Italy:  Venice

Venice Institute

Setting | Program Options | Courses | Calendar | Costs | Applications | Language | Examinations | Accommodations | Excursions

Setting

Venice is situated on 118 islands of its lagoon and connected by 378 bridges. Called the Queen of the Adriatic, the city has a setting that no other city in the world can rival. It is a network of rii (streams), canalli (canals), calli (streets) and campi (squares). The richness and charm of Venice derives from the presence of significant works of architecture and art and also from the general layout of the city and its domestic architecture.

Students have a unique opportunity to study at the Istituto Venezia. The Venice Program is conceived to broaden students’ cultural horizons and to expose them to different Italian realities.

Short-term programs are also available. The school is specialized in the teaching of Italian language to foreigners, and courses are attended by students from all over the world.

The seat of the Venice program is Palazzo Pesaro Papafava, an historic building which dates back to the 16th century. The palace is a typical example of late Venetian-gothic style and was for centuries the home of the Pesaro family, whose portrait by Titian can be seen at the Frari Church. In the 18th century the Palazzo passed to the Papafava, a powerful family which originated from the mainland. The building was also used for cultural gatherings. The Palazzo is centrally located in Venice, in the Rialto district. It faces the Misericordia Abbey, Sansovino’s masterpiece, and is located in the vicinity of Ca’D’Oro (Palazzo Franchetti) that houses one of the most prestigious art collections.

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Program Options

Summer Session
	SUPERINTENSIVE ITALIAN LANGUAGE: Italian (6 credits),.

For a summer in Florence, see the Lorenzo De’ Medici Program. Students may do one month in Florence and another in Venice.

Year-round
Italian language and culture courses are taught in Italian throughout the year for one week and longer. Individual and Customized Courses can be arranged.

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Courses

WEEKLY AND MONTHY LANGUAGE & CULTURE COURSES

A series of Italian language courses are available for six different levels from beginning to advanced, throughout the year. There are group courses, individual instruction and special courses.

Group Courses

Four hours of lessons daily, divided between two instructors, from Monday to Friday, for a total of 80 hours for a 4-week period. The classes have a minimum of 6 students and a maximum of 12. For less than 6 students, the course will be for 3 hours daily, for a total of 15 hours per week or 60 hours for the month. Italian language courses are offered at five levels:

1. Elementary. This course is designed for those who have no prior knowledge of the Italian language. The spoken language is emphasized. At the end of the course the students will be capable of using basic vocabulary and basic grammar structures.

2. Lower Intermediate. Allows students to acquire the necessary tools to use the language, mostly in written compositions and conversation, to express their opinions simply and to converse amongst themselves.

3. Intermediate. Introduces the students to the most important colloquial expressions and to more complex grammar structures.

4. Upper Intermediate. Completes the knowledge of grammar and colloquial expression, and allow students to use the language with confidence

5. Advanced. Allows the students to successfully use all aspects of Italian syntax and of the colloquial forms that are most suitable for a fluent use of the written and spoken language.

The courses are taught using modern teaching methods, with particular attention to colloquial language, but without ignoring the necessary linguistic aspects so that the student acquires a complete knowledge of the Italian language.

All instructors are native speakers, have a University background and are specialized in the teaching of Italian language and culture to foreigners. They all know at least one foreign language.

Individual Courses

These courses are offered in conjunction with Italian. While the Italian is offered in the morning, these are offered in the afternoon.

Special Courses (taught in Italian)

1. History of Art. Two hours of lessons every afternoon to discover Venetian painting masterpieces (Bellini, Carpaccio, Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiziano). The program covers major artistic places of Venice. A basic knowledge of Italian is needed for this course. Offered: Throughout year Duration: 1- 4 weeks

2. Cooking Course. These courses (a set of three lessons per week) are offered all year in private apartments or residences, in a very relaxed and enjoyable ambience. Offered: February, May, June, July, August, October, November
Duration: 1- 2 weeks.

3. Italian and Wine. The labs will teach participants to recognize quality and characteristics of Italian wines. Some labs will be held in typical Venetian wine cellars. Each lab will allow the student to taste some of the most celebrated DOCG wines. Offered: March, April, June, July, September, December Duration: 1- 2 weeks

4. Italian and Watercolors. These sessions take place outside throughout the city. It will teach students specific watercolor techniques and help them with portfolio composition. Offered: April, May, October Duration: 1- 4 weeks

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Calendar

Courses are offered year-round. Beginner-level students must begin Italian the first Monday of the month.

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Costs

Total program cost depends on selection, number, duration and intensity of courses.

	Summer (4 weeks): $1000 (6 credits of Superintensive Italian),
	Year-round*: Intensive Italian only: $300 – 1 week; $500, 2 weeks; $650, 3 weeks; $750, 4 weeks. Additional weeks at $130/week. Intensive Italian + one hour individual/daily: $450 – 1 week; $800, 2 weeks; $1200, 3 weeks; $1500, 4 weeks. Additional weeks at $325. Intensive Italian + two hours individual/daily: $650 – 1 week; $1,200, 2 weeks; $1,750, 3 weeks; $2,300, 4 weeks. Additional weeks at $520.
	Workshops to combine with Intensive Italian (supplemental cost): Art History: $380 – 1 week; $550 – 2; $710 – 3; $850 -4 Italian Cooking: $380 – 1 week; $550 – 2; $$710 – 3; $850 -4 Italian Wines: $500 – 1 week; $720 - 2 Water Color: $500 – 1 week; $720 - 2

* May vary depending on Euro:US$ exchange rate.

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Application Forms

Persons who wish to apply should complete the application and send by mail or electronically to the European Heritage Institute. See details of the application process.

EHI Standard Application	(PDF)	(Word)

For the Year-round program, only the EHI standard application needs to be completed.

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Language of Classes

All Italian classes are taught in Italian. All year-round classes (Italian and supplementary cultural courses) are taught in Italian, including food and wine classes.

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Examinations and Certificate

Courses require regular attendance, completion of projects and/or final exam for those in a semester or academic summer program. The program offers a transcript and identifies the credit for a student's home university. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a transcript from Lorenzo de'Medici.

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Accommodations

Year-round participants have the following housing options:

	Single room in student apartment, often within walking distance from the school. Price is $260 for the first week and $160 for each additional week. Significant change in Euro:US$ exchange rate may result in a change.
	Double rooms are available only for students who apply together and attend courses during the same period.
	Independent apartment.
	Possible arrangement of housing for a stay with a Venetian student/family or in a pensione.

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Excursions & Activities

Venice Institute offers activities for students in and around the City. Venice also has many cultural events. For those who wish to travel elsewhere, the Institute offers guidance for the students’ trips on their own.

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