Frequently asked Questions
We hope all your questions are answered here but encourage you to get in touch if you need any other answers or clarifications.
Questions are listed alphabetically.
Age
Currently open to 18-27 years old. Ideal for high school graduates and university level students preparing for study or work or redefining their pathway.
We encourage mixed age groups for the dynamism they create and as another way to equip ourselves with sustainable community living.
As soon as we are able we will respond to interest in a program for other ages and life situations.
Cancellation
Programs are subject to change due to logistical arrangements, artists' schedules and to take advantage of new availabilities. The Venetian Workshop reserves the right to cancel or modify the program before or during its operation for any reason, including achieving minimum numbers, which may make the program economically unfeasible. See refunds for information in case of cancellation.
College Credit
The material in our program is university level. Exchange and foundation students in Venice receive some similar modules. We are happy to engage with your educational institution to discuss credit but we do not currently offer specific credits.
DeADLINEs
Acceptance onto program = within 14 days of application
Secure your place (with a deposit) = within 7 days of acceptance
Full tuition to be paid = 60 days prior to commencement (or within 7 days after this time)
Travel details, insurance cover, dietary needs and elective selections = 30 days prior
Final program confirmed and room allocations = 30 days prior
Language intensive = 14 days prior
Dietary Needs
We can accommodate all dietary and allergy requirements just let us know once your place has been confirmed.
Eligibility
Previous or current arts education or tertiary education is NOT a pre-requisite.
Each participant must be:
Able to work / live in English (B1 recommended).
Able to travel / live responsibly and independently.
Open and willing to engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
More details here.
Fees
Fees are described here and can be paid in up to 10 installments. Details on how to pay is supplied once accepted.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid is not available at this time.
Insurance
All participants must show proof of 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 to third parties (and excludes any liability for changes to the program beyond our control such as cancellations and natural phenomena).
LAGOON & TIDES
Venice is an island so water is everywhere. The tide comes in twice a day cleaning the water circulating in the city canals (which is necessary as many buildings still use the ancient plumbing systems). The city is often covered in a few centimetres of water but Venetians are experienced at dealing with this situation and now the MOSE can stop high tides. The weather, laws of physics and physical constraints are at the forefront of everyday life so each morning we include these conditions in our morning briefing.
Meals
Breakfast is available everyday. Dinner is prepared daily, including weekends and midterm breaks. All dietary needs can be accommodated and the menu follows a largely Mediterranean diet. The outdoor markets offer almost exclusively regional and seasonal food.
Students can pack lunch at home but many students opt to purchase lunch at their own expense.
Medications
It is vital you bring sufficient quantity of your medications to cover the entire length of your trip. Some medications are not available in Europe and may be seized by customs if sent from abroad.
Parents
Families are expected to communicate directly. Phone restrictions are in place during certain program elements for privacy and security. For emergency or administrative issues we’re available everyday from 3pm to 8pm CET / local time in Venice.
We anticipate some parents may ask if they can accompany their child to the campus. If absolutely necessary we can accommodate a drop off and are happy to help with logistics, including private transfers and finding accommodation in the city through our network.
Participant interestS
This program is for students wishing to gain a European cultural edge as well as those seeking to drive their future by exploring possibility in an unknown and ever changing future.
Participants may be interested in:
Travel and bicultural understanding as a strategic investment in education.
Clarity, process and tools to help make an impact.
Know how for gathering people, be influential and create meaningful events.
An ideas-based community where global culture is valued.
Structured time out to upskill on key developments in European history and ideas.
Time to condition and centre through practical tasks, new patterns & new energy.
Challenge seekers: wishing to engage with the past and how it shapes the future.
Passports
To travel, participants need a passport with a period of validity after their intended travel dates e.g. three to six months. Please check your passport’s expiry date and/or waiting times for renewal or first time applications, as a priority.
Once accepted onto the program, a scan of your passport is required to complete your course documentation.
Visitors to Europe also need to have booked a return ticket.
See Visas below.
Payments
Fees are made up of a deposit and tuition payment.
The deposit is due within 7 days of acceptance onto the program and serves to secure your place for the dates of your choice.
Tuition payments can be made in one, five or 10 transfers at least 60 days in advance of the program dates.
By submitting the registration form with the deposit you are bound by the terms and conditions. See deadlines (above) for the fee schedule.
Personal Expenses
Participants must cover their own airfares and insurance as well as personal expenses such as lunch, souvenirs, postage, phones, and any activities, dining or travel outside of the program. These out of pocket expenses could be EUR 2,000+, depending on flight costs and spending habits.
Program Details
In general, each session is made up of a rigorous schedule of lectures (in-situ, inside and out), bicultural and social occasions, guided tours, special guests, rhythm-based exercise, cultural trips, hands on workshops, language acquisition, networking and protocol, life skills, organised fun and generous unscheduled time.
Absolute final Program will be confirmed 30 days prior to commencement. The program structure is maintained for all sessions.
REFUNDS
A 14 day cooling off period is applied from the day of registration. If you decide to cancel within 14 days any funds received will be fully refunded. Thereafter 20% of any deposit payment will be retained and any fee payments will be proportionally refunded in relation to the period before the program’s start date: 90+ days = 90%; 60-89 days = 60%; 0-59 days = 30%. However, the Workshop will make every reasonable effort to work with you to apply the fees to a future program.
No refunds will be given for early departure from a program, once it is underway, whether voluntary or otherwise.
RESDENCE
Students reside as locals, live as a family and dine together. Living together requires the same level of intimacy as community demands so residents better understand self and others.
There may be more than one home base but each residence is equipped with bedrooms, bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a common area, wifi and laundry facilities. Residents may live with up to 7 people and can include all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Rooms are shared two+ (single rooms may be available). Rooms are assigned when the program is finalised 30 days prior.
Safety
We strive to provide all safety nets and take every precaution but there are inherent risks related to international travel regardless of how unlikely.
We manage risk by maintaining our policies and emergency response plans and by having responsible and knowledgable staff available throughout the program. The course structure itself also provides stability and sense-making for independent international travel.
It is vital participants can and will exercise sound judgement and manage independently, are able to navigate a foreign urban environment, sustain personal care and notify others in case of any need for assistance. A foremost priority is open and honest disclosure about wellbeing.
This is not a therapy or rehabilitative school or a substitute for professional help.
For more details see Eligibility (above) and here.
TRANSPORTATION
Walking is your main mode of transport. You can reach all corners of Venice and the lagoon with efficient public transportation. Lines run as often as 12 minutes apart. Each participant will be given a "Venezia Unica card" which is valid for 5 years and reduces the cost of each ride from 9,50€ to 1,50€. We will also make use of private transportation for special excursions and some regional travel.
Travel ARRANGEMENTS
Students are responsible for booking their own travel to and from the program. Please communicate these arrangements when confirmed, at least a month before the program starts.
Students will be met by program staff on arrival. On the day of departure students will be farewelled from the residence.
We are happy to assist where possible, including with private transfers.
Visas & new ETIAS
Few countries are required to have visas to visit Europe for less than 90 days. Visa’s from one European country may also be valid for others. Since 2024, visitors from most previously visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation called an ETIAS to enter most European countries.
Check requirements here: