How to study gastronomy in Italy: the summer camp guide for young people

Think of your hands molding fresh dough as Italian sunlight pours through the professional kitchen window. The scent of freshly picked basil mixes with the sound of pots and conversations in various languages.

It's not a movie scene, but the reality of the Italian Gastronomic Arts Summer Campus, an intensive two-week program in Milan that is redefining how young people aged 15 to 18 discover their culinary potential.

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Why Milan to study gastronomy

Milan isn't just the world's fashion capital. The city breathes gastronomy through its historic markets, Michelin-starred restaurants and culinary tradition that goes back centuries. While world cuisine offering diverse culinary perspectives, Italy maintains its position as the cradle of gastronomic excellence.

The choice of Milan as a study destination goes beyond technical learning. The city offers:

State-of-the-art educational infrastructure

• Internationally recognized culinary schools
• Partnerships with renowned restaurants
• Access to traditional ingredient suppliers

Authentic cultural immersion

• Local markets with fresh produce
• Culinary traditions preserved for generations
• Culinary events throughout the year

Professional networking

• Connecting with established chefs
• Direct contact with the Italian food industry
• Opportunities in Milanese restaurants

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What sets this gastronomy program apart

The Italian Gastronomic Arts Summer Campus is not an ordinary cooking course. The program operates at a leading culinary school in Milan, an establishment that has been training gastronomic professionals for years and maintains solid connections with the sector.

Intensive program structure

Practical workload

• 40 hours of intensive program spread over 2 weeks
• 60% of the time dedicated to practicing in professional kitchens
• 40% focused on theoretical foundations and management

Available areas of expertise

Traditional Italian cuisine

• Essential preparation techniques
• Authentic regional recipes
• Traditional cooking methods

Bakery and confectionery

• Basics of artisanal baking
• Puff pastry and classic pastries
• Creation of emblematic Italian desserts such as tiramisù

Culinary innovation

• Contemporary trends in gastronomy
• Modern presentation techniques
• Fusion of tradition with creativity

Restaurant management

• Operational aspects of the gastronomic business
• Cost and supplier control
• New establishment formats

Complete residential experience

The program offers a 24/7 residential format, eliminating logistical concerns. Accommodation at the Aparto includes:

• Three meals a day
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Support team available around the clock
• Complementary activities during free periods
• Milan Sightseeing Tours

This structure allows participants to focus all their energy on learning and cultural experience, without distractions from everyday organization.

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Hands-on teaching methodology

The program's approach contrasts radically with conventional theoretical education. From day one, participants wear professional uniforms and work in real kitchens.

Learning through practice

Morning classes focus on fundamental techniques. An instructor demonstrates the process, then each student replicates under individual supervision. Mistakes are part of learning, and there's time for refinement.

Afternoon sessions apply acquired knowledge to complete preparations. The classes limited to participants create an environment conducive to personalized attention from each instructor.

Final projects culminate in a culinary show where groups present complete meals, demonstrating developed skills and applied creativity.

Technical visits to local facilities

The program includes visits to traditional factories in Milan, offering perspective on:

• Artisanal pasta production
• Manufacture of regional cheeses
• Historic bakery operations
• Established restaurant kitchens

These experiences connect the classroom with professional reality, showing how theoretical knowledge is transformed into successful business operations.

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Who is this program for

Este Vocational Career Program was designed specifically for young people who consider gastronomy as a possible professional path.

Ideal participant profile

Age and education

• Between 15 and 18 years old
• Attending high school
• Intermediate English level (B1 minimum)

Interest and motivation

• Genuine curiosity about cooking
• Willingness for intense practical work
• Openness to learning new techniques

Desired skills

• Ability to work in a team
• Discipline to follow precise instructions
• Flexibility to adapt to different styles

Prior professional cooking experience is not required. The program was structured to welcome both beginners and those who have tried domestic cooking.

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What do participants get

In addition to technical skills in gastronomy, the program develops:

Transferable skills

• Time management under pressure
• Collaborative work in an international environment
• Creative problem solving
• Communication in multicultural contexts

International certification

• Diploma recognized by the Milanese culinary school
• Portfolio of mastered recipes and techniques
• Recommendation letters from instructors

Professional clarity

• Realistic understanding of the gastronomic career
• Exposure to different culinary specialties
• Connections with established professionals

Data indicate that 95% of the students who participate in vocational experiences abroad return with a clear definition of future professional choices.

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Cost of living and logistics in Milan

Understanding the Milanese context helps families to plan properly. Milan is a cosmopolitan city with modern infrastructure, but also high costs compared to others Italian regions.

Program cost structure

The complete residential package includes:

Covered items

• Intensive 40-hour course
• Accommodation in the apartment
• Three meals a day
• Teaching material and uniforms
• Airport transfer (round trip)
• Health insurance
• Complementary activities
• Cultural tours of Milan
• 24/7 support team

Items not included

• International airfare
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Meals outside the program
• Visa costs, when applicable

Available start dates

The program operates during specific periods of the year:

• January (European summer)
• June, July and August (high summer camp season)

It is recommended to book at least three months in advance, especially for periods of July and August, when demand peaks.

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The experience European gastronomy finalise

Participating in the program goes beyond classroom hours. Young people experience Milan as temporary residents, not hurried tourists.

