The Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) continues to provide its students with international experience. Students from EMU Tourism Faculty, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program are developing their knowledge and skills at an education program organized by the “Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners” (ICIF).
On the 23rd of March 2015 the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF) and EMU Rector’s Office signed a cooperation protocol that provides EMU students better opportunities in a globalizing world. The protocol was signed by head of the ICF, Piero Sassone. For the first time in the summer of 2015, students of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts program travelled to Italy in order to attend an ICIF course.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Kilic, Dean of the Tourism Faculty noted that this year approximately 20 students travelled to Italy as part of the cooperation protocol with the ICIF. Prof. Dr. Kilic noted that as well as receiving education, the students will have the opportunity to work at a restaurant with a Michelin star. Students will be learning about Italian cuisine from Italian chefs. They will also be learning about different tastes from different countries via practical experience gained as a result of internship at restaurants.
The EMU Tourism Faculty started offering a Culinary Arts Associate Program in the 2010-2011 Academic Year. The first graduates, graduated at the end of the 2011-2012 Academic Year. Because of the attractiveness and job potential of gastronomy, the 2014-2015 Academic Year started with 75 students registering for the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program. Registration for the program is increasing each year. Prof. Dr. Kilic noted that they received over 100 applications in this year’s EMU entrance exam whilst predicting great interest from students of Turkish origin.
