuela, our travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or trekking routes. You can receive an updated Consular Information Sheet from the US State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html) or by calling their hotline at 888-407-4747.

WorldTeach is partnering with the Fundacion del Estado para el Sistema Nacional de las Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela (FESNOJIV). FESNOJIV is also called “El Sistema.” FESNOJIV is a system of classical orchestras that practice and perform classical music in music centers called “núcleos” throughout all 24 states of Venezuela. The program reaches out to embrace children, especially those who are at-risk or from poverty, from an early age.

The official language of Venezuela is Spanish, though there are others indigenous languages which are recognize in the constitution.

The national plate is the "Pabellon" that consist of rice, flank steak, black beans and fried banana. In the daily diet of the Venezuelan the meat, fish or chicken is always present, it could be a little problem for the vegetarian if they don't communicate before the arriving the intention of not eating meat.

For many years the best source of information about watching birds in Venezuela has been Mary Lou Goodwin's Birding in Venezuela, now in its 5th edition published by Lynx Edicions. The book is available for order from Los Angeles Audubon Society in the USA and Natural History Book Society in the UK . These days there is a lot of information available on the Internet, too - see my links page.

Most visiting birders start with an "easy" two week itinerary in north- west Venezuela such as Henri Pittier National Park , the Andes and the Llanos. This is likely to net some 550 species and is a nice introduction to northern South American birding. On a second trip, the Escalera in south-eastern Venezuela can be added, in combination with the Imataca Forest Reserve or perhaps the Paria Península to make a good ten day to two week trip.

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!

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.

These are arranged by Southwind through our local operator to best match the trip itinerary and activities and ensure all participants are on the same flights. We will also be aware of schedule changes in a more timely manner and can coordinate with our Venezuelan partners.

The national currency of Venezuela is the Bolivar (Bs.). Normal personal daily expenses (excluding accommodation) range between US$3 and US$6. If you are interested in eating in restaurants or going out on weekends, these costs will obviously be higher. There are also many interesting natural places to visit in Venezuela. There are ample opportunities to explore the mountains, beaches, and jungles. These of course will cost extra. See our Adventure Tours section for more details.

There are many options available for you to maintain contact with your family. There are Internet cafes throughout the town (the cost for one hour is usually 80 cents to $1). There are a number of long distance calling centers in the town (e.g. cost to Europe or the USA approx US $0.35 per minute). You can also purchase phone cards or use an international operator to call internationally.

Yes! There will be a Field Director to administer and coordinate the project in Venezuela. He/she will be working closely with FESNOJIV, the WorldTeach US office, and the volunteers to assure a successful experience for everyone.

Birders have traditionally visited Venezuela during the November-April dry season. Certainly this is the time of year when dry weather is most likely even though, as global climate becomes ever less predictable, this rule is more and more frequently broken. For example, on a recent November tour we had torrential rain most days, the country's most serious floods took place in December 1999, and rain was still falling daily in Caracas during December 2003.

Yes. Many younger European birders do just that. This is a great option if you have plenty of time and limited financial resources. Venezuela has an excellent public transport system and one of the best road networks in Latin America . Of course, you will need a good grasp of Spanish in order to arrange transport. Yes. Some sites are described in Mary Lou Goodwin's Birding in Venezuela .