Over the last 10 years, students of the Italian hospitality school have made an annual three-week trip to Melbourne during their summer holidays, while Emmaus students have headed to Italy at the end of the Australian school year.
The Italian students stay with their Australian counterparts’ families, while the favour is returned when Emmaus students visit Italy.
The initiative is a great way to form strong friendships between teens who live halfway across the world from each other.
During their three weeks in Melbourne, the Italians have the chance to participate in various activities, including a trip to Phillip Island.
During the second week of the program, the hospitality students put their knowledge and skills to test by undertaking placements in Victorian hotels and restaurants.
They also have the opportunity to share this knowledge with their new Australian friends, teaching them how to cook traditional dishes such as pizza and pasta from scratch.
This year, the young travellers even took over Emmaus College’s canteen for a week, serving up Italian specialties for all students to savour, including tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, polpette di carne, cannoli, and much more.
The 10th anniversary of exchange between the two schools was celebrated on August 2, with a sumptuous dinner at the Canterbury International Hotel.
Special guests included: principal of the Arturo Prever ISS, Renato Merlone; coordinator of the exchange program, Marina Fissore; and former Emmaus College students, many of whom participated in the initiative and still have fond memories of their experience.
