Welcome to the Knowledge Exchange Institute’s (KEI) April 2005 on-line newsletter!  (for students, current KEI participants abroad, program alumni, and others with an interest in studying abroad).

In this month’s issue: 

• KEI Updates: KEI Summer Programs Still Open
• Featured City: Venice, Italy
• Featured Programs: European Capitals
• In the News: NAFSA Annual Conference
• International Trivia Question

KEI Updates: Summer Programs Still Open

It is not too late to apply for a summer program. KEI has openings at our programs in Beijing, China; Bangkok, Thailand; Brussels, Belgium; Barcelona, Spain; Venice, Italy; and Mexico City, Mexico. Students interested in summer 2005 programs should contact the KEI office to inquire about availability. Applications should be received not later than April 20. Students should inform KEI of their intention to apply as soon as possible to ensure housing is available for the summer. 

Featured City: Venice, Italy

What makes Venice special? The short answer - unique, unlike any other city on earth, beautiful, inspiring, awesome. Well, perhaps its not possible to describe Venice in just one word. The only way to truly appreciate the unique and stimulating nature of this city of light is to simply visit, live there for a while and let it soak in.

Centuries ago, Venice was Europe's most powerful merchant empire. Its position in the world economy and politics, love for the arts and the need to protect itself created one of the most magnificent cities on earth. The City is situated in the Venetian Lagoon, consisting of 120 islands, connected by over 400 bridges and formed by 177 canals.  Automobiles, motorcycles, even bicycles, are not permitted in the city proper. For centuries, the most common method of transportation was the gondola -- a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a single oar.  Today, gondolas are used mainly by tourists. Motor boats carry almost all the freight and passenger traffic in Venice. 

Venice is teeming with artistic and architectural gems. For art, there's the Academia Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Murano Glass Museum, and countless other museums and galleries. Architecturally, there's St. Mark's Square,  Basilica, and Campanile; the beautiful bridges (more than 400) and churches; the stunning palaces (including the incomparable Doge's Palace); and the labyrinth of winding, canal-side lanes. 

Venice is indeed the perfect place to study Italian language and visual arts. KEI offers a Visual Arts & Graphic Design Program at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica. See here for more info: www.KnowledgeExchange.org. 

Featured Program: European Capitals

Want to travel this summer and earn credit? The European Capitals Program may be your answers. This program combines extensive travel to the major European cities with European Union studies. Students must enroll in the 3-credit European Union Seminar, and have the option of taking a foreign language course (French, Dutch or German). Courses are taught in English by faculty from the International Management Institute in Brussels, Belgium. The travel itinerary includes Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, London, Paris, Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, Geneva and Vienna. This 5-week program is offered during the summer, only.

In the News: NAFSA Annual Conference

Are you interested in a career in international education? The NAFSA Annual Conference provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities for international educators and administrators as well as students interested in careers in the field of international education. This is the largest conference of its kind. 

The Conference consists of preconference workshops, plenary with a renowned speaker, 180 poster and general sessions, nearly 300 exhibits at the International Education Expo, and networking opportunities and special events. 

The conference will take place from May 29 to June 3 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, Seattle, WA.  For more information visit www.nafsa.org. 

International Trivia Question
KEI's monthly on-line newsletter features a trivia question related to international issues.

QUESTION:  Which country is often referred to as the "jewel of Europe"?

[The first 2 people who e-mail KEI with the correct answer will win a money belt. When submitting your answer, please include your mailing address, email and telephone number. Hint: The answer can be found on KEI's website...]