Rice University → Venice International University (VIU)

Globalization Program

Globalization Program — Fall 2026

Rice undergraduates now have the opportunity to study abroad at Venice International University (VIU), located on the island of San Servolo in Venice, Italy. VIU’s Globalization Program is a unique, interdisciplinary semester that brings together students and faculty from universities across the world to address pressing global issues in an international classroom.

Program Overview

  • Location: Venice, Italy (San Servolo Island)
  • Term Dates (Fall 2026):
    • Orientation: September 7–11, 2026
    • Classes: September 14 – December 11, 2026
    • Exams: December 14–18, 2026
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Credits: Each course carries 6 ECTS (transfer credit at Rice with prior approval). For Global Affairs majors, Rice’s School of Social Sciences is working with the Registrar’s Office to streamline how VIU coursework will be processed as Rice credit. The current plan is for most VIU courses to count as elective course credit within the Global Affairs major. These courses are expected to align with the program’s three fields of specialization: Global Order, Peace, and Conflict; Global Wealth and Sustainability; and Regional Identities and Communities.

The Globalization Program combines core courses, elective tracks, and co-curricular activities. Students engage in interdisciplinary coursework, field trips around Venice, and seminars with experts and practitioners.

Rice students remain enrolled at Rice while abroad, pay regular Rice tuition, and may apply financial aid toward the program. Housing and student support are arranged through VIU.

Academics

Core Themes

  1. Global Challenges — courses that address current, global issues, preferably from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  2. Italy & Venice — courses that critically analyze Venetian and Italian life, culture, art, and history.
  3. Cultures of the World — courses that examine the cultures of the world; courses that make the most of the intercultural classroom.

Courses

Students typically take four courses (24 ECTS total, equivalent to 12 Rice credit hours). Although VIU has not yet announced their Fall 2026 courses, you may reference the listing pages for Fall 2025 courses and Spring 2026 courses.

Specialization Tracks

3-6 courses will be available in each track and will vary each semester. Once VIU announces their Fall 2026 courses, the specialization tracks will be found on the course listing page.

Student Experience

As a Rice participant, you will receive:

  • Pre-departure advising on credit transfer and course selection
  • Housing in Venice coordinated by VIU (student residences or apartments)
  • On-site orientation and staff support
  • Access to Rice resources while abroad

The VIU campus on San Servolo offers classrooms, a library, gardens, and student common areas, just a short boat ride from St. Mark’s Square.

Eligibility

  • Open to Rice undergraduate students in good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • Recommended for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors not planning to graduate in May.
  • Must enroll in a full course load and participate fully in VIU orientation and activities.

Program Costs & Financial Aid

  • Tuition & Rooming Charges:
    Students pay the same Rice tuition and rooming charges as they would for a regular semester on campus in Houston. These payments are made directly to Rice University in the usual way.
  • Housing in Venice:
    The standard Rice rooming charge covers your housing in Venice, which is arranged through Venice International University (VIU).
  • Financial Aid:
    If you receive—or are eligible for—financial aid at Rice, your aid will automatically apply to this program just as it would for a semester in Houston. You will continue to pay Rice as usual, and your financial aid package will be applied through Rice to cover your VIU tuition and housing costs.

Estimated Additional Costs Overview
For planning purposes, students should budget approximately $3,800–$7,700 in additional expenses beyond Rice tuition and housing for the semester in Venice. This estimate includes:

  • Round-trip airfare: $1,200–$2,000
  • Visa and residence-permit fees: $200–$350
  • Meals and groceries (depending on lifestyle): $1,500–$3,700
  • Local transportation and activities: $450–$900
  • Personal or travel buffer: $500–$800

Actual expenses will vary based on exchange rates, timing of bookings, and individual spending habits. Please click here to learn about an external scholarship opportunity that could assist with this program:
https://www.iccchouston.com/scholarships/

How to Apply

Applications for Fall 2026 will open soon. The process will include:

  1. Rice Application Form — submit basic information, statement of interest, and course preferences.
  2. Departmental Credit Approval — ensure your courses will transfer back to Rice.
  3. Nomination to VIU — selected Rice applicants will be formally nominated to VIU.

Application Deadline: To be announced soon.

Learn More

Contact

For questions, contact:
📧globalowls@rice.edu

To receive updates on Fall 2026 courses and be first to hear when applications open up, please sign up for our Interest Form Here.