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Following our belief that learning at any stage in life is an enriching and rewarding experience, Study Abroad Italy is excited to present an Italian based learning center here in Northern California: VIVA - the Culinary Institute of Florence and Italian Cultural Center. VIVA was created to share a love of good food, wine and Italian culture and heritage with our neighbors, students of all ages and visitors from around the globe.

Visiting Chefs, Sommeliers and Professors from our Italy programs bring their unique expertise to VIVA’s course offerings. For over 10 years, our parent company

Study Abroad Italy has offered US and international college students the opportunity to study at prestigious English-taught programs in Milan, Florence, Rome and Sicily. Our Italian schools offer diverse and extensive curricula ranging from Master’s level design courses in Milan, culinary and fine arts in Florence, classical and science courses in Sicily and business studies in Rome. Because of our relationship with these schools and the Linguaviva Italian language school, we are fortunate to have an outstanding pool of experts to bring to you.

At VIVA, you will feel like you stepped into another world. The modern Italian aesthetic is both a surprise and a delight. The demonstration kitchen classroom provides a friendly, informal setting for meeting other engaging people

who share your love for great food. The video screen allows one to see everything the chef is doing. You are also welcome to get closer to take a look and/or participate in the preparations. Wine tastings and lectures are held in the academic classroom, which can expand or contract depending on the size of the group. There, you will meet other enthusiastic lovers of Italian art, culture, history and travel who share an interest in life-long learning.

VIVA is the perfect location for group parties for cooking classes or wine tastings.  Your group will have your own private Italian chef at your own private dinner party, only they all learn how to make the dishes you will eat and we do the clean-up!

We can offer discount rates to groups of 6 or more. Please contact us via email viva@studyabroaditaly.com for details. Maximum number for cooking classes is 12. Group class reservations need to be made 3 months in advance due to travel/scheduling arrangements with our visiting chefs and sommeliers.

VIVA is a branch site of Apicius - The Culinary Institute of Florence. Apicius offers both professional and non-professional programs in state-of-the-art facilities with classes taught in both Italian and English to international students. Apicius is also a Slow Food Firenze teaching site. Most of our visiting chefs and sommeliers come from Apicius and have a broad range of expertise in the fields of culinary arts, regional cuisine, baking and pastry and wine. They bring an authenticity

and love for Italian food, wine and culture that is both inspiring and contagious.

Study Abroad Italy
Founded in 1995, Study Abroad Italy (SAI) offers US and international college students the finest English-speaking programs available in Italy, with a varied and extensive curriculum for students arriving from many different nations. With main offices in California, SAI is the primary enrolling office for six Italy schools, handling admissions and course registration, offering housing accommodation, advising on visa and travel arrangements, as well as providing important general information. SAI is also liaison office to the more than 50 North and South American universities and colleges affiliated with our Italy programs.