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Extraordinary Learning in the Field
In the CIA bachelor's degree programs, students take part in an exciting travel seminar that immerses them in a major culinary region of the world—either the West Coast, Italy, or Spain.
West Coast seminar students explore Northern or Southern California's food scene, with visits to as many as 60 sites. Wineries and farms, meat and fish purveyors, coffee roasters, chocolatiers, and restaurants are all covered to introduce students to this national—and international—source of food and cuisine trends.
Students in the Italy and Spain seminars travel overseas to explore authentic, regional ingredient suppliers and restaurants for these popular cuisines. These unforgettable experiences offer valuable lessons in menu development, food and beverage pairing, sustainable agriculture, produce distribution, and the impact of culture on cuisine.
Each international trip is limited to 25 students. To be eligible, you must have the following:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member
- Your résumé, including any campus or extracurricular activities with which you’ve been involved
- An essay (maximum 500 words) explaining what you hope to gain personally or professionally by visiting either Italy or Spain
- A valid passport—if you need one, you should expedite the process as quickly as possible
- Application form, including contact information and a copy of your transcript (available at the Registrar’s Office)
