Athena Study Abroad in Venice, Italy

  Italy

• Venice: 
Venice

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 

Description: Early Bird Gets the Discount!

Apply by March 1, 2010 and receive USD 500 off your Fall 2010 tuition. See Athena Study Abroad website for complete details.

The seemingly mythical "City of Water" in northeastern Italy is truly out of a fairy tale. Venice is composed of 18 small islands connected only by bridges, ferries, and the city's world-famous gondolas. Venice, which was once a sovereign nation, exists as a center of commerce and art. This incredible and unique city is sure to capture the interest and imagination of any student.

Academic Program Info
* Fall or Spring Semester; Academic Year
* Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
* Minimum 2.8 GPA
* Official transcript from Scuola Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM)

School: Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM), in affiliation with Istituto Venezia
Athena's partner school Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM), in affiliation with Istituto Venezia, offers students an opportunity to study in a historic setting in the city center's Campo Santa Margherita. Whether you traverse the narrow streets on foot or the canals via vaporetto, you're certain to find yourself transported by the atmosphere that is uniquely Venice.

* Housing: Campo Santa Margherita
All apartments have a spacious common room.
- Housing is available in shared student apartments.
- Bedrooms are usually doubles, so it is advisable to reserve single rooms well in advance (single rooms incur an additional fee).
- Most apartments have two or three bedrooms, thus four to six students generally share an apartment.
- Apartments are furnished and equipped with bed linens, washing machine, TV and towels.
- In each apartment there is a fully fitted kitchen with utensils and basic pots and pans.
- Each apartment contains a living room.
- Although apartments are of the same standard and have similar facilities, no two apartments are alike.
- Apartments are within a short walk to and from the school.
- Athena recommends students apply early in order to secure the best available accommodations.

What to do in Venice
* Striped Pole
Even though there are no cars, canals make it easy to navigate the city. The school was founded by local Venetians who want to develop and share an authentic Venice immersion with the student. Afternoon excursions and walking tours are organized, which allow students to expand their knowledge about Venetian history, art, traditions and daily life.

Possible activities include:
    * Art: Tour museums and art exhibitions.
    * Local handcraft: Visit the glass and mask workshops and the squeri (where the gondolas are made).
    * History: Wander around the historical areas of the city, taking in its history and majesty.
    * Delicious dishes: Walk around the Rialto market (one of the greatest markets in the world), visit the local bacari and trattorie, taste local dishes and wine, and possibly even take cooking lessons!
    * Athletic activities: Trek the islands of the lagoon, take bike trips on Venice Lido, and have the option to become a member of the Sport University Centre where you can learn voga alla veneta (rowing), play soccer, volleyball, etc.

Highlights:
* Historic setting in the city center's Campo Santa Margherita, 15 minutes from Piazza San Marco
* Venetian experience emphasized in courses
* Students immersed in a unique culture
* Specialized courses in Environmental Studies, Film and Fine Art

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 12,995 USD per sem

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Italy Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available.  * Michele Iavagnilio Charitable Service Scholarship (Available for Spring Semester Students) Award: USD 8,000 The Iavagnilio Charitable Service Scholarship is designed for the Athena student who can best demonstrate a commitment to and active participation in charitable service in his or her community. Because we at Athena place a very high value on giving back to the world, this scholarship is aimed at rewarding students that have a history of taking initiative to make the world a better place through charitable service. Michele Iavagnilio was a young man who, through his work at the Cireneo Onlus Foundation, selflessly dedicated his efforts to helping and teaching autistic children everything from the simplest everyday task of tying their shoelaces, to more difficult concepts of expressing emotions or needs. He would even go above and beyond his basic job duties by recycling his old toys to present as gifts to the children to make their lives happier and brighter. Tragically, Michele died at the age of 25 in the devastating eartquake in the Italian city of L'Aquila in April 2009. In order to apply for this scholarship, each student should submit a reference letter from someone who can attest to the student's roles and contributions to charity work in the community. In addition to the reference letter, the student should submit a resume or essay outlining his/her experience in charitable service. * Minimum 2.8 GPA * In order to be eligible for the scholarship, the student must be accepted into an Athena semester or year-long study abroad program at one of Athena's Italy campuses (Venice, Florence, Rome, or Tuscania) * The student will have the opportunity to meet Michele's family during the term abroad. * Marie McKay Global Citizen Scholarship Award: USD 1,000 The McKay Global Citizen Scholarship is designed for the Athena student who can best demonstrate an interest in and intention to promote the concept of social justice at a city, state, national, and/or global level. Because students that study abroad become many of our world's future leaders, it is extremely important that these students consider ways to become globally competent citizens. The recipient of this award must demonstrate an initiative to give back to society, an awareness of global community, and an intent to apply the skills and lessons learned abroad to his/her future endeavors. In order to apply, each student should construct a 500 word essay that outlines his/her interest in social justice and service programs, any previous experience with similar initiatives, as well as a description of how the skills and lessons learned abroad will be applied to future endeavors that will contribute to the betterment of society. * No minimum GPA requirement * In order to be eligible for the scholarship, student must be accepted into an Athena semester or year-long study abroad program * Vincent I. Benander Learning Scholarship Award: USD 1,000 The Benander Academic Scholarship is designed for the Athena student who can best demonstrate a true "love of learning" in his/her major area of study, and superior academic abilities. The recipient of this scholarship can be from any academic discipline, but must be able to show a strong, demonstrated passion and success in his/her field of interest. In order to apply, each student should construct a 500 word essay that demonstrates a love of learning, academic strengths that extend beyond (but including) the major area of study, a detailed description of the student's future professional endeavors, and a list of extracurricular activities (honor societies, leadership positions, awards, etc.). * 3.5 minimum GPA required * Junior status or higher * In order to be eligible for the scholarship, student must be accepted into an Athena semester or year-long study abroad program

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Athena Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Athena was developed in an effort to bring study abroad back to what it was intended to be - true, cultural immersion programs designed by knowledgeable, caring professionals. Athena programs are different in that students are enrolled at small schools overseas in an effort to maintain the personalized service throughout the semester that Athena prides itself on providing. Unlike many other study abroad programs, Athena offers its students programs that are focused on intense, cultural immersion which puts them in touch with the locals of their host country, elements of the host culture, and other international students from around the world to ensure a well-rounded, diverse experience. In addition, a percentage of Athena's proceeds are donated to a chosen world charity through our S.O.S. Program (Students Offering Support), which allows students to give back to the world that welcomed them during their semester abroad.