Guest, I could only make a few comments, because I live in Argentina (the subject of this thread is Argentina), but since I lived in Venezuela for five years, and have friends there, I would have some things to say:

1) Venezuela is really beautiful, the people is generous and friendly, and surely your son will have a great time.

2) Mérida is in the Andes area, it is a mountain zone and pretty cold in winter (not even similar to Minnessota, but not tropical). The Caribbean beaches are very far from there, some 400 miles

3) Safety is questionable in all Venezuela, especially now, but considering that your son will be under supervision of that institution VENUSA, it is reasonable to think the he will not run any risk. If the institution is not closely involved, beware. Mérida and other cities far from Caracas are much safer than the capital. Caracas is now dangerous.

4) Water in Venezuela is good for bathing, cooling engines and research on hydrogen production. Beverages are beer, ron (rhum), whisky, gin, wine, etc. Your son has to be prepared to say no. Drugs are readily available in big cities (as in any US or Latin Ameriaa cities) but much less in smaller cities like Mérida.

Un abrazo - Andrés (in Buenos Aires)