FALL 2025 Applications are Open Mid March 2025! Apply here by April 30th, 2025.
The Course: ITA235H5 • Cucina Italiana: Italian Culture Through Food
(Offered in English) This course charts the regional diversity of Italian food and examines various factors (early settlers, wars, migratory trends) that have shaped Italian culinary traditions. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their own culinary traditions. Students have the option of participating in local and international field trips (to restaurants, factories, and farms). When travel experiences are offered, additional costs and application processes apply.
Learn more about the course here. Please note you must be registered in this course to participate in this international experience.
Make sure to check the corresponding academic calendar and ACORN for prerequisites and enrollment requirements. Click here.
The Trip: Bologna, Florence, Rome Fall Reading Week
Approximate Travel Dates: Saturday October 25 - Sunday November 2, 2025. (Plus or minus two days before and after - exact dates and times will be communicated to you at the pre-departure session).
On this all-inclusive, interactive trip through Rome, Bologna, and Florence, you will cook, eat, and learn about the history and cultural traditions of Italian food. Spend 8 amazing days traveling through Italy savoring its world-renowned dishes, alongside your classmates and Professor Teresa Lobalsamo.
Why Participate?
- Experience, first-hand, the rich history of Italian food.
- Engage in an active learning environment that will be educational, practical, and unforgettable.
- Establish connections with fellow students and your professor.
- Add international experience to your resume.
Sample Itinerary*
*The itinerary is subject to change based on the availability and requirements of the program.
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private Shuttles, Taxis, Public Buses, and Tour Busses.
Meals: Hotel, and Local Restaurants
Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through Italy, where food, culture, and tradition come together in every bite. Begin in Bologna, the heart of Italian gastronomy, indulging in artisanal cheeses, aged balsamic vinegar, and handcrafted prosciutto. Experience an exclusive farm-to-table adventure, connecting with local farmers and learning the secrets behind authentic Italian cuisine.
Travel to Florence, where bustling markets and historic trattorias showcase the best of Tuscan flavors. From the iconic bistecca alla fiorentina to rustic handmade pasta, each meal tells a story of time-honored culinary craftsmanship. Stroll through the lively food markets, sampling regional delicacies, and soak in the vibrant energy of this historic city.
In Rome, discover hidden foodie gems and savor authentic Italian espresso, gourmet cheeses, and artisanal gelato. A guided food tour through the city’s charming streets reveals the depth of Rome’s rich culinary heritage. Unwind with a farewell dinner at a historic Roman restaurant, where classic carbonara and fine local wines offer the perfect ending to a journey filled with incredible flavors and unforgettable experiences.
Payments
Estimated cost of International Component 2025-2026: CAD $4300-4600. (Final Installments will be determined based on the final trip cost).
What is Included: Flights, transportation, accommodation, meals, in-country activities associated with the course, and trip-cancellation insurance. Funding Available!
What is NOT Included: Course fees, fees associated with supplemental travel insurance, additional optional tours/activities while abroad, visa applications, medical exams, vaccinations, on-the-ground medical expenses, and any other additional costs.
Funding
Bursaries will be awarded based on demonstrated financial need (not linked to OSAP) as shown in your funding request in your UTM Abroad application. Read more about funding here!
If you have applied for a bursary, you will hear back about your bursary application at the same time as your trip application. Once you hear back, you will have about one week to decide whether to participate in the trip based on the bursary awarded. Please review the bursary policies here, and cancellation policies here.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment | $250.00 | With Application |
| 2nd Installment | $950.00 | May 11th, 2025 |
| 3rd Installment | $950.00 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
| 4th Installment | $950.00 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
| 5th Installment | $950.00 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
| 6th Installment | $250-550* | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
*Final Installment will be determined based on the final trip cost. Each installment is due approximately every two weeks (biweekly)- Refer to exact dates in your acceptance email.
Testimonials
The UTM abroad program definitely provided me with the best 8 days of my undergrad experience so far! You get a chance to not only experience a new culture, but also to develop close relationship with fellow students and faculty/staff. The best part was the fact that everything was superbly organized by the IEC which means that you do not have to worry about anything related to travel, bookings etc at all! Proud of UTM, proud of IEC! - Fall 2022 Student Participant
My UTM Abroad trip was an experience I will never forget! It was an incredible time engaging with Italian culture through perspectives I never would've imagined, developing my own independence exploring the different cities and communities we visited, and making remarkable friends and memories. - Fall 2022 Student Participant
My trip to Italy felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity that I think every student at UTM should have the chance to do! - Fall 2022 Student Participant
Need To Know
- The cost and itinerary are subject to change. The information on this page is for general reference and is subject to change. Specific and up-to-date details regarding itineraries, the final cost, and additional program requirements will be communicated through email from at the pre-departure sessions. Please refer to those communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any questions or need clarification, we encourage you to contact UTM Abroad. We look forward to your application and are here to support you on this exciting journey!
- For the full list of Terms and Conditions, please click here.
- Applicants must submit an application for admission into the course to their respective departments and will be required to abide by the corresponding UTM Abroad application requirements and deadlines to participate in the international experience.
- Fees must be paid in full by the required deadlines.
- To prepare for the trip, students attending will participate in the mandatory pre-departure sessions which occur in person on campus.
Questions?
Book a Global Learning Advising appointment through CLNx, email us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca.