An important collaboration agreement between Eastern Mediterranean University and the Italian Culinary Institute For Foreigners (ICIF) was signed. Chair of ICIF who is currently in our country to attend the signature ceremony of the agreement paid a visit to EMU Rector’s Office on 23 March 2015.
Following the launch of Eastern Mediterranean University Culinary Arts Associate Program, which started its educational activities during the 2010 – 2011 Academic Year and produced its first graduates at the end of 2011 – 2012 Academic Year, Eastern Mediterranean University Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Undergraduate Program started offering education to 75 students at the beginning of the 2014-2015 Academic Year.
With the aim of equipping the students with skills that would prepare them for global competition following their graduation, the faculty administration settled a collaboration agreement with ICIF – Italian Culinary Institute For Foreigners.
At his address at the protocol signature ceremony, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Osam stated that they are honored to host a very important guest from Italy. Prof. Dr. Osam also added that ICIF is an important institution of education with a chain of schools throughout the world. Putting forth that the university gives special importance to the agreement to be signed, Prof. Dr. Osam added that establishing collaborations with an important school as such is a source of pride for the university. Stating that it is due to EMU Tourism Faculty’s successful achievements that they are signing an agreement with ICIF, Prof. Dr. Osam extended his gratitude and appreciation to Tourism Faculty Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and his team. Prof. Dr. Osam also stressed the prospective positive outcomes of the student-academic staff exchange opportunities made possible by the agreement and extended his gratitude to Sassone for their cooperation.
Following Prof. Dr. Osam’s address, ICIF Chair Piero Sassone expressed his pleasure in visiting EMU. Stating that he has strong bonds with the Turkish community, Sassone added that he has a considerable number of Turkish students. Thanking EMU Tourism Faculty Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and faculty academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı for their achievements within a short period of time, Sassone stated that they are honored by their collaboration with Eastern Mediterranean University and stressed the importance of transferring knowledge to others.
EMU Tourism Faculty Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that following the launch of the Culinary Arts Associate Program in 2010, they opened four-year Gastronomy and Culinary Arts undergraduate program due to popular demand. Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç added that their main target is to fully equip their students for their careers with international collaborations. Stating the importance of establishing collaborations with the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners which has branches in different countries including China, Brazil, and Korea, Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked Piero Sassone for ICIF’s cooperation and support.
Within the framework of the agreement, EMU Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program and Tourism and Hospitality Management Program students will be travelling to Italy to receive training from ICIF in summer. Along with their training, students will also have the chance to work at Michelin starred restaurants. The collaboration agreement also includes student exchange opportunities. Last but not least, students of EMU Tourism Faculty will also be benefiting from the expertise of Italian chefs to be invited to the faculty within the framework of the protocol.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen, EMU Tourism Faculty Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı and EMU Public Relations and Press Office Director Derviş Ekşici also attended the signature ceremony.
Following the protocol signature ceremony, ICIF Chair Piero Sassone presented information to the students of EMU Tourism Faculty under the title of “Would You be Interested in Gaining Expertise in Regional Italian Cuisine and Carry out Your Internship Practice in Italy?”
EMU Tourism Faculty also organised a lunch bringing together the representatives of the sector and ICIF Chair Piero Sassone. Among notable names who attended the lunch were EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen, Vice Rector for Promotion Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, representative of Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry for External Affairs Anıl Kaya, Chair of the Turkish Restaurateurs Association Süleyman Gürcafer, Cyprus Turkish Tourist Guides Association Chair İbrahim Altıner, Cyprus Turkish Travel Agencies Association representative, Chair of Chefs Association Ayhan Aşçıoğlu, EMU Tourism Faculty Acting Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. Güven Ardahan, Assoc Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı and EMU Public Relations and Press Office Director.
