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Â鶹Çø CTC expands culinary partnership with university in Italy

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College culinary arts and hospitality program has expanded an international partnership with The American University of Florence, creating new academic pathways for students seeking advanced education in Italy.

For several years, the Â鶹Çø program has collaborated with AUF through study-abroad opportunities, allowing students to experience Italy’s culinary traditions, food culture and hospitality industry firsthand. The newly signed international transfer agreement expands that relationship by providing Â鶹Çø graduates with a streamlined pathway into AUF bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Under the agreement, students who earn an Associate of Applied Science from Â鶹Çø’s culinary arts and hospitality program may transfer eligible coursework toward select degree programs at AUF. These include culinary arts, Italian cuisine, food and wine studies, and related hospitality fields. The agreement is designed to reduce barriers to international education by recognizing completed coursework, reducing administrative requirements and providing fee waivers for participating students.

"This partnership creates exciting new opportunities for our students," said Sean Walklin, professor and director of the culinary arts and hospitality program at Â鶹Çø CTC. "Our graduates can now build upon the strong foundation they receive at Â鶹Çø and continue their education in one of the world’s most influential culinary destinations. It provides a direct pathway from Alaska to advanced international study while helping students save both time and money."

The agreement reflects Â鶹Çø’s commitment to providing students with accessible pathways to continued education and workforce advancement, Walklin said. Students interested in careers in culinary arts, food entrepreneurship, hospitality management, food and wine studies and international gastronomy will benefit from expanded opportunities to gain global perspectives and specialized training. Students who return to Alaska will help shape the future of food and hospitality with an international perspective, he said.

In addition to enhancing academic opportunities, Walklin said, the partnership strengthens Â鶹Çø’s growing international engagement and reinforces the program’s reputation for connecting students with meaningful educational experiences beyond Alaska.

For more information about the culinary arts  program, visit the . Students interested in learning more about study-abroad opportunities or transfer pathways through the partnership are encouraged to contact the Â鶹Çø culinary arts and hospitality program at 907-455-2902.

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