Shrewsbury College welcomed 10 Italian students for the week from Valeggio, in the province of Verona, Italy.

The programme which is now in its eighth year sees Hospitality & Catering students, and in more recent years Travel & Tourism students, from each college spend the week with a host family.

“The purpose of the exchange programme is for the students to experience one another’s cultures, with emphasis on food and tourism,” explained Sean McNulty, Senior Chef Lecturer at Shrewsbury College.

“The week included a variety of cultural and culinary based activities, including day trips to Liverpool, Ironbridge and around Shrewsbury Town Centre and working alongside our budding chefs in the production kitchens, making traditional Afternoon Tea and preparing for Thursday night’s Gala dinner.”

Lewis Barton, 19, Catering Student at Shrewsbury College said: “This week has been really fun. Francesco and I have got on really well and he settled in with my family quickly. We have been able to teach other different food techniques, and he is particularly fond of the bacon butties I made him.

“The Gala dinner was fantastic, it is great to be able to end the week with a bang, and it’s nice for the Italian students to get the opportunity to cook for everyone here.

“I am really looking forward to Italy now, in particular the day trips to Venice and Lake Garda. I think the exchange programme is a great idea and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to definitely take part.”

Carol Thomas, English teacher from Valeggio, Italy said, “I have been working with Sean for many years now and we have a fantastic working relationship. It is a great opportunity for our Italian students because they don’t often go abroad. One of the most important things is living with the English family as it broadens their minds and is an incentive for them to join other international projects.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our week at Shrewsbury College and look forward to hosting the English students when they come over in May.”

The exchange programme came about when Sean met Italian Chef Lecturer Giuseppe Bischetti at the Ludlow Food Festival in 2004.

The students from Shrewsbury College will get a taste of Italy when they visit in early May.

For more information about Hospitality & Catering courses or Travel & Tourism courses, please call 01743 342 333 or click here.