This summer, a new chapter of Chapman University’s interdisciplinary and global experiential education unfolded in Italy. Thanks to a pioneering partnership between the Ferrucci Institute for Italian Experience and Research, the Food Science Program, and the prestigious University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo, students embarked on a journey exploring Italian food culture through a unique blend of science, tradition, and sustainability. Co-led by Dr. Anuradha Prakash (Food Studies, Ferrucci Fellow) and Dr. Federico Pacchioni (Italian Studies, Ferrucci Institute), the 10-day experiential course offered Chapman students a deeply immersive education aligned with the Ferrucci Institute’s mission: fostering intellectual growth through cross-disciplinary and culturally rich experiences.
Founded in 2004 by Carlo Petrini, the visionary behind the Slow Food movement, UNISG stands as a global leader in the field of food studies. The university is renowned for its holistic approach that intertwines the humanities, biological sciences, and social sciences to examine the intricate relationships between food, culture, and the environment. Its unique curriculum promotes sustainability and biodiversity, preparing future leaders to rethink and reshape the global food system. For Chapman students, studying at UNISG provided unparalleled access to Italy’s dynamic gastronomic landscape and the chance to learn firsthand from experts at an institution at the forefront of sustainable food innovation.
The program was meticulously crafted to engage students beyond the classroom, blending academic inquiry with hands-on experiences. Students began with a deep dive into UNISG’s mission, exploring how the institution embodies a philosophy of food that is “Good, Clean, and Fair.” They then delved into the heart of the Slow Food movement through visits to its headquarters in Bra and walking tours of traditional markets, discovering how local traditions support global ideas of sustainability and quality. Guided by local experts, students experienced foraging for wild plants and cooking workshops, highlighting the critical role of local botanical knowledge in fostering sustainable food systems. Their journey continued with cultural excursions, from the vibrant Porta Palazzo market of Turin (the largest open market in Europe) and the Lavazza Coffee Museum to truffle hunting in Roero, and organic wineries in Langhe and artisanal chocolate and cheese. Finally, students synthesized their interdisciplinary learning experiences through project presentations, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the intricate balance between tradition, innovation, and sustainability.
This collaborative program exemplified the Ferrucci Institute’s core mission to integrate disciplinary perspectives and promote meaningful international engagement. In line with the broader “Italian Experience,” where the interweaving of cultures, histories, and knowledge fosters both global understanding and personal growth, students immersed themselves in a living classroom that connected the sensory, intellectual, and ethical dimensions of learning. Drawing on Italy’s unique cultural landscape, the program invited students to reflect on contemporary challenges like climate change, food security, and globalization through the lens of historical traditions and cutting-edge research. As Chapman University continues to build meaningful international partnerships, initiatives like this highlight the future of education, where students are not mere recipients of knowledge but active participants in a global dialogue.
