PALM DESERT, Calif. — Hospitality management students from the Palm Desert campus of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) have returned from a transformative study abroad trip to Italy, where they immersed themselves in the rich culinary and cultural traditions of the country while gaining practical industry insights.
The spring break program, led by faculty members Joe Tormey and Michelle Russen, took students to the historic cities of Bologna, Modena, and Florence. There, students participated in culinary workshops, toured renowned local businesses, and explored significant landmarks, all while observing Italy’s celebrated approach to hospitality firsthand.
“Experiencing the hotels, restaurants, museums, churches, and the guided tours—it really opened my eyes to what I want to do in the future,” said one student. “It made me realize I chose the right major.”
Designed to integrate academic learning with real-world experience, the trip provided a dynamic platform for students to connect classroom theory with its application in a global context. Italy’s hospitality culture—renowned for its warmth, professionalism, and deeply rooted traditions—served as both a case study and an inspiration.
The experience proved to be more than just a cultural excursion; it marked a pivotal moment in many students’ educational journeys. As they return to campus, students bring with them a renewed enthusiasm for the hospitality industry and a clearer sense of their future career aspirations.
CSUSB continues to emphasize global engagement and experiential learning as essential components of its hospitality management curriculum, equipping students with the skills and perspectives needed to succeed in an international industry.
