Duke in Venice
Semester Program
An International Academic Experience
Apply NowCourses Taught in English
Duke in Venice is based at Venice International University (VIU) located on the island of San Servolo. VIU is an association of universities and organizations from around the world. Faculty from the partner universities offer courses at VIU, all taught in English.
San Servolo island is located in the Venetian lagoon, between Venice's main city center and the island of Lido. It takes 10 minutes by boat to reach Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, and 20 minutes to reach Venice International Airport Marco Polo.
Duke in Venice students enroll in the VIU Globalization Program of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The program brings together talented, motivated students from VIU member universities in a truly multicultural, international, and interdisciplinary environment.
Although no previous knowledge of Italian is required, it is strongly recommended that students begin study of the language before arriving in Venice. Italian language will be a required course for students on the program.
PROGRAM FAST FACTS
Location: Venice, Italy
Term: Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Dates: FALL: September 9–December 21, 2019; SPRING: February 16-May 30, 2020
Application Deadline: March 1 (Fall and Academic Year); October 1 (Spring)
Academic Theme(s): Italian History and Culture, Cultures of the World, Global Challenges
Credit Type: Duke Credit
Eligibility: Non-Duke students are welcome to apply.
Housing: Dormitory and apartments
GEO Advisor: Alayne Wood
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Venice, Italy
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The Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
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Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
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Venice, Italy
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Aerial photo of San Servolo Island
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Aerial photo of San Servolo Island
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Open Air Lesson at VIU
ACADEMICS
The normal courseload is four courses. All courses will carry Duke departmental designations and numbers, and will convey to your transcript as Duke credit.
- Italian Course – One required: One of the four courses you are required to take is an Italian language course, appropriate to your language ability and background.
- Electives – Choose three: For the remaining three courses, you will choose electives from a listing of 15-20 courses that are English-taught at VIU by the Duke faculty member in residence and faculty from the partner universities. The subject matter, resident faculty, and the departments to which the courses pertain change with each semester. GEO works closely with departments at Duke to determine which Duke prefixes and number designations the courses will carry.
- SPRING 2020
- FALL 2019
SPRING 2020
Spring 2020 Courses
Please note these courses are subject to change. The subject matter, resident faculty, and the departments to which the courses pertain change with each semester. Consult the VIU website for an official list of course offerings for the current/upcoming term, along with course descriptions and syllabi.
Use the list below to find the corresponding Duke departmental designation(s) and number(s) for each course.
Required Course
Italian for Foreigners - beginner, intermediate, upper intermediate
Massimo Brunzin (coordinator), Venice International University
ITALIAN 101A (FL)
ITALIAN 102
ITALIAN 290A-1
ITALIAN 390A (FL)
Electives
ITALY
History of Venice
Luca Pes, Venice International University
HISTORY 390A-12 (CZ)
Italian Contemporary History in Films
Luca Pes, Venice International University
HISTORY 390A-12 (CCI, CZ, ALP)
Art and Architecture in Renaissance Venice
Monica Centanni/Elisa Bastianello, Università Iuav di Venezia
ARTHIST 390A (ALP, CZ)
CULTURES OF THE WORLD
Intercultural Communication
Vincenzo Romania, Università degli Studi di Padova
Duke course number TBD
Gender Studies: Migration and Gender
Marilynn Johnson, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
Comparing East and West: Political Culture
Willy Jou, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Identity, Heritage and Globalization. Transnational Yoga; from Local to Global, Forth and Back
Maya Burger, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Globalization, Ethics Welfare and Human Rights
Hans-Martin Schönherr-Mann, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Duke course number TBD
Global Governance for Peace and Security, Cooperation and Development
Sara De Vido, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia
Duke course number TBD
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Spring Specialization Track)
Globalization, Environment and Sustainable Development
Ignazio Musu/Ilda Mannino, Venice International University
CULANTH 290A (SS, EI)
ENVIRON 390A (SS, EI)
EOS 390A (SS, EI)
POLSCI 290A (SS, EI)
PUBPOL 390A (SS, EI)
Cities, Global Change and Sustainable Development
Margherita Turvani/Matteo Basso, Università Iuav di Venezia
ENVIRON 390A (SS)
POLSCI 290A (SS)
PUBPOL 390A (SS)
African Cities, Development and Climate Change
Anne-Maria Makhulu, Duke University
Duke course number TBD
ADDITIONAL COURSES (available during Spring 2020 only)
A History of Credit: From Sixteenth Century Venice to Twenty-First Century New York City
Anne-Maria Makhulu, Duke University
Duke course number TBD
Ecology and Technology as challenges of Ethics
Hans-Martin Schönherr-Mann, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Duke course number TBD
Democratic Transition and Consolidation
Willy Jou, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
Street Life: Urban Space and Popular Culture
Marilynn Johnson, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
Orientalism and the History of India and Europe: Indian Intellectuals and their Reaction to Modernity
Maya Burger, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Consult the VIU website for an official list of course offerings for the current/upcoming term, along with course descriptions and syllabi.
FALL 2019
Fall 2019 Courses
Please note these courses are subject to change. The subject matter, resident faculty, and the departments to which the courses pertain change with each semester. Consult the VIU website for an official list of course offerings for the current/upcoming term, along with course descriptions and syllabi.
Use the list below to find the corresponding Duke departmental designation(s) and number(s) for each course.
Required Course
Italian for Foreigners - beginner, intermediate, upper intermediate
Massimo Brunzin (coordinator), Venice International University
ITALIAN 101A (FL)
ITALIAN 102
ITALIAN 290A-1
ITALIAN 390A (FL)
Electives
ITALY
History of Venice
Luca Pes, Venice International University
HISTORY 390A-12 (CZ)
Italian Contemporary History in Films
Luca Pes, Venice International University
HISTORY 390A-12 (CCI, CZ, ALP)
Art and Architecture in Renaissance Venice
Paola Modesti, Venice International University
ARTHIST 390A (ALP, CZ)
CULTURES OF THE WORLD
Comparing East and West: Philosophy East and West. Self and Society in European and Asian Political Thought
Harro Maas, Université de Lausanne
ECON 290A (SS, CCI)
POLSCI 290A (SS, CCI)
Eating and Drinking from a (trans-)Cultural Point of View
Frank Heidemann, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität
CULANTH 290A (CCI)
Intercultural Communication
Giulia Storato, Università degli Studi di Padova
SOCIOL 290A (SS)
Gender Studies. Gender-Based Violence and Self-Defense
Alessandra Chiricosta, Università degli Studi di Padova "Tor Vergata"
GSF 290A (SS)
SOCIOL 290A (SS)
Visual Representation and the Cultural Other
Frank Heidemann, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität
CULANTH 290A (CCI)
LIT 390A-13 (CCI)
VMS 390A (CCI)
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Ecofeminism. Theories and Transnational Movements
Alessandra Chiricosta, Università degli Studi di Padova "Tor Vergata"
GSF 290A (SS, CCI)
SOCIOL 290A (SS, CCI)
Identity Heritage and Globalization: Global Talent Flows: International Migration, Science and Innovation
Francesco Lissoni, Université de Bordeaux
ECON 390A (SS)
HISTORY 390A-12 (SS)
Globalization, Ethics Welfare and Human Rights: A Focus on Migratory Crises in the Mediterranean Area
Harro Maas, Université de Lausanne
ICS 390A (SS, EI)
POLSCI 290A (SS, EI)
PUBPOL 390A (SS, EI)
SOCIOL 290A (SS, EI)
Global Governance for Peace and Security, Cooperation and Development
Simona Kustec, University of Ljubljana
POLSCI 290A
PUBPOL 390A
ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT, and DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE (Fall Specialization Track)
Cultural Management (Issues and Methodology of Cultural Management and Policy Analysis)
Simona Kustec, University of Ljubljana
Duke course number TBD
Economics of Cultural Heritage
Ryo Nagata, Waseda University
ECON 390A (SS)
Representation of Time and Space in Western and Far Eastern Cultures
Agostino De Rosa, Università Iuav di Venezia
Duke course number TBD
The Globalization of Intellectual Property: From Innovation to Cultural Heritage
Francesco Lissoni, Université de Bordeaux
ECON 290A, MMS 390A (SS, STS)
Urban History and Digital Tools: Shaping Capital Cities (1714-1889). Arts, Architechure, Fashion in Paris, London, Milan, Venice
Guido Zucconi/Isabella di Lenardo, Università Iuav di Venezia
HISTORY 390A-12 (CCI)
VMS 390A (CCI)
ARTHIST 390A (CCI)
ADDITIONAL COURSES AVAILABLE DURING FALL 2019 ONLY
Architecture as Communication
Vadim Bass, European University of St. Petersburg
Duke course number TBD
Cultural Globalization and Big Data
