Food, Wine and Culture of Tuscany and Florence 2016

Application Deadline Extension: January 5, 2016

  1. Statement of Interest form (Submit to debbie.shore@viu.ca or International Education Building 255, Room 264) Tips to Save and Submit: Click File and Save to your desktop after completing the forms. Then email educationabroad@viu.ca and attach the files you saved.
  2. Please complete the Education Abroad on-line application and indicate Culinary Food, Wine and Culture - Italy 2016 field school in the drop down box.

Dates – May 14, 2016 –May 29, 2016

While preference will be given to Culinary students the field school is open to other students wishing to participate fully.

Dates: May 14 - 29, 2016

Overview

The purpose of this academic field school is to provide students with the opportunity to experience the food, wine and culture of Italy in the regions of Florence, Tuscany and Emilia Romana regions.

 Participants will:

  • tour centuries-old wineries, farms, art galleries and cathedrals
  • taste classic wines
  • visit and shop at local food markets
  • experience and taste specially prepared meals
  • do meal planning and participate in Italian cooking

Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a beautiful, accessible and thriving city with the River Arno bisecting its winding, hilly streets. UNESCO has declared its historic Centre a World Heritage Site.The Emilia Romana region is where the famous Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Prosciutto di Parma and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. Certaldo is in the heart of Tuscany where we will stay in a renovated Monastery.

Cost

The fees payable to VIU for this field school are $2,550. This is based on a minimum group size of 12 students and includes:

  • Program operational costs
  • Accommodation (hostel-style, shared rooms)
  • 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners (3 at a local restaurant, 3 at the cooking school, 3 the group will make together while at Villa Camerata)
  • Program-related travel in Italy
  • Day trips, excursions, workshops listed on the itinerary

The remaining costs will be paid by students for the following:

  • Travel between Nanaimo and Florence, Italy; cancellation/trip interruption insurance
  • Meals other than those specified above
  • Out-of-country medical insurance (if you are covered by VIUSU's extended medical, you don't need additional coverage)
  • Passport
  • Visa, if required (not required for Canadian citizens)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tuition fees for those students taking the Anthropology course (6 credits plus Student Society fee)

Application Procedure

Application Deadline Extension: January 5, 2016

Acceptance to a field school is a privilege. All potential candidates will be interviewed by the travelling members of the Culinary program.

Statement of Interest form (Submit to debbie.shore@viu.ca or International Education Building 255, Room 264) Tips to Save and Submit: Click File and Save to your desktop after completing the forms. Then email educationabroad@viu.ca and attach the files you saved.

Field school leaders will screen applications received by January 5, 2016. Accepted applications will be required to make a non-refundable $500 deposit by January 15, 2016.

Late Applications will be accepted based on space. VIU will maintain a waitlist if necessary.

Please complete the Education Abroad on-line application and indicate Culinary Food, Wine and Culture - Italy 2016 field school in the drop down box.

  • When you have completed you automatically receive a confirmation email with the Cancellation and Acknowledgement of Responsibility waiver to be completed and handed in to Education Abroad in Building 255, outside room 264. Information on funding will be provided in the email.

When you have been accepted to the field school:

  • You will receive an email requesting the non-refundable deposit of $500 to be paid through your Student Record with subsequent payment deadline dates. Please monitor your Student Record for the payment deadline dates.
  • Before your departure please email a copy of your flight itinerary, passport, and proof of travel medical insurance to educationabroad@viu.ca.

Minimum group size: 12; maximum group size 20

Participants who have applied by the deadline will be accepted onto the field school in the following order:

  • 2015-16 Culinary Students
  • Previous graduates of Culinary programs;
  • Other participants within the industry and with permission of the field school faculty coordinator Debbie Shore
  • Interested foodies with the permission of the field school faculty Coordinator Debbie Shore.

Payments and Refund Policy

Payment type

Cost

Date

Non-Refundable Deposit

$500

January 15, 2016

Deposit and payments are made directly through the VIU Student Record.

Credit card payments cannot be accepted.

Second Payment

$1025

March 1, 2016

Final Payment

$1025

April 1, 2016

Financial Assistance

  • International Education Award - Students taking this field school are eligible for the International Education Stipend of $350. Conditions apply.
  • StudentAid BC - Students on the BC student assistance Program (BCSAP) may be able to continue their funding to include Education Abroad. Those not currently receiving BCSAP funding, may be able to apply. Contact Financial Aid in Building 200 for more information.

Insurance

Adequate health insurance is important when you travel, therefore all participants will need to provide VIU with proof of their out-of-country medical insurance. VIU students with coverage through VIUSU’s Health & Dental plan have 60 days of out-of-country medical coverage and do not need additional travel medical insurance.

Passport/Visa

Passports: To enter Europe, participants must have a passport valid for at least three months after their return date to Canada. Apply for a Canadian passport or pick up an application at any Canada Post office.

Program Conditions

The field school will involve much walking over uneven surfaces, including stairs. The location of our accommodation may require one to carry/pull one’s luggage; every student should be able to walk with his/her belongings for at least 25-minutes. As we will be preparing meals together, being an adventurous omnivore is expected (and will make the field school so enjoyable).

Participants will be expected to attend predeparture classes and meetings.

Behaviour Expectations 

Group cohesion is essential for the success of any field school. Aggressive or counterproductive behavior will not be tolerated. Faculty members are responsible for conflict management; students are expected to behave in a non-confrontational manner with their fellow students, faculty members, and any other people they encounter. The VIU Student Code of Conduct is in effect for all field schools. Infractions of the Code and/or failure to adhere to the guidelines set out by instructors will result in immediate dismissal from the field school and may result in further academic repercussions. Budgeting and trip planning are the responsibilities of the instructors. For this reason, democratic group decision-making is not always possible. Delays, cancellations, and unexpected events are possible and do not indicate inadequate planning on the part of the faculty. Students must accept any modification in the itinerary.

Field School Faculty/Contacts

Instructor, Culinary Programs
Building: 300, Room: 311

Education Abroad Contact

Education Abroad Manager
Building 255, Room 264
Email: EducationAbroad@viu.ca