Scroll down for Terms & Conditions, Privacy Statement, Eligibility Criteria, Code of Conduct, Health & Safety, Diversity & Inclusion.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

The Venetian Workshop accepts motivated individuals who are 18 to 27 years old on the first day of the program and are able to:

  • work and live in English;

  • exercise sound judgement (cognitively competent);

  • practice good self care regarding hydration, nourishment, sleep and interpersonal relations;

  • self manage behaviour and any pre-existing conditions including administering prescribed medication;

  • physically navigate a pedestrian city made up of many bridges and stairs, and participate in physically-based workshops;

  • respond appropriately to stress including personal, interpersonal and general stress;

  • effectively notify others of personal distress, injury or need for assistance.

Mental Health

Participants are encouraged to discuss the potential challenges of an intensive program abroad with their family.

Individuals are not eligible to apply if they have clinical mental health conditions, injuries or disabilities preventing participation, or are court mandated.

All participants must

  • provide a doctor’s certificate of general good health;

  • disclose mental health conditions (e.g. depression or anxiety) and attest ability to manage and participate safely.  Non disclosure may result in withdrawal;

  • obtain health & travel insurance for the entire trip.

The Venetian Workshop reserves the right to decline applicants believed not a good fit for the program experience.

Questions or concerns? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct holds participants to a required standard of behaviour in order to focus energy towards positive outcomes. It also protects the participants and the community by promoting consideration and respect.

Participants agree to:

  • attend and actively engage in all scheduled program elements, arrive on time, be prepared as expected, and excuse any absences;

  • hold themselves to a high standard and behave with courtesy and respect to themselves, other course members, staff and the community as well as all property and built heritage;

  • assume positive intent, maintain an open mind and be willing to challenge their ideas and assumptions;

  • work effectively as a team member and actively share resources and resolve situations at an interpersonal or group level while maintaining a willingness to accept differences;

  • contribute to a safe learning environment – inappropriate behaviour towards others or their property is not tolerated for any reason;   

  • practice minimum impact and minimise waste and resource use;

  • abide by local, national and European laws and cultural norms for dress and behaviour.

Electronic Devices

  • Telephones will be stowed for 80+% of program time to ensure the benefits of an offline life, maximise privacy and minimise distraction.

  • Participants may not screenshot, record, photograph, videotape and/or audiotape themselves or others during program time without explicit permission from the program leader(s) and any implicated participants.

Harassment & Discrimination

Participants shall not engage in or facilitate:

  • discrimination or use discriminatory language of any kind, including gender, gender identity, race, nationality, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or intelligence;

  • any form of harassment or bullying in person, which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance, or which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning, residential or working environment.

Sex, Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco

  • Sexual relations between participants is prohibited.

  • Public consumption of alcohol (served in a bar or restaurant) is legal in Italy from 16 years old. Wine education is provided within a framework for responsible consumption e.g. pairing a glass of wine with food. Intoxication is not tolerated.

  • Cigarettes, cigars, other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes are strongly discouraged but if used must only be outdoors.

  • Use, possession or distribution of any non-prescribed and undisclosed drugs is cause for immediate withdrawal.

The right fit for you and our program is essential.

HEALTH & SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

There are inherent risks in traveling and living with strangers. We operate in a small, safe European city and focus our energy on personal care. Venice is also an island cluster protected by geographic constraints. The city's human scale means a daily briefing easily covers the entire region.

We maintain a buddy system to ensure each participant is "in mind" by at least one member of the cohort. Our risk management plan involves three stages: identification, ranking and mitigation.

ASSESSMENT

We conduct risk assessments to quantify risks. Local experts, organisations and authorities help qualify them. We maintain up-to-date information and emergency contacts. The assessment considers the program’s scale, the profile of attendees, the political context and the city’s specific challenges.

RISKS

The main challenges are third party, weather or water related. Other potential hazards are food-based allergies or work-based incidents. Lower probability risks are unauthorised access, crowd related incidents, extreme weather, pandemic and potential terrorist threats.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND RESPECT

We emphasise cultural sensitivity and respect in all our activities. We educate our participants about local customs, traditions and laws to ensure they engage responsibly and respectfully and work to minimise cultural misunderstandings.

PROGRAM CONTENT

Our program content favours reflection and consideration. The plan for each day is presented in a timely manner and participants are able to voice any concerns as well as time for communicating needs. Maintaining or improving participant mental, physical and emotional condition is a primary concern.

Activities may be scheduled or unscheduled, supervised or unsupervised, and undertaken during a participant's free time.

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

We maintain up-to-date information to ensure all program elements comply with local laws including group numbers, privacy, data protection and consumption.

TRAINING

We engage highly skilled and experienced professionals who maintain their own professional standards.

All providers and participants are briefed on safety issues surrounding their stay, including the general environment, work specific environmental issues and unique attributes of their cohort. We ensure each party understands their role and responsibilities in the event of an emergency.

Team members are equipped with the necessary safety tools and resources including communication devices and first aid kits. Everyone is given emergency contact numbers and access to 24/7 support.

CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE

In the event of a risk event, a rapid assessment is undertaken to understand the nature of the situation. The severity determines the level of response and the course of action on a spectrum such as administering first aid to evacuating.

For the majority of the program, access to a hospital, licensed medical doctor or mental health specialist are available within the hour. Specialists may even conduct a telephone consultation to assess the status in order to provide appropriate emergency response and local hospitals and other health service referrals.

INSURANCE

Our insurance covers public and employee liability. All participants are required to have complete insurance coverage for medical and health assistance. We encourage all participants to register with the US State Department Smart Traveler Enrolment Program, or similar national programs, to stay updated and informed of any travel warnings and alerts.

REVIEW

Monitoring of macro developments and adjustment of needs are assessed on a continuous basis. Each program concludes with a review designed to identify and remedy areas for improvement.

Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

We challenge ourselves to reflect on our language, behaviours, unconscious biases and perceptions as a fundamental component of our program.

We are dedicated to creating a climate of dignity and respect as well as engaging diverse stakeholders. 

We hold ourselves accountable to deliver on actions that embed equity and inclusion throughout our ecosystem and draw strength from diversity in all its forms.

Inclusion contributes to our goal of enhancing human potential, and in our deeply personalised program, it is also a key to qualify belonging.

PRIVACY STATEMENT

We are committed to protecting your privacy while developing technology to give you the best online experience. This Statement applies to our website and governs data collection and usage. By using the website, you are giving us your consent.

We collect and use your personal information to operate our website and deliver the services you request. For example, when you complete a form or sign up for news we collect personally identifiable information which may include name, address and age.

We may also collect anonymous information, which is not unique to you, such as your postcode, IP address and favourites, to ensure the quality of our service. In order to perform some tasks, such as statistical analyses, we may need to share data with trusted partners. All such third parties are restricted to using your personal information to provide their contracted services to us.  All third parties are required to maintain confidentiality.

We do not read any of your private online communications. We do not sell, rent or lease your personal information.  You have the ability to accept or decline our cookies.

We welcome your feedback and will use commercially reasonable efforts to determine and remedy any problem.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Applications and Places

Online registration reserves a place on any available program(s).

Places are allocated and communicated within two weeks of application.

A place is secured with the payment of a deposit within seven days of being accepted onto the program.

Full registration is complete when all details are submitted including information on health, disabilities and dietary requirements. Workshop registration is a contract and each registered participant consents to use of their personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and accepts all contract conditions. No addition, deletion, modification or promise can be made, except in writing, by a representative of the Venetian Workshop.

Fees can be paid in up to ten instalments and are to be paid in full, unless otherwise stated, at least 60 days in advance of the first day of the program. If we do not receive full payment by this date, Venetian Workshop reserves the right to treat the registration as cancelled and the registrant will no longer be entitled to the Workshop booked.

Responsibilities

Venetian Workshop gladly assumes full responsibility for the program arrangements which it will do its best to fulfil.

  • Endeavour to ensure all information published regarding program content, general information and prices, in any promotional material are accurate, however, occasionally, changes and errors do occur and we reserve the right to correct those details in such circumstances. Participants must check Workshop prices and all other details before making a booking.

  • Reserves the right to improve, modify or cancel any of the elements, sessions or programs detailed in any promotional material before or during its operation for any reason such as insufficient numbers of participants, cancelation by contractors, or for any other reason at the discretion of the Venetian Workshop. If a significant change is to be made, participants will be notified of the change and the reason. In the case of cancelation, Venetian Workshop will also offer the possibility of choosing another program.

  • Cannot be responsible for certain events that are not in its control. For example, contracted specialists and expert guides, public transport operators, State or local institutions or monuments, churches and restaurants. Therefore, the Venetian Workshop clearly states that it cannot be held responsible for extra costs, complications, losses, injuries, damage, accidents, lateness or inconvenience due to any error made by a company, or contractor, or other persons in regard to the benefits offered by the program, during the activities, or during transport of participants, unless some negligence or lack of diligence on the part of the Workshop can be proven.

Financial obligations

Participants and their representatives accept full financial responsibility for payment of:

(i) Total program costs, including related bank fees, to the Venetian Workshop (60 days unless otherwise stated) before the beginning of their selected program.

(ii) Equipment, rented or purchased, necessary for the participant to take full advantage of his/her program such as mobile phone hardware and international coverage, computing hardware and maintenance and any specialist materials for elective activities.

(iii) Spending money and coverage of all other personal purchases made by the participant except for activities and articles clearly stated in the program application.

(iv) Costs of repatriation should participants be required to return home or reach a specified place for reasons of health, accident, bad behaviour or other reasons.

