Hello, I noticed this posting and wanted to reply. I have just finished the Italian Master's culinary program at the ICIF, International Culinary Intstitue for Foreigners and will be completing my externship at a restaurant that is in the compound of the University of Gastronomic Science. The compound is still in restoration, I believe it was a monastary in it's previous life. Pollenza, the town it is in, is a small town outside of Bra, the birthplace of the Slowfood movement. I requested an externship with a Slowfoods affiliated restaurant and was very pleasantly surprised when I found it would be located here. The University appears to be incredibly comprehensive in concept as you can tell from their website. First classes are to begin in Sept 2004 but the hotel in the compound is to open in February. There is another hotel in the town that appears to be very nice, if you wanted to visit to check it out. I am scheduled to return to Italy and Pollenza in March. I'd be happy to keep you updated on what I find out about the school while working their. I agree, the tuition is high, and the three year program is a committment. I'm not sure if it's necessary for a successful career in the culinary or wine worlds but if you are an academic, I think it is a wonderful opportunity if you can afford it.
