FALL experiences are now Open. Apply here!
The Course: ITA235H5 • Italian Culture Through Food
(Offered in English) History through an examination of influential work in Italian literature (e.g. Artusi, Guerrini), art (e.g. Bellini, Caravaggio), and cinema (movements such as Neorealism, Comedy, Italian-Style). The course explores the relationship between the representation of food and questions of identity and diaspora and ponders a redefinition of authenticity. Students explore their own culinary patterns to discover links between history, food, culture, and identity. Students have the option of participating in local and international field trips (to restaurants, factories, 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: Sorrento Summer 2026
Approximate Travel Dates: October 24 - November 1, 2026. (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 Sorrento, you will cook, eat, and learn about the history and cultural traditions of Italian food. Spend the time traveling within Sorrento, 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: Hotels, Apartments
Transportation: Shuttles, Taxis, Public transportation - buses, and Tour Busses
Meals: Hotel, and Local Restaurants and Markets
Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through Italy, where food, culture, and tradition come together in every bite. In Sorrento, a picturesque town perched above the sparkling Bay of Naples, see where the aroma of fresh citrus and the sea fills the air. Indulge in local specialties such as hand-rolled gnocchi, limoncello made from sun-kissed lemons, and freshly caught seafood prepared with generations-old recipes. Experience an exclusive farm-to-table adventure, visiting local producers and learning the secrets behind authentic Campanian cuisine.
Explore the vibrant markets and charming streets of Sorrento, sampling regional cheeses, olives, and sweet pastries like sfogliatella. Wander through artisan shops and trattorias, discovering how tradition and creativity combine in every dish.
Cap off your journey with a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, where cliffside restaurants offer stunning views and unforgettable flavors. Savor a farewell dinner featuring fresh pasta, locally caught fish, and regional wines, while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean - an exquisite ending to a journey full of incredible tastes, culture, and memories.
Payments
Estimated cost of International Component 2026-2027: CAD $4600-4900. (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 | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
| 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 | $550-850* | Refer to dates in acceptance email |
*Final Installment will be determined based on the final trip cost. Each installment is due approximately every 7-10 days - 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 OR email us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca.