Food is an essential part of Italy's culture, and Italian cuisine has become an essential part of our diets! Cultural Embrace would like to give people the opportunity to study Italian cuisine as well as Italian language and culture in order to get a real taste of la Dolce Vita!

The Italian cooking course takes place in a large, newly-furnished and fully-equipped kitchen and can be taken from 1 day to 4 weeks. The lessons are in the mornings as the chef takes you step by step through the ingredients and the cooking techniques. Then, for lunch, enjoy the meal you prepared in a frescoed dining room.

All students of the Italian culinary school can take part in the social activities organized by the Center. As the cooking lessons are held in the morning, you can opt to study the Italian language or take other art & crafts classes in the afternoon. Courses for private groups and special, customized programs can be arranged on request.

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Amateur & Non-Professional Culinary Course:
These courses are designed for amateur & non-professionals who wish to take an intensive practical course in a relaxed atmosphere and improve their knowledge of Italian cooking. You will learn how to prepare a host of versatile Italian dishes with confidence and you will gain a greater understanding of how to select and use basic Italian ingredients such as olive oil and spices - skills which you will be able to use at home to impress friends and family alike! During each course, students are given a copy of all the recipes they prepare for future reference.

Professional Course:
The courses are run by Mario Neri, who is the president of the Sienese Association of Chefs, and his team of four highly qualified fellow professional chefs. Each chef specializes in a different area, such as pastry, pizza-making, or butchery. Emphasis is put not only on the preparation of a wide variety of versatile dishes, but also on the study and use of essential extras such as wine, spices, and olive oil. In addition, there are fascinating educational visits to places of interest such as a vineyard, a wine cellar, a butcher’s shop, and a wholesaler's shop. Finally, you will have the opportunity to participate in social activities organized by the Center during your free time. Work experience in an Italian restaurant can be arranged on request.

Italian Culinary Offers:

• A chance to learn Italian cooking skills with hands-on instruction from local, professional Italian chefs 
• The ability to interact with locals in everyday situations
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn Italian cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe  
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Class Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your class enrollment before you leave home.  In addition, we can pre-arrange language classes or any other cultural activity that may interest you (e.g. arts & crafts, theatre, opera).
• Housing Assistance
  For an additional €60/US$80, we can pre-arrange your accommodations before you arrive in Siena. Three main styles of accommodations are available: Homestays, Shared Student Apartments, and Residence Hotel-Apartments. We can also make reservations at local hostels and hotels or find an apartment for you to rent.  
• Arrival Assistance 
  An optional airport pick-up and transfer is available.
• Arrival Orientation
  The orientation introduces the local community and prepares you for your stay in Siena. 
• Police Registration Assistance
  All foreigners must register with the police upon arrival in Italy. We will help guide you through this process.
• Meals
  Meals are provided during your cooking lessons. 
• Cooking Ingredients and Materials
  Everything you need to become a master Italian chef is included!
• Social Activities and Excursions
  Social activities and excursions are available.  Participant is responsible for transportation fees, meals, and entrance tickets.
• Travel Insurance:  Basic Major Medical Coverage 
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage. Cultural Embrace highly recommends additional travel insurance.
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of traveling abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Italy prior to, during, and after your placement.
• Certificate of Attendance
  Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance. 

Culinary Course            

Start/End Date	Apr 7-18 2 weeks	July 14-18 1 week	Aug 18-29 2 weeks	Sept 8-26 3 weeks	Dec 1-12 2 weeks
Theme	Spring cuisine	Summer cuisine	Traditional Cuisine	Autumn Cuisine	Winter  cuisine
# of Sessions	8	5	8	12	8
Price	€750	€500	€750	€1250	€750

  *Fees do not include €60/$85 Registration Fee
** Please note that prices are subject to change according to exchange rates                

Professional Culinary Course
*Please contact us for start dates, Italian language proficiency, and internship.

TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION	1WEEK	2WEEKS	3 WEEKS	4WEEKS	EXTRA WEEK	EXTRA NIGHT
Host Family (breakfast only)	€210/$296	€400/$565	€590/$833	€780$1100	€190/$268	€35/$50
Host Family (breakfast and dinner)	€190/$268	€350/$495	€510/$720	€670/$946	€160/$225	€30/$42
Apartment (shared kitchen and bathroom)	€170/$240	€290/$410	€410/ $580	€530/$748	€120/$170	€30/$42

Residence (min./max.) On request
Hotel (min./max.) On request
*Fees do not include €60/$85 Accommodations Placement
**Please note that prices are subject to change according to exchange rates

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Clases Form (PDF).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Cultural Classes Program Application
• Signed Cultural Classes Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• US$200 non-refundable application fee
  

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089.