El Paso, a city with a population of 750,000, is located in far west Texas on the north side of the Rio Grande River.  Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, is immediately adjacent on the south side of the Rio Grande, and the State of New Mexico is just to the west.  The city of  El Paso rests on the high desert at the foot of Mount Franklin with starkly beautiful mountains visible in all directions.  With an 80% Hispanic population, our city is heavily flavored by the cultures of Mexico and other neighbors to the south.   Several El Paso churches are joining together to welcome you to our homes and to share in the joy of Christmas with our families.  You will join other international students for two weeks of local activities in our surrounding area.  There will be day trips to the historic Old Mesilla Village in Las Cruces, and to the White Sands National Monument and the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo.  You will have the opportunity to wander through the El Paso Museum of Art, and to take a cable car to the top of Mount Franklin.  The Sun Bowl Fiesta in downtown El Paso will conclude with a giant fireworks display.  There will also be an International Evening for which you will be invited to prepare your favorite dish or meal from your country to share with all the host families.

While staying in El Paso, your transportation, meals, and entrance fees on group excursions will be provided at no cost to you.  Temperatures in December are usually moderately warm (55-65 F), although colder days are possible.  Bring clothing for being outdoors.

Please come and enjoy our hospitality and the friendliness of our people.  We look forward to meeting you and to showing you around our great city here in west Texas!

 

Program Size	8 students
Program Type	Home stay
Accommodations	Singles (male and female), Couples
Dress	Outdoor clothes
Suggested cash for optional personal expenses	Money for souvenirs
Program Dates	December 18, 2007 – January 2, 2008
Airport	El Paso International
Train Depot	AMTRAK (El Paso)
Bus Depot	Greyhound and Trailways (El Paso)
Driving Directions	On request
Weather Forecast	Average 55-65 F
Local Attractions	Old Mesilla Village, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico Space History Museum, El Paso Museum of Art,  Franklin Mountain State Park, Sun Bowl Fiesta and firework display, University of Texas, El Paso, El Paso Trainway