Culinary Arts students selected for academic exchange in Ireland

Savannah Culinary Institute students at Savannah Technical College have been selected to attend a study abroad program at South East Technological University based in Waterford, Ireland.

“It is my pleasure on behalf of all at SETU to express my delight that we will be welcoming students from Savannah Culinary Institute to our campus in Waterford, Ireland,” said SETU Novus International Business Development Manager Páraic Fanning. “We have no doubt that your students’ experience here and the memories they will make while in Ireland will be something they will bring forward for the future.”

The two-week immersive program (July 31 – August 15) will include a working in local kitchen operations, attending culinary and pastry classes at their university and touring local sites. Proposed sessions include: Fish & Shellfish (modernizing traditional dishes); Traditional Irish Food; Introduction to Traditional Breads & Desserts; Modernizing Traditional Irish Meats and an internship where students shadow restaurant chefs to experience working in an Irish professional environment.

“We offer engaging learning opportunities that enhance our students’ exposure to the hospitality industry at the Savannah Culinary Institute,” said STC Culinary Arts Department Head Chef Gearry Caudell. “Our students are excited for their trip where they will be immersed in a unique culture, experience hands on training in Irish restaurants and learn about Ireland’s traditions while visiting historic sites.” 

Six students were selected based on an essay and preparation of an authentic Irish dish based, which was evaluated based on techniques, verbal presentation, visual presentation/portion size, flavor/texture, and timing. STC’s team of students: Jessica Fields, Grace Glover, London Harris, Rachael Dunbar, Kathy Lewis and (not pictured Jessica Osbourne) will be joined by Caudell.

“Our University has a great tradition in the Culinary sector and that coupled with the fact that you will be staying in Ireland’s oldest City, steeped in Irish culture and history one has the perfect mix to ensure students get the most from their time in Ireland,” said Fanning. “We cannot wait to see you all and welcome you to SETU.”

Savannah Culinary Institute students previously participated in an academic exchange with the Academy of Toulouse in France. Three groups of STC students traveled there in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Academy of Toulouse students studied in our labs and worked alongside restaurant chefs in Savannah in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Culinary Arts students from North Georgia Technical College will also participate in the exchange. SETU offers certificate and degree programs in International Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts.

About Savannah Technical College’s Savannah Culinary Institute

The Savannah Culinary Institute, an American Culinary Federation-accredited culinary arts program, has been described as the “best in the U.S.A” by its ACF accreditation review board. According to the ACF committee chair, the Culinary Institute of Savannah, offering ACF-accredited diploma and degree programs in culinary arts, has gone “well over and above the standards and expectations for a technical college teaching facility.” The committee recommended that the program receive the maximum accreditation time of seven years, when the average is three years. Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree graduates have a 100% placement rate in their field since 2015. The program has earned regional and national recognition with ACF-sponsored competitions. For more information visit: www.savannahtech.edu/SavannahCulinaryInstitute.

#2445 | May 22, 2024