Culinary Internships in Italy: Benefits and How to Apply

Introduction: The Case for Culinary Internships Abroad

Culinary students learn their craft through extensive instruction and practice. Great food is a global phenomenon, however, and today's culinary education reflects the wide variety of techniques and ingredients found in modern cooking. Yet there is something to be said for becoming completely immersed in the world's greatest culinary traditions. One of those traditions can be found in Italy, where a number of culinary internships are available.

This paper explores the possibility of culinary school internships in Italy. First, the case is made for undertaking a culinary internship in general, followed by specific arguments in favor of Italy as a destination. The paper then investigates the preparation and paperwork necessary to undertake such an internship and outlines some of the programs currently available.

Overseas internships are beneficial to students for a number of reasons. One of the most important is that such an internship exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking. When confronted with new ideas, students are pushed out of their comfort zone — their assumptions are challenged, which broadens both their knowledge and their skill level. In some situations, the knowledge acquired abroad is at a higher level than what could be gained at home. Although the standard of culinary education is very high in the United States, students of Italian cooking will almost certainly receive better training in that particular field by going directly to Italy.

By taking students out of their comfort zone, an overseas internship also tests them on a personal level (No author, 2010). There are unique challenges associated with overseas internships — being away from friends and family, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating a new language. These adjustments provide a much broader experience than a domestic internship could offer. Additionally, an overseas internship signals to prospective employers that the student is willing and able to deal with adversity in order to improve themselves (Curran, 2009). In a professional kitchen, the ability to handle problems with enthusiasm and patience is a highly regarded virtue. Finally, an overseas internship helps the student build an international network of colleagues and friends — relationships that can be lifelong and that often lead to significant career opportunities.

Why Italy Is an Ideal Destination for Culinary Students

There are several advantages that are distinct to a culinary internship in Italy. For Italians, food is a powerful expression of culture — indeed, Italian culture can scarcely exist without it. Each region has its own traditional cuisine, many of which have become influential around the world and all of which are highly revered by serious food lovers. Food in Italy is fascinating in part because it is integral to the Italian outlook on life, which is very different from the way most Americans view food. It is from this passion that the beauty of Italian cuisine originates, and it is likely the same passion that drives students to the culinary arts in the first place. The experience of living in a country where everybody shares a passion for food — where food is a part of everyday culture — is something that can only be gained by traveling to Italy itself.

The first advantage is that the student will gain direct, specific knowledge of Italian culinary tradition. This knowledge is unfiltered and cannot be replicated in an American kitchen, no matter how authentically it strives to capture the Italian spirit. Access to local markets and regional ingredients alone will be inherently superior. When it comes to region-specific cooking, there is no substitute for being there. The second advantage is that, because food is so deeply embedded in Italian culture, it is nearly impossible to learn about Italian cuisine without some degree of cultural immersion. Understanding the nuances of Italian culture — and the ways in which food relates to that culture — is best accomplished in Italy, interacting with both Italian chefs and Italian diners (De Sanctis, 2006). That combination is not available through any domestic internship program.

Additionally, Italy offers a wealth of culinary programs from which to choose. These programs span a wide range of cooking styles, geographic regions, and levels of sophistication. A number of high-quality options specifically cater to the needs of culinary students. Some can even be completed without prior knowledge of Italian, though for students with a working command of the language, the variety of available opportunities becomes significantly larger.

Preparing for an Overseas Culinary Internship

In order to prepare for an internship abroad, several key steps must be undertaken. The first is the research phase. The student must analyze his or her own needs and try to find the program that best matches them. This requires not only extensive research but also careful self-examination. A student with in-depth knowledge of Tuscan cuisine, for example, might decide that the best internship is in another part of Italy in order to broaden his or her experience. There are so many programs available, each best suited to a specific type of intern, that only careful research will narrow the options down to a manageable list for application. The purpose of the internship is not simply to visit Italy but to improve one's culinary knowledge and career — so it is imperative to identify programs that will genuinely meet that objective.

The second step in preparing for an internship comes after a placement has been secured. There is a substantial amount of work involved at this stage. For example, the student may need to improve his or her Italian language skills if they will be working in an Italian-language kitchen. Effective communication with teammates is essential for the internship to succeed and for the student to gain the most from the experience. Preparation must also be made for the cultural elements of the trip. Background information on Italian culture — and what to expect from daily life in Italy — must be gathered in advance.

There is also a wide range of practical considerations. The student will be living overseas, and all the logistical elements of life abroad must be addressed, from visa paperwork to finances to health coverage and any number of other such matters. Although Italy is a developed nation with all the comforts of home, it can be a very different culture, and the student should be prepared for that. Preparation involves not only reading about the cultural differences the student is likely to encounter but also speaking with chefs who have undertaken a similar experience. If the student's home culinary institute has an organized internship program, it should be able to provide testimonials or arrange interviews with alumni who have already completed such an internship.

Conclusion

Whichever option you choose, it is important to remember that the process of setting up an internship abroad is difficult and time-consuming. Preparation and patience are essential — not unlike working in a professional kitchen. There are many challenges that must be overcome, from the logistical to the emotional to the intellectual. The rewards, however, are worth it.

A culinary internship in Italy will deliver an education in Italian culture and cuisine that simply cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. The access to ingredients, techniques, and centuries of accumulated culinary knowledge will be invaluable when the student returns home. Having such experience on one's résumé is a remarkable asset that will assist in building a top-flight culinary career. The experience itself will help the student grow and mature into a well-rounded kitchen professional at a much faster rate than would be possible for students who do not take the opportunity to study abroad.

Works Cited

Curran, S. (2009). Career advantages of studying abroad. Going Global. Retrieved February 8, 2010 from

De Sanctis, D. (2009). Italian culinary internship is one of a kind. Italian America. Retrieved February 8, 2010 from ].html

No author. (2010). How will an overseas internship boost your career prospects? I-to-I.com. Retrieved February 8, 2010 from

No author. (2010). Student visa requirements. Consulate General of Italy in New York. Retrieved February 8, 2010 from

World Endeavors. (n.d.). Culinary internship in Italy. World Endeavors. Retrieved February 8, 2010 from