(v) Damages caused, voluntarily or not, to facilities, equipment, material or other objects belonging to, or rented by, the Venetian Workshop.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

All cancellations must be in writing and sent via email to hello at venetianworkshop dot com and include the participant’s name, Workshop dates and reason for cancellation. The cancellation is effective upon the date of receipt by Venetian Workshop.

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 payments 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 the Participant and their representatives 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. Refunds will be credited no later than six months after cancellation.

Assumption of Risk

The Participant and their representatives understand and agree that Venetian Workshop activities may involve known and unknown risks to Participants and their property, and that the Venetian Workshop cannot guarantee the safety of the Participant or their property.

These risks can include, among others (by way of example and without limitation): dangers of collision with pedestrians, boats or vehicles, and fixed or moving objects; dangers associated with swimming and amusement parks; the negligent or wrongful conduct of other students; loss of property; and minor or serious injury and/or death. Any activities Participants may undertake in connection with the Workshop will be considered to have been undertaken with express approval and understanding of any and all risks involved, and willingly assumed by Participant and Parent/Guardian.

These risks can include events beyond the control of the Workshop including war, terrorist activities, political instability, riots, civil wars, industrial conflicts, natural disasters, closing of airports, technical problems, transportation incidents, fire, bad weather or any other events, or Act of God beyond the control of the Venetian Workshop that may affect the running of the program.

Workshop instructors accompany each group from program start to program end but are not with students 24/7. There is considerable independent exploration time built into the program and other times where instructors are not directly supervising the group. In the absence of direct supervision, it is expected students exercise sound judgement. Additionally, supervision will not be provided to students who have arrived early, are traveling independently or remain in Venice after the completion of the program.

Venetian Workshop will prioritise assistance in any and all necessary actions for the well-being and health of the Participant, in conjunction with the Participant and/or their nominated Emergency Contacts.

Release of Claims

In consideration of participating in the Workshop, Participant and Parent/Guardian agree for Participant and on behalf of Participant's heirs, executors and assigns, to release and discharge the Venetian Workshop from any and all claims which may arise from any cause whatsoever, including any negligent act or omission of the Venetian Workshop or others.

Participant and Parent/Guardian further release and discharge the Venetian Workshop from liability for any accident, illness, injury, loss or damage to Participant or his/her personal property, or any other consequence arising or resulting directly or indirectly from participation in the Workshop.

Participant and Parent/Guardian intend that the release of claims be complete defences to any and all actions, claims or demands that Participant, Parent/Guardian or Participant's heirs, executors or assigns have or may have for injuries to person or property, including death, as a result of participation in the Workshop.

Indemnification and Hold Harmless

Parent/Guardian hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Venetian Workshop and its officers, directors, members, employees and agents, from and against any cost or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from any and all actions, claims or demands that Participant, Parent/Guardian or Participant’s heirs, executors or assigns may have against the Venetian Workshop on account of injuries, losses or liability suffered or sustained by Participant, regardless of cause or fault, as a result of, arising out of, associated with, directly or indirectly, participation in the Workshop and any and all related activities, on or off the Workshop premise.

Physical Condition and Insurance

Venetian Workshop requires good health and moderate fitness. If you have concerns or questions about your health or fitness, please contact us. Falsely representing a participant during the application process may result in dismissal from the program. Students are required to carry and be responsible for self-administering any prescription medications they may require.

Health and accident travel insurance is mandatory. It should provide cover for emergency medical evacuation, medical care, and emergency repatriation. We also recommend it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects.

Participant and Parent/Guardian attest that Participant is physically and mentally capable of participating in the Workshop and has no known health restrictions that might compromise his or her safety or health or the safety or health of others during his or her participation in the Workshop. Parent/Guardian agrees to be solely responsible for payment in full of all costs of medical care Participant may receive.

Venetian Workshop maintains a Civil Responsibility Insurance policy. This policy settles all claims arising from legal liability of the participant for accidental injuries or accidental damages or loss to the property of third parties.

Permissions to Use Photographic Images

Venetian Workshop, and students of the Workshop, may from time-to-time photograph or make audio or visual recordings of students and/or activities in which the students are engaged. All parties will seek permission prior to acquiring or publishing any material.

Severability of Terms and Resolution of Legal Disputes

It is understood and agreed that, if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications. To this end, the provisions of this Agreement are declared severable.

The Venetian Workshop will not accept responsibility or liability for any student who contravenes a law or regulation of any country visited.

This contract is governed and interpreted under Italian laws and jurisdiction.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties relating in any way to the subject matter hereof. No statements, promises or representations have been made by any party to any other, or relied upon, and no consideration has been offered or promised, other than as may be expressly provided herein. The terms of this Agreement supersede any earlier written or oral understandings or agreements between the parties.

DISCLAIMER

The information published herein represents the policies and procedures of the Venetian Workshop at the time of publication. The program reserves the right to change without notice any matter contained in this publication. However, all efforts will be made to notify participants of any updates by email. Signature of the program form shall constitute a student’s and parent/guardian’s acceptance of these policies and procedures as well as the Program’s right to change the same.