Duke University Office of Study Abroad

Dear Global Education Office:

We’ve been in Venice for two weeks now and are already thinking about how sad we will be when we have to leave. Not only because we love Venice, but also because getting to the airport is going to be such an ordeal, dragging our luggage across bridges and onto multiple vaporetti while all the Italians look on disdainfully at the awkward Americans.

Although we have to run our lives according to the vaporetto schedule, the joy of being on the water everyday and living in a city without cars far outweighs the inconveniences of living in Venice. I love boats and water, and the city's gondolas lend a romantic air to the canals.

Living in Venice is a unique experience because we get around only by foot and by boat. I walked nine hours one day last week and enjoyed every minute of it. Every canal, building, and church is magnificent. Walking by these places reminds us everyday how lucky we are to be immersed in art and beauty wherever we go.

Venice has a unique culture; Venetians are very proud of their city and its rich political and artistic history. It is so great to be taught art history by a local Venetian professor because we learn not only about art, but about the spirit and story behind the paintings and sculptures.

Overall, our experience in Venice has been an amazing one. We have been able to take our learning outside the classroom and immerse ourselves in the museums and culture of Venice. Living here has opened our eyes and broadened our perspectives on lifestyles. We hope to incorporate some aspects of Italian culture into our lives in the States. Specifically, I’m replacing my daily Starbucks with a gelato.

– Matthew Rogers