Duke in Venice
Semester Program
Program Alert
Please see Venice International University’s Covid-19 protocols in place for Fall 2021: https://www.univiu.org/about-viu/brochures-reports-and-regulations/covid-19-protocol-and-practice
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 5–December 18, 2021; SPRING: February 13-May 28, 2022
Application Deadline: March 1st (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 Advising: Request an appointment
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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.
- FALL 2021
- SPRING 2022
FALL 2021
Fall 2021 Courses
Please note the offerings for Fall 2021 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: Heroines in International Films
Lisa Cuklaz, Boston University
CINE 290A (ALP, CCI)
GSF 290A (ALP, CCI)
Intercultural Communication
Sabrina Marchetti/Deni Carnassale, Univeristà Ca' Foscari Venezia
SOCIOL 290A (SS)
Gender Studies. Gender and Politics
Martina Avanza, Université de Lausanne
GSF 290A (SS)
POLSCI 290A (SS)
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Identity Heritage and Globalization: Biennale Venezia 2021-The Anthropology of Built Environment and Social Space
Natalie Göltenboth, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Duke course number TBD
Globalization, Ethics Welfare and Human Rights.
Aleksandar Kešeljevic, University of Ljubljana
ICS 390A (SS)
POLSCI 290A (SS)
PUBPOL 390A (SS)
SOCIOL 290A (SS)
Global Governance for Peace and Security, Cooperation and Development
Aleksandar Kešeljevic, University of Ljubljana
Duke course number TBD
ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT, and DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE (Fall Specialization Track)
Economics and Management of (Art and) Culture
Aleksandar Kešeljevic, University of Ljubljana
ECON 390A(SS)
VMS 390A (SS)
Prerequisite: ECON 201D
Digital Technology and Cultural Heritage
Alison Harcourt, Université of Exeter
VMS 390A (ALP, CCI)
Venice Stikes Back: Antitourism Mobilizations in the Serenissima
Martina Avanza, Université de Lausanne
CULANTH 290A (CZ)
SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Global Internet Governance
Alison Harcourt, University of Exeter
Duke course number TBD
Science Communication and Sustainability
Ilda Mannino and Alessandra Fornetti, Venice International University
Duke course number TBD
Science (Fiction) and Posthuman
Edward Chan, Waseda University
LIT 390A-13 / SCISOC 390A (ALP)
HISTORY AND MEMORY (Fall Specialization Track)
Anthropological Perspective and Borders, Migration and Mobility in the Mediterranean
Natalie Göltenboth, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
CULANTH 290A (SS, CCI)
Italian Immigration Film
Lisa Cuklaz, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
History and Memories at the Intercultural Crossroads
Edward Chan, Waseda University
LIT 390A-13 (ALP, CCI)
Memory Study, an Introduction
Julia Safronova, European University at Saint Petersburg
Duke course number TBD
Memory and Media: between Pyramids and the Internet
Julia Safronova, European University at Saint Petersburg
Duke course number TBD
Representations of Time and Space in Western and Far Eastern Cultures
Agostino De Rosa, Iuav University of Venice
Duke course number TBD
Mosaics on the Adriatic Shore: History in Transition
Assaf Pinkus, Tel Aviv University
ARTHIST 390A (ALP)
Gothic Tales: Creation and Reception of Visual Historical Myths
Assaf Pinkus, Tel Aviv University
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.
SPRING 2022
Spring 2022 Courses
Please note the courses listed below are sample courses and the offerings for Spring 2022 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
Fabrizio Nevola, University of Exeter
ARTHIST 390A (ALP, CZ)
CULTURES OF THE WORLD
Intercultural Communication
Marcel Burger, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Gender Studies: Gender, Sexuality and Society
Tania Hossaid, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
Comparing East and West: Legal and Political Systems and Thinking in a Globalized World
Danny Pieters, KU Leuven
Duke course number TBD
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Identity, Heritage and Globalization. Culture, Heritage, and Globalization in the context of Indian Society
Tania Hossain, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
Globalization, Ethics Welfare and Human Rights: Sustainable Social Protection in a Globalized World
Danny Pieters, KU Leuven
Duke course number TBD
Global Governance for Peace and Security, Cooperation and Development
Professor TBD
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)
Public Renaissance: Urban Cultures of Public Space between Early Modern Europe and the Present
Fabrizio Nevola, University of Exeter
Duke course number TBD
Urban Quality of Life in Global Perspective
Marc Landy, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
Public Spaces, Citizenship and Environment in the Digital Age
Marcel Burger, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Imperilled Cities in Comparative Perspective
Marc Landy, 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, which is included in the program fee. 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. Coin-operated laundry facilities (washing and drying) are located on-site. Kitchen facilities are not available.
- Apartments: Apartment rentals arranged by VIU are available in the city. The apartments are for 4 students in two twin rooms. Utilities and cleaning services are not included in the program fee and must be paid separately. Apartments are out-fitted with fully equipped kitchens so that students can cook for themselves.
For Fall 2021, students may only be housed with other students who are vaccinated.
Meals
Students will be responsible for purchasing all meals on the program.
For the dormitory housing on the island, students can purchase meals at the island cafeteria and/or meals and groceries in the city. There are no cooking facilities in the dormitories.
Students who stay in rented apartments in the city 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 2021 or Spring 2022
Estimates are based on previous years’ programs and the current exchange rate. All costs are subject to change.
| Duke Students | Non-Duke Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $29,042.50 | $29,042.50 |
| Program Fee | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Transcript Fee | N/A | $120 |
| Other Costs | ||
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $39,572.50 | $39,692.50 |
Explanation of Costs
The program fee for this program includes:
- Accommodations on the island*
- 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
- 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.
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 MyExperientialEd 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 MyExperientialEd 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
- FALL 2021
- Spring 2022
FALL 2021
Fall 2021
Arrival on VIU Campus: September 5
Orientation Week: September 6-10
Opening Ceremony: September 9
Courses Begin: September 13
Midterm Break: November 1-5
Courses End: December 10
Exam Week: December 13-17
Check Out: December 18
National Holidays: November 1, December 8
Municipal Holiday: November 21
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
Arrival on VIU Campus: February 13
Orientation Week: February 14-18
Opening Ceremony: February 17
Courses Begin: February 21
Midterm Break: April 18-22
Courses End: May 20
Exam week: May 23-27
Check Out: May 28
National Holidays: April 18, April 25, May 1
FACULTY & STAFF
ADMISSIONS
Deadline: March 1st (Fall and Academic Year); October 1 (Spring)
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 MyExperientialEd:
- 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.