University professors studying abroad may have to return home

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, February 13, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Professors on post-graduate studies abroad are beginning to feel the pinch of the Venezuelan government’s new economic measures. According to a Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) scholarship officer, there are around 800 professors that haven’t received salaries since January.

The respective universities have told them that they will not be receiving salaries or scholarship money and other benefits until the exchange rate system has been fixed. Professors claim that they have been suffering the effects of a run on Venezuelan currency, which began in November.

One angry professor claims that an average monthly sum of $1,200-2000 consisting of salaries, scholarships and other benefits has been whittled down considerably making it difficult for beneficiaries to meet utility bills, rent payments … in euros, allowances that were once 800 are now just 300. Some universities say that if they don’t get the money, then they will have to ask beneficiaries to come home.