I LOVE Venice, and wanted to improve my Italian. So decided to combine both. I enrolled in a two-week Italian language program in magical Venezia. The educator in me wanted a rigorous language program; while the world traveler in me kept thinking, what better place to study Italian than in the city of canals, gondolas and history?
For the amazing price of only $800US, I 
rented a room in a shared apartment for 14 nights in the heart of Venice AND studied Italian. The price included housing, 4 hours of daily language instruction mornings Mon-Fri, daily FREE afternoon/evening excursions, walking tours, & programs; and free chaise & umbrella at beach club on Lido Island. There was even a small canal with passing gondolas right in from of my apartment window.
How lucky I was to find Instituto Venezia: http://www.istitutovenezia.com/en/ 
Classes were held at Campo Santa Margarita- also in the heart of Venice– just a 12-minute picturesque walk from the apartment– over 5 bridges and numerous canals. But be warned: Il Doge Gelateria is just steps from the class. Serving up some of the best gelato in Venice, their ‘frutti di bosco’ was one of the best I’ve ever had- it was a clear, delicious, and constant temptation.
After two weeks, my Italian flows a bit more smoothly, and feel I’m a mini-expert on living like a local in Venice. And watching the rush hour ‘gondola’ traffic jam outside my living room window will be a cherished memory. Gracie, Venezia, per una esperienza indimenticabile.
