Just keep in mind that there is the province of Venice, which is huge, and there is the city of Venice. It's like there is New York State, and there is New York City. Mirano is in the province of Venice, but it's about an hour and a half from Canareggio, which is in the city of Venice. It's like staying in New York City and taking a class in Poughkeepsie, or staying in San Francisco and taking a cooking class in Modesto. If it's a really good school it might be worth it too you, but just don't confuse the Province of Venice which is on the mainland with the island city of Venice with canals, gondolas, etc. Murano is nowhere near Venice by car, boat or bus.

Canareggio is the largest of the six sestiere. It has some really, really lovely authentic neighborhoods. Sometimes when I go there I get so lost I keep going round and around in circles and have to ask directions. That's the kind of place you want to be. Authentic Venice. On the other hand, because it it so large, it extends into the worst of the tourist areas. For example, getting near the train station is very bad. Being anywhere near Strada Nuova is very bad. Being near the Church of San Apostoli is very bad. Being near the church Madonna dall'orto is fantastic. An apartment in the ghetto would also be good. Canareggio is not all good, so be careful where.