George Brown College’s Italian Culinary Arts program recently marked two decades of partnership with ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts with an event on Jan. 31. 

The partnership between GBC and ALMA provides an opportunity for GBC students to travel to Italy to live and learn about the countries culinary art.  

The celebration featured culinary demonstrations by guest chefs from Italy, interactive workshops, and tastings. Chef Enrico from the renowned Donna Alfonso group was present, providing unique insights into the traditions and innovations of Italian cuisine. 

Andy Gonsalves, a student in GBC’s Italian Culinary Arts program shared, “Because of the program, you get a chance to study in a different country, especially one that has such cultural significance for food. Going to a place like that and experiencing it has helped me personally. It’s a wonderful experience. It wouldn’t be as easy for me to do it without the course.” 

Students who wish to apply for this externship program must have a diploma in culinary management along with a year’s experience in the same industry.  

“You need a diploma that is related to the program and then like the year of experience so that they know that you are at a level where they can trust you to go out into the workforce because you’re not just representing yourself. We are the Canadians in Italy; we’re representing the college,” said Underwood. I feel it has elevated my skills and my knowledge to a level that I wouldn’t be able to achieve without this (ALMA) partnership.”  

This opportunity to travel and learn in Italy, however, is not free. In addition to the tuition fees for the program, students must pay for travel, visa, uniform, and equipment required.  

“We also needed to prove that we had enough funds in our accounts so that we wouldn’t be a liability to the Italian government,” Underwood said, “I believe that was $4,000 in our account before the trip.” 

Despite the financial requirements, Underwood recommends the course to anyone who is interested. 

Students shared the challenges and opportunities they were presented with during this experience. 

“I was in a very rural area. So, there was maybe one person in the whole kitchen who spoke a little bit of English, so it was difficult to communicate. But I think overall that made it more fun,” Gonsalves said, reflecting on his time in Italy. 

The Italian Culinary Arts Program is an opportunity for students to learn beyond their culinary programs at GBC.  

“I did my culinary management diploma here. And all throughout that course they really push us towards doing the Italian program. They mentioned how you get to go overseas to Italy. We were there for four months. You do three weeks at ALMA and then a couple months at a placement in a restaurant. And that is the big selling point of this program. The experience, the externship, the stage that you get to do in Italy. There’s no other like it here,” Underwood added. 

Both Gonsalves and Underwood expressed optimism about their future culinary prospects.  

“If I get a job offer from a Michelin starred restaurant, I know I have that experience because of this course. So, it’s given me confidence,” said Gonsalves. 

Last year, 17 students were a part of this program, all of whom shared their experience during the event.  

In the past 20 years of the GBC-ALMA partnership, the application process has become more streamlined for students to enjoy a relaxing application process. 

As the program continues to take in more culinary enthusiasts, students leave with a heightened knowledge of the art ready to embark on their culinary voyage.