Assiniboine students heading to Italy to learn about local food systems
BRANDON, Man. (May 1, 2024)— Students in Assiniboine College’s Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment will be immersed in Italian food and agriculture in Urbania, Italy for two weeks this May, a unique college experience exploring the flavours and colours of authentic Italy.
“Learn by doing is a cornerstone experience for students at Assiniboine,” said Karen O’Gilvie, Academic Chair in the Edwards School. “Being able to travel internationally as part of their program, and be immersed in a culture so rich in culinary history, not only adds to students’ hands-on learning experience, it also provides them with an expanded worldview and meaningful memories that will stay with them long after they graduate.”
Twenty-one students and faculty from a variety of programs in the Edwards School are joining together for the trip: Land & Water Management, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Baking Foundations, Civil Technology and Culinary Arts.
While in Italy, the group will enjoy Italian language classes, tour areas rich in cultural culinary heritage and history, and learn more about the connections from agriculture to food products. The tour is led by local experts and producers, offering an authentic and in-depth look at some of the food systems of Italy that are well-regarded around the world.
“I am excited to learn more about the Roman style of architecture in Italy, and see how it compares to Canada and the way things are built here,” said Aidyn Pearce, a second year Civil Technology (Municipal Engineering) student. “It will be unique to be immersed in the culture for two weeks. I look forward to bringing knowledge on the culture and processes home.”
Students’ participation is partially covered by the college’s Global Experience Fund, designed to support student academic experiences abroad.
For Culinary Arts student, Tyra Hart, this will be an experience of a life time.
“Not only will this be my first time travelling outside of Canada, it’s my first time leaving Manitoba,” said Hart. “The most exciting part about this trip for me is just being able to travel and see what's out there. It'll be an exciting 2 weeks learning about another country but to experience it first-hand feels kind of surreal. I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
As part of the college’s International Strategy, Assiniboine International is working to introduce other new study-abroad opportunities in other countries for students in various programs in the coming academic year.
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About Assiniboine College
Assiniboine College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for more than 60 years, offering unparalleled learning environments and responding to the demands and requirements of the Manitoba labour market. Following the philosophy of “learn by doing,” programs combine theory with hands-on learning inside classrooms, labs, kitchens, shops, fields and the college’s Sustainable Greenhouse.
Assiniboine offers more than 75 certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.
The college welcomed more than 3,700 full-time and 6,000 part-time students last year. With campuses in Brandon, Dauphin, Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie, Assiniboine provides comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training. Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million. In the most recent survey of graduates, nine months after graduation, 94 per cent were employed, with 92 per cent remaining in Manitoba.
Assiniboine College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who seek knowledge here.
For more information, please contact:
Kyla Cottom
Communications Specialist
Assiniboine College
cottomk@assiniboine.net
204.725.8700 ext 6043
www.assiniboine.net
