Projects with the local community

We believe that interacting with the local community adds value to the study abroad experience.  Thanks to our extensive network, we are able to develop projects with local organizations that are then integrated into the curriculum of our courses and academic internships.  By connecting you to organizations, professionals, students, and local inhabitants, we will give you the tools to delve into and deepen your understanding of the local culture and society. You will learn to go beyond the tourist bubble. You will learn how to connect with and become an active resident in your new temporary home. You will expand your communication skills and learn how to work in an intercultural environment with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.  Examples include:

 

Cerealia Festival

GLi Summer Program students in the “Nutrition and Culture” course had the opportunity to participate in the Cerealia festival, conducting research and surveys on lifestyle and the consumption of grains in Italy and abroad.

 

Students in the GLi “Food Media, Communication and Trends” course worked as video reporters, filming and interviewing participants. They produced two final products: a commercial that the festival still uses worldwide today to showcase their event and a nine minute short documentary that shows the role of Cerealia and the “sagra” festival at large as a means to promote and preserve traditions.

Food Waste Hackathon

Students had the opportunity to participate in the Hack Waste Roma event, a speed hackathon for innovative ideas. The goal was to find creative solutions to limit waste and use food surplus.

“Thanks to GLi, while I was studying in Rome in Fall 2015, I had two incredible opportunities to explore issues related to food waste and access in Italy. First, I was able to attend a panel presentation sponsored by Banco Alimentare, the national food bank. The event introduced a new app, BeeApp, that aims minimize food waste by improving communication between food stores and their local food bank. I was so fortunate to have Margherita accompany me to translate what was said! The next opportunity I had was to visit SIAF, a catering company in Bagno a Ripoli, a town outside of Florence, that is affiliated with the school next door to it. SIAF educates children about nutrition and engages them in making healthy meals so they and their families can make healthier food choices. SIAF also prepares and sells healthy dinners to parents who do not have the time or resources to make these meals themselves. The director, Antonio Ciappi, talked to me about this work that SIAF does and their larger mission, and he gave me a tour of the facilities. GLi arranged the entire visit; I couldn’t have done it without them! These opportunities I had to explore food access in Italy contribute to ongoing food justice research and work that I am doing in the United States. I’m very fortunate to have seized the chance to take my research international. Thanks, GLi!” Alex L. Alex L.Student from Hobart and William Smith Colleges “The Gustolab International Food Systems and Sustainability is run by several kind, helpful individuals who were eager to educate if you are willing to learn. Not only this, but the Institute is situated in a wonderful part of Rome, and as a student, you are given the insider’s details on where to visit and why, I loved this program, the city and the country of Italy!” Student from the CRITICAL STUDIES ON FOOD IN ITALY SUMMER 2014 PROGRAM Student from the CRITICAL STUDIES ON FOOD IN ITALY SUMMER 2014 PROGRAM Previous Next

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