Compare And Contrast

Venezuela and United States

Many people have experienced the drastic changes when they leave their home country to start a new life at a new country. I was born and raised in Venezuela, a country located in South America, and two days after turning twelve years old, I had all my memories packed in a suitcase to start a whole new life in the United States. Although I was very excited to be in the U.S., I quickly realized that life here is very different than life in Venezuela.

Education in Venezuela and in any other South American country is more advanced. In Venezuela physical education is a mandatory course as well as the other mandatory courses; there are no electives. However, because there are several mandatory courses, they are divided throughout the week so you don’t take all courses every day. Also, in Venezuela you are allowed to go to the school of your choice. Almost every school is private and they offer from pre-school to 11th grade which is the last year of high school. In addition, Venezuelan schools start off their days with the national anthem followed by a prayer, which is not mandatory, but it is the usual.

The familial values of Venezuelans are different. Family ties in Venezuela are very strong, and we are taught at an early age to view the family as a key unit of society. These ties sometimes make it hard for Venezuelans to integrate or assimilate into common society, though many do so with ease. Relationships are really important to Venezuelans and one of the top priorities for most of us; we are taught to be independent remaining close to the loved ones. In Venezuela we maintain relationships with others by keeping constantly in contact, visiting family and friends, making reunion parties, and gathering together. These are very common things between Venezuelans.

In Venezuela, traditions and commemorative dates are valued in a special way, because they show a lot from our culture and heritage. Venezuelans try to maintain the presence of the traditions of the past day by day, trying to incorporate these in our modern life. There are several important and officially recognized holidays in Venezuela other than New Year's and Christmas. Carnival is by far one of the liveliest Venezuelan traditions. This holiday falls on the three days prior to Ash Wednesday. Carnival means general partying with lots of drinking and dancing, parades with drummers and people in costumes. Other important holidays are Bolívar's birthday, Venezuela's Independence Day, and the day of the race which is celebrated with parades. Venezuela also celebrates a series of religious town festivals that commemorate either the appearance of the Virgin Mary or of a saint.

In contrast of Venezuela, United States offers a variety of public schools. Also the school you attend is determined by your zip code, and they are divided by elementary, middle, and high school having 12th as the last

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