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AISH Career Certificate programs are subject-intensive programs offering pre-determined coursework for a full immersion and professional experience in a particular field. Career Certificate programs are open to traditional undergraduate students as well as nontraditional students interested in pursuing a new career path. The AISH Career Certificate program in Culinary Arts is a Year 2 specialization that follows Year 1’s introduction to Food, Wine & Wellness. This Year 2 specialization in Culinary Arts builds upon the foundation year, and provides a specialized understanding of ingredients, technical skills, and Italian culture to earn a Career Certificate in Culinary Arts - Commis Chef.
SAI Services
SAI 360° Services & Select Services available
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript (if applicable – see Details)
Passport scan (photo page)
USF student conduct form
Italian privacy consent form
Application: now open
Closes:
Fall term: June 15, 2022
Spring term: Nov 1, 2022
Summer term: Feb 15, 2023
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
Fall term: August 30, 2022 – Dec 17, 2022
Spring term: Jan 24, 2023 – May 6, 2023
Summer term: May 15, 2023 – Aug 6, 2023
Academic Year: Combine any two consecutive terms
Dates may vary as a result of add-ons
Age: 18+
Subject Experience: To enroll directly into Year 2 (bypassing Year 1), students must demonstrate previous experience (see Details & Program Overview).
English Language: Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
Program Overview
The Year 2 specialization program in Culinary Arts – Commis Chef allows students to progress in the gastronomy field, and is structured to give students an understanding of Italian culture as well as the technical means to become professionals in the Culinary Arts field. The Year 2 specialization includes a block set of courses that build on the foundational year in Food, Wine & Wellness (Year 1), however, students can choose to enroll directly into Year 2 if they meet certain prerequisites (see Prerequisites below). An advanced Master Certificate in Culinary Arts – Chef de Partie (Year 3) is also available for students who wish to further advance their studies and skills.
Program Objectives
The Year 2 specialization in Culinary Arts will broaden students’ knowledge of Italian gastronomy and nutrition, offering a rigorous focus on techniques, direct experience, and understanding of the Mediterranean identity. Courses will hone skills and knowledge of professional cooking techniques, plating, traditional Italian ingredients, and the physiology of taste and the science of cooking, combined with experiential learning opportunities within the school’s CEMI (Community Engagement Member Institutions), internal internship placements within the school run restaurant and bakery, Ganzo and Fedora. These institutions are open to the local community, allowing for students to directly apply their skills and knowledge to real-life situations. Throughout the program, students are mentored by accomplished faculty who directly represent the culinary and Italian gastronomy industry.
Career Opportunities
The program focuses on both production and individualized skills necessary to find gainful employment in a wide variety of positions. Possible career opportunities include commis chef in high-end restaurants or hotels, demi-chef de partie, recipe developer for international companies, representative/agent for specialty food distributions, kitchen and nutritionist consultant, food stylist, or private chef.
Duration and Certification
Students can enroll in one semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer), or complete two consecutive terms for a full academic year. Students who complete the full academic year will earn a certificate in Culinary Arts- Commis Chef, with the exception of students who enroll in the Direct Access Track (see Prerequisites, below), who will instead receive an official letter from Apicius confirming their completion of the program, along with a transcript. All students receive undergraduate course credit and a US transcript issued by the University of South Florida upon successful completion.
Prerequisites
Year 2: To enroll in this Year 2 specialization in Culinary Arts, students can either continue after completion of the Year 1 Food, Wine & Wellness program, or, begin directly in Year 2 by meeting the requirements below. For either option, students must have a high school diploma and be fluent English. Students wishing to enroll in the second semester of the program only, must submit a transcript demonstrating successful completion of course equivalents to the first semester courses.
Students wishing to begin directly in Year 2 without completing Year 1, can do so in the following ways:
Year 3: Students wishing to further advance their studies after Year 2 with an Advanced Master Certificate in Baking and Pastry can continue on to Culinary Arts – Chef de Partie
Optional Internships (fee applies)
Students who complete a full academic year can supplement their program with either a non-credit 3 week internship or a 3-credit 6 week internship in their field of study. This internship can be added in the session after the regular program has ended. Contact SAI for more details.
Optional Italian Language (fee applies, except for Direct Access Track students)
Career Certificate program students can supplement their program with a 3-week, 3 credit intensive Italian Language course that takes place prior to the fall and spring sessions. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of intensive Italian language are offered. *Direct Access Track students’ supplemental tuition already includes this optional language course.
The Culinary Arts – Commis Chef specialization offers a Fall, Spring, or Summer start date, and comprises two consecutive terms to create a full academic year. Each semester includes a set of four 3-credit courses and one 6-credit course. There is also a 1-credit Health and Safety Seminar at the beginning of the first semester. In addition, there is a mandatory non-credit experiential learning project during the January intersession, and the experiential learning projects during the semester intersessions, where indicated, are also mandatory.
