University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment students recently embarked on a journey to Italy exploring the country’s food and culture.

The trip, led by the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, was designed to give students a firsthand look at how Italian food and culture intertwine. Students visited farms, markets, restaurants and met Italian chefs, farmers and food producers.

Rather than relying on traditional classroom settings, the trip encourages participants to observe and understand the nuances Italian culture brings to food and health while comparing them to their experiences in the United States.

"This trip has evolved over the years where now we are focusing on the impact of food culture, health and overall well-being,” said Liz Combs, a senior lecturer in DHN who taught the students. “We want the students to observe how Italian culture and the environment impact health behaviors and compare that to what we have here in the United States."

Students visited six diverse locations across Italy, each offering distinct cultural and culinary experiences. The journey began in Rome and continued to Naples, Sorrento, Florence, Tuscany, eventually concluding in Venice.

“One key aspect of this trip was the students' active participation and engagement,” said Heather Norman-Burgdolf, DHN assistant professor. “Rather than being passive tourists, our students embraced the role of travelers, fully immersing themselves in the Italian way of life. They went on a series of unique explorations, including visits to a buffalo dairy, witnessing mozzarella production, engaging in truffle hunting and participating in food tours through local communities.”

Participants met Italian families and farmers, forming personal connections.

“Students met with different locals to learn the stories and traditions surrounding the food they ate, each with a different learning opportunity,” Combs said. “The pride and dedication demonstrated by Italian families and communities in their culinary goods created an indelible impression on the students, creating a deeper awareness for the cultural value of food.”

Additionally, students hiked along Sorrento's coastline and biked through Tuscany and along the island of Lido, where they learned more about the area’s sustainability efforts.

“Venice and the surrounding islands, like Lido, are directly and negatively impacted by climate change,” Norman-Burgdolf said. “These changes are also connected to food production in the region. The aspect of sustainability is naturally woven into the food system in this area, which contrasts greatly to what students may experience in the U.S.”

During the tour, Norman-Burgdolf noted the students' respect and consideration for the local culture and communities stood out. Their behavior garnered praise from local tour guides, demonstrating their eagerness to learn and aptitude for navigating and embracing diverse cultures. This cultural exchange had a profound effect on both the students and locals.

"We weren't just tourists. We were truly interacting with community locals," Norman-Burgdolf said. "When the students talk about this trip, they aren't just talking about what they saw. They are talking about what they experienced and how they felt and that it was a trip that really meant something to them."

Looking ahead, DHN has two more planned education abroad experiences. In December, a group will participate in a cultural immersion trip to Hawaii. A trip to Greece in May 2024 is a partnership with the College of Nursing. To learn more about these opportunities, contact Combs at elmars2@uky.edu.