Top 10 Things to Know About Study Abroad in Venice

1.  Medical Kits: It’s important to have some Advil or other over the counter drugs before you get here because you won’t find what you need here if you get sick.

2. Eating at restaurants: the three things you need to know about going out to eat are a) there is a charge for sitting down at a table for each person (coperto), b) water is not free and can be expensive depending on how many bottles you get, and 3) tips are not custom but are sometimes included in the bill (if you pay in cash usually you just leave the coins they give in change as a tip).

3. Over Packing: when you are packing for this trip make sure you do not over pack.  There are places to get your laundry done that are not too expensive.  And when returning home you are going to want room in your luggage for gifts you bought other people and yourself.

4. Traveling: The trains are the way to travel from city to city in Italy (and are not cheap).  On the fast trains there is designated seating that the passengers must follow because although you may get on the train and it isn’t filled, it will be by the next few stops and you don’t want to make a hassle for the other passengers and yourself.  You can also get a 10% discount on your ticket if more than 10 people purchase a ticket at once (all 10 people will pay for a single ticket, make sure someone responsible holds the ticket.) Also, use the water taxi system when going to the train station (6.50 Euros for one way).  It is a real pain to walk your luggage in the busy passageways and over countless bridges. ALSO remember to bring your passport if you travel outside of Venice. You will need it to check into hotels or hostels. ALSO BRING YOUR HOFSTRA ID CARD — many museums have reduced entrance fees for students.

5. Plan Ahead: Look at a map with some friends you know you want to travel with on the weekends before you get here and have an idea of certain places you would like to see.  Some hot spots for the 2012 Hofstra in Venice trip on the weekends were Rome, Florence, and Milan although people also took day trips to Verona and Modena.  Nightlife is big in Rome, Florence, and Milan if you are looking for the club scene (discoteche), which I know you are.

6. Staying Warm:  Think a thermal and some jeans will cut it? Wrong.  Layers are key to battle the frigid days in Venice.  When traveling on the weekends you can expect it to be up to 10 to 20 degrees warmer especially when heading south so pack a light jacket that you can where at night in other cities.

7.  The Language:  Brush up on your Italian before you get here. It would be very beneficial to learn some phrases like “where is the bathroom?” or “how much is this?” or “this in an emergency call for help” because all though some people speak English, you can expect that a large amount that you will encounter do not.

8.  Money: bring more than you think you need. There are several stations for people to exchange their cash for Euros and some give better rates than others so it’s best to shop around for the best one.  Also, make sure that you contact your credit or debit card companies before you get here and let them know that you will be studying abroad and that purchases in Europe are not because your card was stolen, but because you are trying to get that one Italian leather jacket that fits perfectly that you will never find anywhere else.  You do not want your card canceled at a time like that.

9. Food: Yes, this will be the best Italian food you will ever have, ever.  The only catch is that it will be the only thing you will be eating for three weeks.  There is little variety when it comes to food in Italy. Yes, there is a McDonalds, but c’mon, that’s not Italian!  So prepare for lots of white carbs and a small breakfast because in Italy it is all about having a big lunch and an even bigger dinner.

10. Studying Abroad: This trip will be one of the best experiences in your entire life.  You will meet people you will never forget.  You will go places that you have seen in pictures since you were a child.  And you will have taken part in something that will be life changing.  So prepare to the best of your abilities, but know that there will be some things that you cannot prepare for.  And know that the best part about studying abroad is experiencing something new and finding your way.

— Charles Ritschel

Making Pizza!

Prof. Fixell’s Italian class had a special treat — they spent an afternoon at Taverna San Trovaso making their own pizzas! Enjoy the photos — too bad you can’t enjoy the pizzas!

The Outer Islands

Today, Friday, we took a day trip to the Outer Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.  A boat trip on the lagoon took us first to Murano where we watched a demonstration of a glass master making a vase and a horse.  Murano glass is known world-wide for being completely hand made and made without lead. Many of us bought some beautiful gifts for family, friends (and ourselves!). Next, back on the boat for the ride to Torcello where we visited a Byzantine church that was more than 1,000 years old and has a well-preserved mosaic.  Third stop was the colorful island of Burano, where they are known for two things — each house being painted a different vivid color, and the art of lacemaking.  We had a delicious lunch and then back on the boat, headed to San Marco in Venezia — a full day for sure!

Fashionista dogs

Walking down the streets in Venice there are dogs everywhere. For dog lovers like me it really is a great bonus to the city. Not only are adorable dogs of all sizes covering the streets but they too like the people of Venice are at the height of fashion.  Most of the dogs are dressed in their finest with patterned sweaters and jackets that look nicer than the one I wear to class. The other day while walking I noticed a pug wearing a camouflage patterned jacket with a fur lined hood and two dachshunds wearing what looked like matching Burberry sweaters. Walking to the train station yesterday there was a small dog with a shiny pink winter jacket on and matching bows on its ears which I know my dog would never let happen no matter how much I try to dress her. Not only are they well dressed but they are also well behaved. Many times the dogs are not even walked with a leash and closely follow their owners down the street. The dogs are definitely an entertaining part of Venice!

— Helen Masha