The Year 2 Culinary Arts specialization courses are:
First Semester
Professional Cooking III: Italian Creative Cuisine and Decoration (session I)
Tradition of Italian Food II (session II)
Baking Techniques II: Italian Pastry Techniques (session II)
Cooking Light: Contemporary Techniques for Healthy Living (session III)
The Science of Cooking: An Introduction to Molecular Cuisine (session IV)
August & January Intersessions
Mandatory: Special Project Experiential Learning
Optional: Intensive Italian Language
Second Semester
Nutritional Cooking (session I)
Food and Beverages Operations and Management Experiential Learning (session I)
Physiology of Taste and Flavor Experiential Learning (session II)
Worldwide Cuisine Experiential Learning (session III)
Precision Cooking and Texture Development (session IV)
For the full detailed course descriptions please contact us.
Direct Access Track: Students who enroll in the Direct Access Track will complete two pre-determined courses in the two, 3-week short sessions prior to the start of their program:
Introduction to Professional Cooking
Tradition of Italian Food
For further information regarding direct access track please contact SAI admissions.
Career Certificate program students are offered the choice between SAI’s two services models: 360° Services, which includes our full services and housing; and Select Services, designed for more independent students and no housing. The program fee differs for the two service models (see Fees & Budgeting).
SAI 360° Services includes our full services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
SAI Select Services includes the important on-site services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
June 15 2022 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (per term, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
May 1 2022 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
June 1 2022 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
July 1 2022 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
August 30 2022* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 6:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
Aug 31 – Sept 2 2022 |
Orientation Events SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
September 5 2022 |
Academic Orientation & Health & Safety Seminar Academic orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
September 6 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
September 10 2022 |
Health & Safety Seminar |
September 22 2022 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
Sept 26 – 30 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
October 4 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
October 20 2022 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
October 24 – 28 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
November 1 2022 |
Holiday: No Class |
November 2 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
November 17 2022 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
November 21 – 25 2022 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
November 29 2022 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
December 8 2022 |
Holiday: No Class |
December 14 2022 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
December 15 2022 |
Graduation Event |
December 16 2022* |
Program End 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
*Please note: Arrival and Departure dates differ if Optional Italian Language and / or Internship courses are added. Please contact our office for dates.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
November 15 2022 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (per term, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
October 1 2022 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
October 15 2022 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
December 1 2022 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
January 24 2023* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 6:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
January 25 – 27 2023 |
Orientation Events SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
January 30 2023 |
Academic Orientation & Health & Safety Seminar Academic orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
January 31 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
February 4 2023 |
Health & Safety Seminar |
February 16 2023 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
February 20 – 24 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
February 28 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
March 16 2023 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
March 20 -24 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
March 28 2023~ | Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
April 10 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
April 13 2023 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
April 17 – 21 2023 |
Intersession Week Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts during intersession weeks. |
April 25 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
April 26 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
May 1 2023 |
Holiday: No Class |
May 10 2023 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
May 11 2023 |
Graduation Event |
May 12 2023* |
Program End 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
*Please note: Arrival and Departure dates differ if Optional Italian Language and / or Internship courses are added. Please contact our office for dates.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
February 15 2023 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (per term, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
January 15 2023 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
March 15 2023 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
May 14 2023* |
Arrival & Program Start (360° Services Only) 360° Services students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) between 9:00am and 6:00pm for SAI airport pickup and transfer to SAI housing. |
May 15 2023 |
SAI & FUA Orientation SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. FUA orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to meet other students and professors. |
May 16 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
June 1 2023 |
Classes End: Session I Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
June 6 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
June 22 2023 |
Classes End: Session II Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
June 27 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
July 13 2023 |
Classes End: Session III Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
July 18 2023 |
Classes Begin: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
August 3 2023 |
Classes End: Session IV Students are required to attend their projects/ shifts as assigned outside of course dates. |
August 4 2023 |
Graduation Event |
August 5 2023* |
Program End 360° Services students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
*Please note: Arrival and Departure dates differ if Optional Italian Language and / or Internship courses are added. Please contact our office for dates.
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
Program Fee: Fall Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Spring Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Summer Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Academic Year (2 Semesters) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Direct Access Track (2 pre-semester courses) Includes SAI Select Services, and optional intensive Italian or English language course. |
Coming soon |
Optional 3 week Italian Language Course Before regular term, includes housing (shared room). |
Coming soon |
Optional Non-Credit Internship (3 weeks) After regular term, includes housing (shared room). |
Coming soon |
Optional 3 Credit Internship (6 weeks) After regular term, includes housing (shared room). |
Coming soon |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Price varies by single/double occupancy and meals. |
contact SAI |
International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
Program Fee: 1 Semester Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Program Fee: Academic Year (2 Semesters) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Direct Access Track (2 pre-semester courses) Includes SAI Select Services, and optional intensive Italian or English language course. |
Coming soon |
Optional 3 week Italian Language Course Before regular term, no housing included. |
Coming soon |
Optional Non-Credit Internship (3 weeks) After regular term, no housing included. |
Coming soon |
Optional 3 Credit Internship (6 weeks) After regular term, no housing included. |
Coming soon |
International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Housing is only included in SAI 360° Services programs. Students selecting SAI Select Services are responsible for securing their housing independently.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a shared or single bedroom in the family home with basic furnishings. Breakfast and/or dinner daily are included. Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center and require a commute to reach school.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.