Faces of Venezuela

There are currently 71 students from Venezuela studying at SCAD in Savannah – it is one of the top five countries that international students come from.

Maria “Maf” Rodriguez

Caracas, Venezuela

Third-year Illustration

Left Venezuela nine years ago and moved to Costa Rica when she was 14 years old after she and her mom were kidnapped.

“Living in Costa Rica opened my eyes to another world,” said Rodriguez. “I was like, ‘wow, peace actually exists, I can actually close my eyes without worrying about someone getting into my house.”

Juan “Pichi” Antillano

Caracas, Venezuela

First-year Industrial Design

Transferred from Universidad Monteavila, where he studied mass communication.

“The educating we receive is pretty bad because professors don’t want to work anymore because they don’t see a future in the country,” said Antillano about the education in Venezuela.

Claudia Lovera Deen

Caracas, Venezuela

Alumni, MFA in Film and Television in 2012

“All the people in prison and in jail, they are students because they are fearless.” said Deen. “People are trying to get the message, especially to younger generations, because of that. Because they’re brave, they’re the ones who will be more willing to spread the message, who will be willing to do something.”

Daniel Poler

Caracas, Venezuela

Third-year Film and Television, minor in Art History

After his sister graduated from SCAD with a degree in advertising, Poler decided to pursue his film career and moved to the United States in December 2011.

“I knew I was going to have to leave, not because how Venezuela was, but because I wanted to pursue my major somewhere else. But still, everything was really bad.”

Arianna Canelon

Caracas, Venezuela

Second-year Illustration

Came to the United States nine years ago because her mom was looking for an opportunity to better their lives.

“I pray every night for my family’s health and safety. Most times I find it hard to be happy knowing they’re living under the uncertainty that there will not be food in the market or even shampoo to shower with.”

Roberto Enrique Garcia Matus

Caracas, Venezuela

Sound Design

Came to SCAD because of the great studies on sound and because of the international culture, including Venezuelan, that is here.

Valentina Cabanzo

Caracas, Venezuela

First-year Interior and Furniture Design

“I came to the United States because I had to do so. I knew that if I stayed there I was leaving behind the opportunity to grow as a person or even grow old,” said Cabanzo. “Leaving home is always painful but watching your country, from the distance, tear apart with your family there is heartbreaking.”

Rebecca Gianforcaro Finol

Maracaibo, Venezuela

First-year Production Design

“I came to United States because it is almost impossible for me to make my dreams come true in Venezuela,” said Finol. “Production design is not offered in any university in Venezuela.”

Isabella Mendez

Maracay, Venezuela

First-year Fashion major

Before Mendez came to the United States in March, she joined in on the protests on Feb. 12 back when it was peaceful, but when she returned home at 6 p.m. she found out about the events in Altamira and Tachira where protestors were detained and three shot.

Ana Cristina Lossada

Caracas, Venezuela

Third-year Motion Media Design

Came to the United States because she had the opportunity to study subjects that were not offered in Venezuela.

“Back home, there are many colleges that do offer some similar program like it, but they lack of resources and contacts.”

Domenico Montini

Venezuela

Second-year Sequential Art, Creative Writing minor

Montini always wanted to study in the United States because he thought it suited him well. It was the best choice for him because it accommodated his interests and personality.

“I love being here and having this opportunity,” said Montini. “However, I don’t want to forget my roots. Viva Venezuela!”