TORONTO — Centennial College’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts is marking 2018 as the Canada-China Year of Tourism by sending 12 Centennial students to Suzhou to experience China’s food, hospitality and tourism industries.
Professor Michael Bertuzzi and chef technician Monzur Islam will lead the trip, known as a Faculty Led International Program (FLIP), beginning April 30. It includes 10 days in and around the Suzhou Centennial College campus near Shanghai.
“What makes an education in tourism from our college unique is the access students have to the global learning environment,” says Suzanne Caskie, chair of Food and Tourism Studies at Centennial. “With our campus in Suzhou and our incredible team of internationally trained and experienced faculty and staff, our students are just as prepared for tourism careers locally as they are internationally. When blended together, international food and tourism can create inspiring learning experiences.”
“The 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism represents a unique opportunity to further grow the numbers of Chinese tourists coming to Canada,” says the Honourable Bardish Chagger, leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism. “Centennial College has had a long-standing relationship with China and is once again demonstrating the true sustainability of this relationship is enhanced through shared cultural and educational experiences. Through this great opportunity, the students will gain valuable experience as we prepare for the arrival of more Chinese travellers.”
Suzhou Centennial College is the first Canadian college approved to operate in China by the Ministry of Education and by the Jiangsu Provincial Government. The partnership is reciprocal, offering opportunities for Canadian students to take a semester of their program in China.
