Hospitality students gain hands-on experience in memorable trip to Italy

Students from Fanshawe’s School of Hospitality recently had a unique opportunity to deepen their learning abroad, taking part in a hands-on educational trip to Italy that combined formal instruction with cultural exploration. 

The group included 23 students from the Baking and Pastry Arts, Culinary Skills, Nutrition and Food Service Management, and Culinary Management programs, accompanied by Chefs Hersey, Hofner, and Rieger. The goal of the trip, which took place from April 17 to 26, was to allow students to experience culinary traditions and techniques outside of Canada. 

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For five days, students attended the world-renowned CAST – Italian Institute of Culinary Arts and Hospitality.  They also toured some of Italy’s finest prosciutto, Grana Padano parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar producers, where they participated in guided tastings. 

Beyond the classroom, the itinerary offered cultural experiences, including a visit to Milan’s celebrated fashion district. The trip concluded with sightseeing in Venice, giving students a chance to experience the historic lagoon city. 

“Thank you to all the chefs on the trip. It was a lifetime experience,” said Charlie B., one of the students on the trip. “The last two years of school living in London and learning under you guys has helped me in my journey to become a chef!”