Italy: Automotive and Culinary

Estimated Travel Dates

May 19-30, 2026

Program Eligibility

• All participants must be 18 or over.
• Central Piedmont students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Associated Courses

Pick one:

• Automotive cohort
  • AUT 113: Automotive Servicing
  • AUT 213: Automotive Servicing II
• Culinary cohort
  • CUL 287/287A: Cultural Experience
  • Continuing Education Course (no credit, applicants outside of the Culinary and Automotive Departments will be required to take this course)

Please note: if you receive financial aid assistance with tuition costs and the course you select is not within your degree plan, it may not be covered under financial aid. It is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor AND your financial aid advisor.

Program Leaders

• Automotive cohort
  • Chris Facente
  • Matthew Smith
• Culinary cohort
  • Beth Thompson-Peace
  • Tessia Harman

Program Highlights

Automotive

• Visit Nexteer, a global leading motion control technology company working to solve motion control challenges including electrification, software/connectivity, automated driving and shared mobility.
• Experience Pinacoteca Agnelli, an outdoor art project that transforms a former test track into a series of artistic and environmental installations.
• Take a tour of the National Automobile Museum in Turin to see a collection of almost 200 cars among 80 automobile brands.
• Participate in an interactive experience and driving simulator at the Lamborghini Museum and Factory to learn about 50 years of production line history.
• Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum and take a tour at the Maserati Factory.

Culinary

• Visit Leone Candy Factory and Laboratory founded in 1857 on a guided tour and tasting and a hands-on chocolate workshop.
• Participate in a Piedmontese Cooking Class taught by a local chef exploring local ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural connections to food.
• Spend a day in the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site to learn about local grape varieties, sustainable cultivation methods, and the winemaking process.
• Experience a guided tour of the Gelato Museum Carpigiani in Bologna to learn about the history of gelato, and the tools and techniques used to produce it over time.
• Visit the Lavazza Museum for an immersive experience through the history, culture, and techniques of the iconic Turin-based coffee brand.

Predeparture Engagement Requirements

Required: in-person predeparture meeting. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive information about the date and time of this meeting.

Money Matters

Estimated cost: $4,100 + $100 application fee

This estimated cost includes:

• airfare and transportation
• lodging
• some meals
• program costs
• travel insurance

Payment deadlines will be posted soon.

Additional Expenses

The following expenses are not included in the program fee:

• passport and visa fees (if applicable)
• personal expenses, such as meals not included, souvenirs, and activities outside of the itinerary
• course registration fees at Central Piedmont that are associated with the program.

Application Instructions

1. Apply for the program through Campus Community.
2. Create an account or log in to Campus Community with your Central Piedmont email through the provided link.
3. Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety including the video submission and essay questions. Studying Abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.
4. Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment in Campus Community.

Note: If any of these steps are not completed, your application will not be considered.

Community members are welcome to apply. If you are not a Central Piedmont student or employee, please email us to request an application and the necessary forms.

Apply Now

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are available for students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis, so it is important that you apply for the scholarships early and thoroughly. Please email Global Learning with any questions.

1. Submit your application to the study abroad program of your choice. Please note that you do not have to wait until you are accepted into the program to apply for scholarships.
2. Submit the scholarship application through Campus Community and use your Central Piedmont email to log in. Make sure that you take the time to completely and thoughtfully complete the application.
3. Two letters of recommendation are required for this scholarship application. At least one of them must be an academic recommendation. The forms and instructions to have your recommenders submit these letters are at the end of the scholarship application in Campus Community. Note: When you reach out to someone for a recommendation letter, please make sure that you give them at least two weeks to submit the letter, clear instructions on how to submit the letter, and provide them with any information necessary to strengthen your recommendation letter, such as why you are interested in the opportunity to study abroad or how this program will impact your academic and professional career. Providing them with this information helps them write a tailored recommendation letter that will enhance your application.

Scholarship Application