Harvard Summer Program in Venice, Italy

Investigate European art, culture, history, and society alongside Harvard University and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice students and faculty. This collaborative, multidisciplinary program brings together two prestigious universities to deepen your understanding of Venice—a city with a rich history and an environment unlike any other.

You experience the unique culture, art, and history of Venice through workshops, excursions, and field trips, as well as participation in the local community. With a diverse array of course offerings to choose from, you will have the opportunity to engage in a multi-disciplinary exploration of Venice and of historical and contemporary Western society.

Program Structure

The program provides essential cultural context to frame your academic experience in Venice, with a variety of required activities and workshops on topics that in past years have included Italian fashion and design, Venetian mask-making, the traditional rowing technique, Voga, and Venetian cooking.

You enroll in two courses. Please note that final course placement is dependent on availability and is determined by the Venice program upon your enrollment.

Each course counts as one semester-long course (4 credits) of degree credit; students enroll in two courses for 8 credits total.

Course information will be posted below by the end of November.

The lagoon city of Venice, la Serenissima, was for centuries a cultural and commercial center of Europe, and a vital link between East and West. Now it is the site of an educational crossroads and this multidisciplinary program that brings together students and faculty from Harvard University and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

While the program is in session, personal travel outside of Italy is not allowed.

Accommodation

You stay in the newly renovated dormitory “Camplus” in the Santa Marta area, about a 5–7 minute walk from the classrooms and the Summer School office in Venice. All rooms are doubles and have air conditioning and internet. With the exception of breakfast, which is provided in the dorms, you are responsible for your own meals. All rooms include a kitchenette so that you can cook your own meals.

Venice has many restaurants, bars, cafes, and pasticciere. You have the opportunity to shop at the local markets and frequent the restaurants and bars in your neighborhood. Cafeterias offering low-cost meals are another popular option.

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have completed at least one year of college or be a first-year student
• Be in good academic standing

Students enrolled at any accredited university are welcome to apply. See the How to Apply page for more information.

The Summer 2025 application will be available via link at the top of this page in early December.

Each program has unique requirements included in the online application. Beginning your application early is the best way to ensure that you have sufficient time to review and complete the application requirements by the deadline.

You may apply to no more than two programs; if applying to two programs, you will be asked to rank your two applications in order of preference (first and second choice). Any applications submitted in excess of the maximum of two will be automatically withdrawn. You will be notified of your admissions status in each program in early March.

A complete online application includes:

• Basic personal information
• A statement of interest
• Your most recent transcript
• Program-specific requirements (if applicable; may include letters of recommendation, etc.)

Interviews may be requested at the discretion of the program.

Be sure to read about the funding options available for Harvard Summer School Study Abroad programs.

If you have questions about the application, please contact the Harvard Summer School Study Abroad Office by email at SummerAbroad@Summer.Harvard.edu.

The program fee includes:

• Tuition
• Accommodations
• Scheduled program activities
• Some meals (the program will provide further details)

You will also need to budget for a number of expenses not covered by the program fee. The amounts listed below for these out-of-pocket expenses are approximate, and you may incur additional expenses not noted here. Your actual expenses will depend on a number of factors, including personal spending habits and currency exchange rates. Note that expense categories — especially airfare — may be subject to significant fluctuations.

• International airfare ($1,600–$2,000)
• Ground transportation ($200)
• Meals ($2,000)
• Personal expenditures, communications, course materials, and miscellaneous ($600)

If you have specific questions about personal budgeting, please contact the program directly.

See Funding and Payment for information on how to submit payments and funding options.