Christopher Bail, Duke University
SOCIOL 290A (SS, CCI)
POLSCI 290A (SS, CCI)
Distant Suffering: Humanitarian Advocacy in the Age of Social Media
Christopher Bail, Duke University
SOCIOL 290A (SS)
POLSCI 290A (SS)
Globalization and Economic Welfare
Ryo Nagata, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
Italian Architecture in Russia
Vadim Bass, European University of St. Petersburg
Duke course number TBD
Modernism: Enchantments and Disenchantments
Thomas Epstein, Boston College
LIT 390A-13 (CZ)
Pasolini and Tarkovsky: Face to Face
Thomas Epstein, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
Consult the VIU website for an official list of course offerings for the current/upcoming term, along with course descriptions and syllabi.
INTERNSHIPS
Following the semester of courses at VIU, selected students are offered internships at research centers, universities, cultural organizations and companies in Italy. VIU provides scholarships to contribute to the costs of international travel and accommodation. The internships are typically two to four months long, and take place either in January-February or during the summer months.
Internships in Italy are currently available at the following organizations:
- Italian National Research Council (CNR) – conservation, restoration, archeology
- La Biennale di Venezia – festivals of contemporary art, architecture, cinema, theater and dance
- Peggy Guggenheim Foundation - museum
- Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia – museums and libraries
- Incroci di Civiltà – literary festival
- Log607 – company applying innovative technology to cultural heritage
- Venezia Marketing e Eventi – promotion of cultural events
- UNESCO Venice Office
- Polymnia – museum
- Vela SpA – public events
- Italian - German Cultural Association
- German Centre for Venetian Studies
- Agire - energy agency
- Galileia - energy consultancy
- Valcucine - sustainable manufacturing
Following the first month of courses, VIU invites students to apply for the internship program by submitting a resumé and motivation letter. Students are called for an interview and their applications are evaluated based on their resumé, letter of motivation, interview, performance in class and participation in the co-curricular program.
Housing & Meals
Housing
Students on the Duke in Venice program will have the option of choosing to stay on the VIU campus on the island of San Servolo or in an apartment in Venice. Visit the VIU website for more information.
- On Campus: Students who choose to reside on San Servolo will be housed in shared rooms on the island. Each room will have a private bath with shower. Laundry (coin-operated) and kitchen facilities are not available. Estimated cost for the dormitories is Euro 1,305 per semester.
- Apartments: Apartment rentals arranged by VIU are available in the city. The apartments are for 4 students in two twin rooms. Estimated cost for the apartments is Euro 1,625 per semester, not including utilities and cleaning services. Apartments are out-fitted with fully equipped kitchens so that students can cook for themselves.
Meals
For the dormitory housing on the island, students have access to the island cafeteria and can also purchase meals and groceries in the city. There are no cooking facilities in the dormitories.
Students who stay in rented apartments in the city will be responsible for all of their meals and will have a kitchen to use for cooking. They can also take their meals at the cafeteria on the island or at dining establishments throughout Venice.
COSTS
Fall 2019 or Spring 2020
Estimates are based on previous years’ programs and the current exchange rate. All costs are subject to change.
| Duke Students | Non-Duke Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $27,940 | $27,940 |
| Program Fee | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Transcript Fee | N/A | $40 |
| Other Costs | ||
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $38,470 | $38,510 |
Explanation of Costs
The program fee for this program includes:
- Accommodations on the island*
- Weekday meals*
- International SOS coverage
- Program-sponsored activities and excursions
- Orientation program
The following items are NOT included in the program fee and will be the responsibility of the participant to fund. This list contains common examples to help you budget for your program, but the list should not be considered exhaustive:
- Airfare
- Airport transportation to/from program site
- Local transportation
- Weekend meals
- On-site accident and health insurance policy
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Immunizations
- Visa and/or residency permit
- Passport
- Textbooks and class materials
- Internet usage
- Mobile phone
- Laundry
- Independent travel and entertainment
- Items of a personal nature
- Incidentals
*Students who choose the city apartment housing option should be aware that they will need to pay utilities and a security deposit. The security deposit will be refunded to them at the end of the program if there is no damage to the apartment. In addition, students who chose the apartment option will receive fewer meal vouchers, as they will not be taking breakfast on the island but instead will be self-catering in their residences for breakfast.
Personal expenses can fluctuate greatly depending upon habits and preferences of the individual. It’s also wise to budget for unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies. You can use a cost-of-living comparison tool to get an idea of what daily life costs in the program host location.
Step 1: Within 3 weeks of acceptance to the program, confirm your enrollment by submitting the non-refundable $1,000 deposit. Deposits are payable by check or Student Account E-Check. If you receive Duke financial aid, submit the Deposit Waiver Form in lieu of the deposit. Log in to MyGlobalEd for remittance instructions or waiver form.
NOTE: If you withdraw after committing to the program, there may be financial consequences.
Step 2: Complete all post-acceptance items listed on your MyGlobalEd application, including the Participation Agreement, Pre-Departure Orientation, International Travel Registry, and any program-specific forms.
Step 3: Semester invoices will be sent via email to your Duke email address and home email address. Remit payment to the Bursar per due date and address indicated on your online statement. All financial arrangements involving Duke University must be completed prior to departure for the program.
Financial Aid
Duke students receiving institutional need-based grant aid are eligible for aid for this program; work-study funds are converted to grants. Students are individually responsible for making the necessary arrangements with the Karsh Office of Undergraduate Financial Support and the Duke Bursar’s Office.
Non-Duke students are not eligible to receive financial aid at Duke and should contact their home institutions for financial aid information.
DATES
Venice International University Calendar
- Spring 2020
- FALL 2019
Spring 2020
Spring 2020
Arrival on VIU Campus: February 16
Orientation Week: February 17-21
Opening Ceremony: February 20
Courses Begin: February 24
Midterm Break: April 13-17
Courses End: May 22
Exam week: May 25-May 29
Check Out: May 30
National Holidays: April 13, April 25, May 1
FALL 2019
Fall 2019
Arrival on VIU Campus: September 8
Orientation Week: September 9-13
Opening Ceremony: September 12
Courses Begin: September 16
Midterm Break: Oct 28-Nov 1
Courses End: December 13
Exam Week: December 16-20
Check Out: December 21
FACULTY & STAFF
ADMISSIONS
Deadline: March 1 (Fall and Academic Year); October 1 (Spring)
This program has rolling admission. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until the program fills; after that, qualified students are added to a waitlist and notified of openings. Applications must be received by the deadline to be considered. Application opens November 1.
Priority: Priority will be given to juniors and seniors having an overall GPA of 3.0. Priority is also given to applicants who apply early.
Minimum GPA: The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) required for Duke students wishing to study away during the semester is 2.7 (3.0 for Pratt students) on a scale of 4.0.
Non-Duke students: Non-Duke students are welcome to apply for this program. You must be a degree-seeking student in good standing at an accredited college or university. Consult your university’s registrar and/or study away advisor for assistance with transfer credit. Students who are not matriculated at a college or university are not eligible to participate in Duke’s study away programs.
APPLY
Start your application early to ensure that it is complete by the deadline! Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the program directors for consideration.
Submit the following items using MyGlobalEd:
- Online application
- Official transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended. First-year students should wait for fall semester grades to be posted before submitting their transcript.
- Personal statement, no longer than one page, explaining why you would like to participate on this program
- Two academic letters of recommendation
STUDENT STORIES
Meet with a GEO Advisor
Not sure where to start? Prefer to talk to someone? Schedule an appointment with a GEO advisor to get personalized recommendations and answers to your questions.