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: SPRING 2023: February 19-June 4, 2023; FALL 2023: September 10–December 22, 2023; SPRING 2024: February 19 –May 31, 2024
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 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 2023
- SPRING 2024
FALL 2023
Fall 2023 Courses
Please note the offerings for Fall 2023 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
Cosimo Monteleone, Università degli Studi di Padova
ARTHIST 390A (ALP, CZ)
CULTURES OF THE WORLD
Comparing East and West: Representations of Time and Space in Western and Far Eastern Cultures
Instructor TBD
Duke Course Number TBD
Intercultural Communication in a Global World
Instructor TBD
Duke Course Number TBD
Gender Studies. Migration and Gender
Instructor TBD
Duke Course Number TBD
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Identity Heritage and Globalization
Pirmin Bundi, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Globalization, Ethics Welfare and Human Rights: The Interrelation Between Economics Processes, Political Factors, and Standard of Living
David Celetti, Università degli Studi di Padova
Duke Course Number TBD
Global Governance for Peace and Security, Cooperation and Development
Instructor TBD
POLSCI 290A, PUBPOL 390A (CZ, SS)
ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT, and DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE (Fall Specialization Track)
Globalization and Globalization of Aesthetic Forms
Frank Heidemann, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
CULANTH 290A (CZ, CCI)
Economics of the Creative Industries
Rong Fu, Waseda University
ECON 390A, POLISCI 290A, PUBPOL 390A (CZ)
SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Sciences and Politics in Time of Crisis
Pirmin Bundi, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Science Technology Studies as Method: User’s Manual
Olga Bychkova and Nikolay Rudenko, European University at St. Petersburg
Duke course number TBD
Science, Technology and Public Policy: Controversies and their Closures
Olga Bychkova and Nikolay Rudenko, European University at St. Petersburg
Duke course number TBD
Anthropocene Futures
Leila Dawney, University of Exeter
Duke course number TBD
STATA Data Analysis in Practice: Investigating the Post-COVID World
Rong Fu, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
Legal Design for an Inclusive Society
Letizia Mingardo & Paolo Moro, Università degli Studi di Padova
Duke course number TBD
Science Communication and Sustainability
Alessandra Fornetti and Ilda Mannino, Venice International University
Duke Course Number TBD
Geopolitics, Resource and Water Scarcity, and Marginalized Populations
David Schaad, Duke University
Duke course number TBD
Natural Disasters, Adverse Selection, Moral Hazards, and the Future of Urbanization and Development in an Era of Rapid Climate Change
David Schaad, Duke University
Duke course number TBD
HISTORY AND MEMORY (Fall Specialization Track)
Visual Representation and the Cultural Other
Frank Heidemann, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Duke course number TBD
Ruins: Aesthetic and Politics
Leila Dawney, University of Exeter
Duke course number TBD
Music and Historical Memory: Italian Music 1580-1750
Dority Tanay, Tel Aviv University
Duke course number TBD
Dante, Petrarch and the Invention of Historicity, Subjectivity, Temporarlity and Creative Memory
Dority Tanay, Tel Aviv University
Duke course number TBD
Rome outside of Europe: Roman History through a Global, Multicultural and Interdisciplinary Lens
Robin Fleming, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
Travelers to Italy
Robin Fleming, 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.
SPRING 2024
Spring 2024 Courses
Please note the courses listed below are sample courses and the offerings for Spring 2024 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
Instructor TBD
ARTHIST 390A (ALP, CZ)
CULTURES OF THE WORLD
Intercultural Communication. Culture Language and Management: Beyond the Invisible Evidence. The traps of ELF (English as a Lingua Franca)
Emmanuelle Sauvage, Université de Bordeaux
Duke course number TBD
Gender Studies: Gender and Sexuality in Historical Perspective
Sandro Guzzi-Heeb, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Comparing East and West. Da Venezia al Mondo: The Evolution of Accounting and Bookkeeping
Takashi Yaekura, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Identity, Heritage and Globalization. Understanding & Acting in a Globalized World: Cross-cultural Management and International Teams' Management
Emmanuelle Sauvage, Université de Bordeaux
Duke course number TBD
Globalization, Ethics, Welfare and Human Rights
Sara De Vido, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia
Duke course number TBD
Global Governance for Peace and Security, Cooperation and Development. The Feminist Roots of Global Governance
Marc-William Palen, University of Exeter
Duke course number TBD
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Spring Specialization Track)
Climate Change - Disturbances in the Earth's Energy Budget and their Consequences
Mark Wenig, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Duke course number TBD
Satellite Remote Sensing - Observing our Changing Earth from Space
Mark Wenig, Ludwig Maximilians Universität
Duke course number TBD
Industrialization, Environment, and Social Change in Europe
Sandro Guzzi-Heeb, Université de Lausanne
Duke course number TBD
Advanced Topics in Accounting: Accounting Research on SDGs
Takashi Yaekura, Waseda University
Duke course number TBD
System Level Thinking in Color: from Venetian Glass to the Evolution of Paris, Fabrics, & Fashion
Dorian Canelas, Duke University
Duke course number TBD
Sustainable Development of Medicine and Health in Venice
Dorian Canelas, Duke University
Duke course number TBD
Social Innovation
Praveen Kumar, Boston College
Duke course number TBD
SPECIALIZATION TRACK: CITIES AND GLOBAL CHANGE
Anti-colonial Metropolises
Marc-William Palen, University of Exeter
Duke course number TBD
Linguistics Landscapes as Reflections of Urban Interaction
Kurt Feyaerts, KU Leuven
Duke course number TBD
SPECIALIZATION TRACK: ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES
Climate Change and Environmental Justice
Praveen Kumar, 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.
Students are advised to arrive on the check-in date as accommodation is not available earlier.
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 2023 or Spring 2024
Estimates are based on previous years’ programs and the current exchange rate. All costs are subject to change.
| Duke Students | Non-Duke Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $31,725 | $31,725 |
| Program Fee | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Transcript Fee | N/A | $120 |
| Other Costs* |
See Cost Sheet |
See Cost Sheet |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | $42,555 | $42,675 |
*A customizable program cost sheet that includes a breakdown of other costs is available on the programs' MyExperientialEd brochure page.
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 2023
- Spring 2024
- Fall 2024
FALL 2023
Fall 2023
Check In: September 10
Orientation Week: September 11-15
Opening Ceremony: September 14
Courses Begin: September 18
Midterm Break: October 30 - November 3
Courses End: December 15
Exam week: December 18-21
Closing Ceremony: December 20
Check Out: December 22
National Holidays: November 1, December 8
Municipal Holiday: November 21
Spring 2024
Spring 2024
Check In: February 18
Orientation Week: February 19-23
Opening Ceremony: February 22
Courses Begin: February 26
Midterm Break: April 1-5
Courses End: May 24
Exam week: May 27-31
Closing Ceremony: May 30
Check Out: June 2
National Holidays: April 1, April 25, May 1
Fall 2024
Check In: TBD
Orientation Week: September 9-13
Opening Ceremony: September 12
Courses Begin: September 16
Midterm Break: October 28-November 1
Courses End: December 13
Exam week: December 16-20
Closing Ceremony: December 19
Check Out: TBD
National Holidays: November 1, December 8
FACULTY & STAFF
ADMISSIONS
Deadline: Extended to March 15 (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.
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
- 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
STUDENT STORIES
GEO ADVISING IS HERE FOR YOU
Get advice on choosing a program, exploring courses and credits, and covering the costs of study away when you engage the Global Education Office's advising network.