The only bespoke, year round, multi-week, structured, residential gap year programme for graduating high school students and young adults 18-24 years old in Venice, Italy providing a comprehensive grounding in divergent thinking, self management and cultural history,
FAQS
Eligibility
Open to 18-24 years olds who can work and live in English. Ideal for high school graduates and university level students preparing for undergraduate study. This course is offered at various times of the year to fit with flexible tertiary calendars and other gap year plans.
Accommodation
Students reside as locals in the historic centre and are encouraged to live as a family and dine together. Rooms are shared two+ (single rooms may be available at extra cost).
Meals & Dietary Needs
A continental breakfast is available everyday. Dinner is prepared daily, including weekends and midterm breaks. Afternoon teas are often available at the house. Lunch is not included but students are encouraged to eat together including with tutors.
We can accommodate all dietary and allergy requirements which should be included in the Application Form.
Alcohol
Legal drinking age in Italy is 18. We encourage responsible drinking, drinking with food & wine appreciation and reserve the right to remove anyone from the programme for debauchery.
Travel
Once accepted onto the programme you need to book travel to Venice. Nearby airports include Marco Polo (VCE), Treviso (TSF), Verona (VRN), Bologna (BLN), and Milan (MXP or LIN) － all great places to explore. Trains should arrive at Venice Santa Lucia (not Venice Mestre).
Please communicate these arrangements when confirmed.
Students will be met by programme staff on arrival.
On the day of departure students will be farewelled from Venice.
Insurance
All participants need Health and Travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure it is adequate for your needs.
We carry public liability insurance in case we cause any loss or injury (and excludes any liability for changes to the program beyond our control such as cancellations and natural phenomena).
Passports
Passports usually need to have a period of validity after intended dates of travel eg. six months beyond the dates of your program.
Visas & new ETIAS
Few countries need visas for visits of less than 90 days. Check requirements here: Italian Ministry for External Affairs. Visa’s from other European countries may also be valid. However, from 2024, most visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation called an ETIAS to enter most European countries.
Parents
Parents are welcome to visit the residence by appointment.
We can be contacted everyday between 3pm & 5pm CET for any exigencies.
Safety
Historic Venice is one of the safest cities in the world. We strive to provide all safety nets and take every precaution but there are inherent risks related to international travel regardless of how unlikely.
Medications
Please bring sufficient quantity of your medications to cover the entire length of your trip. Some medications are not available in Italy. They will be seized by customs if sent from abroad. We are happy to try to assist in these matters if we can.
Transfers
Students arriving at Venice’s Marco Polo airport will be transferred by water taxi. Arrivals from Treviso Airport will transfer by bus and water taxi. Participants arriving by train may not require a transfer.
Program Details
Programs are subject to change due to logistical arrangements, artists' schedules and to take advantage of new availabilities. In general, the weekly schedule includes :
—lectures: in-situ, inside and out
—bicultural and social occasions
—guided tours
—special guests
—intelligent exercise
—cultural trips
—hands on workshops
—language acquisition
—networking and protocol
—life skills
—organised games and fun
—generous unscheduled time
Personal Expenses
Participants must cover their own airfares and insurance as well as personal expenses such as lunch, souvenirs, postage, phones, alcohol and any activities, dining or travel outside of the program. Depending on your flight costs and spending habits, these out of pocket expenses could be $US2,000+.
Payments & Financial Aid
A non-refundable deposit of $350 per person is required to reserve a place. Final payment is due 90 days prior to the start date.
We accept credit cards and bank transfers in USD or Euros.
At present we are unable to offer financial aid.
By submitting the registration form with the deposit you are bound by the terms and conditions.
Cancellation Policy
All payments are non-refundable. However, where possible, we will transfer your credit to a future program.