Cultural discovery of the city

Authentic culinary experiences

• Neighborhood markets on Saturday mornings
• Traditional ice cream shops hidden in alleys
• Appetizers in historic Milanese bars
• Shopping at centuries-old delicatessens

Immersion in the Italian lifestyle

• Slower and more social meal rate
• Valuing fresh seasonal ingredients
• Importance of the visual presentation of the dishes
• Conversations in Italian during local shopping

Organized complementary activities

• Visits to the Duomo and historic center
• Design District Tours
• Special events according to the calendar
• Friendly cooking competitions

Development of independence

Living two weeks in a structured international environment offers a unique opportunity for personal growth. Young people develop:

• Autonomy in a safe and supervised environment
• Confidence to navigate a foreign city
• Social skills with international colleagues
• Personal responsibility away from the family

The residential format balances freedom with adequate supervision, creating space for maturation without unnecessary risks.

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Language and preparation requirements

Although the program takes place in Italy, classes are taught in English to accommodate international participants. This eliminates the barrier of Italian as an entry requirement.

Level of English required

The program requires intermediate English (CEFR level B1), which allows:

• Understand technical instructions from chefs
• Communicate with colleagues from different countries
• Read recipes and teaching materials
• Participate in group discussions

Advanced or fluent English is not required. The cooking language is very visual and practical, making it easy to understand even with limited vocabulary.

Pre-shipment preparation

To maximize the use of the program, it is recommended to:

Language preparation

• Reinforce basic culinary vocabulary in English
• Watch cooking shows in English
• Learn basic Italian phrases for local interactions

Cultural preparation

• Search for typical dishes from the Italian regions
• Understanding differences between regional cuisine
• Familiarize yourself with the geography and history of Milan

Practical preparation

• Practice basic cutting techniques at home
• Cooking simple Italian recipes
• Develop physical stamina for long hours standing

Required Documentation

Participants need to provide:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Schengen visa, when applicable (Brazilians need a visa for study stays)
• Supplemental travel insurance, if desired
• Updated school documentation
• Motivation letter explaining interest in the program

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The post-program path

Two weeks in Milan are just the beginning. The program opens doors to several future possibilities in gastronomy and related areas.

Continuity options

Higher courses in gastronomy

• Degree in Gastronomy or Culinary Arts
• Specialization in Restaurant Management
• Advanced Confectionery Training

Professional experiences

• Internships at international restaurants
• Apprentice programs with renowned chefs
• Seasons at luxury hotels and resorts

Gastronomic entrepreneurship

• Opening your own business
• Food trucks and dark kitchens
• Gastronomy consultancies

Academic recognition

The certificate issued by the Milanese culinary school is recognized in the European gastronomic industry. It serves as an additional credential in:

• Apps for prestigious culinary schools
• Selection processes for international internships
• Applications for degree programs in gastronomy

Brazilian students can include experience in the international curriculum, differentiating themselves from candidates who have only domestic education.

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Safety and family support

Sending a young person for international experience raises natural concerns. The program was designed with multiple layers of security and communication.

Supervisory structure

Dedicated 24/7 team

• Residential coordinators at Aparto
• Staff during all scheduled activities
• Supervisors when traveling around the city
• On-call health professionals

Safety protocols

• Regular check-ins with participants
• Buddy system for group outings
• Emergency numbers always available
• Health insurance covering every period

Communication with family

• Weekly progress reports
• Photos and videos of the activities
• Possibility of scheduled video calls
• Direct channel with coordination in special cases

Continuous monitoring

Be Easy offers full support for families:

Before boarding

• Detailed preparatory meeting
• Documentation guidelines
• Travel checklist
• Briefing on Italian culture

During the program

• Regular updates via WhatsApp
• Direct contact with local staff
• Support for unexpected issues
• Assistance in Portuguese always available

After the return

• Debriefing the experience
• Guidance on next steps
• Connecting to other related programs
• Documented certificate and portfolio

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the program

1. Do I need to have professional cooking experience to participate?

It's not necessary. The program welcomes students of all levels, from complete beginners to those with basic experience. The instructors adapt teaching according to the class profile and offer individualized attention.

2. How does the accommodation work during the two weeks?

Participants stay at Aparto, a student residence in Milan. Rooms are shared with other students in the program, promoting international coexistence. All meals are included, and there are common areas for socializing.

3. Does the program offer recognized certification?

Yes. Upon completing the program, students receive a certificate issued by the Milanese culinary school. The document attests developed skills and can be used in future academic or professional applications in the gastronomic area.

4. Can I participate even if I don't speak Italian?

Italian is not required. All classes are taught in English by bilingual instructors. The intermediate English level (B1) is sufficient to accompany technical content. Learning a few phrases in Italian enriches the experience of local interactions.

5. Is it possible to work in Italy after the program?

This specific program does not offer work permits as it has a short duration and an educational focus. However, the experience serves as a springboard for longer programs that allow work, such as degrees in gastronomy or professional internships.

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Be Easy

Transforming a passion for cooking into an international career begins with practical experiences that go beyond theory. The Italian Gastronomic Arts Summer Campus in Milan offers just that: two intensive weeks in a real professional environment, with expert mentoring and complete cultural immersion. At Be Easy, we connect talented young people to vocational programs that define professional trajectories, offering comprehensive support from choice to return. Contact us and discover how we can make this program a reality for your family.