Published by ArmenPress
The first international hospitality and gastronomy school will soon open in Armenia. Thanks to Apicius Armenia, students will be able to study in Dilijan and Florence, receive education according to European standards and become a new generation of leaders in this field.
The school will become the first international educational center in the region in the field of hospitality and gastronomy. Apicius Armenia will work in cooperation with the International Hospitality School of Apicius in Florence, combining Armenian traditions with European experience and modern approaches.
«Armenpress» talked with the head of «Green Rock» foundation and Apicius Armenia project Katya Bredikhina about the opening of the school, its activities, opportunities and a number of important issues that interest many.
-Please tell us a little about «Apicius of Armenia» and how the idea to open «Apicius of Armenia» in Armenia arose.
Apicius Armenia is the first centre of its kind in the region for academic and professional education in hospitality and gastronomy. It will open in Dilijan in September 2025 and will work in partnership with one of the most prestigious professional schools in Europe – Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence.
The idea of the project was born from a simple but ambitious observation: Armenia has enormous human, cultural and natural potential in the field of tourism and hospitality, but so far there was no such center that could provide education at the European level in this industry.
The Green Rock Foundation is actively working to develop Dilijan as a center of knowledge, innovation and sustainable development. Apicius Armenia will be part of this transformation. We strive to give the opportunity to Armenian youth to study at home, but according to international standards – with practice, internships, career support and international perspectives. We believe that quality education is not only an investment in the individual, but also in the economy, culture and future of the country.
– What values will «Apicius Armenia» bring to the field of hospitality in Armenia? What do you consider most important in education in the field of hospitality?
Apicius Armenia brings to Armenia the whole philosophy of professional education developed by our Italian partners over the past 27 years. We believe that hospitality is not just a service, it is a culture of relationships, empathy, the ability to understand people and make their stay in a place unforgettable.
The value system of Apicius Armenia is based on a clear understanding of what modern hospitality education should be. We focus on hands-on learning because we believe that it is real experience that allows students to be prepared for the real challenges of the industry and immediately adapt to the professional environment. Special attention is paid to the quality of education and professionalism – we work with leading teachers from Italy and other countries and develop educational programs that meet international standards. The educational environment at Apicius Armenia will be truly intercultural: there is an organic combination of Armenian traditions and Italian hospitality school, which is especially important in today’s world. Also at the center of our approach is the pursuit of innovation and sustainable development: we integrate modern technologies into training, focus on working with local resources and follow the latest global trends in the industry.
In hospitality education, the most important thing is a combination of emotional intelligence, professional skills and personal responsibility. We don’t just teach you how to cook or run a hotel – we shape the mindset of a hospitality leader.
-What program do you plan to offer in Armenia? Will it be similar to the one in Italy?
Yes, the program will be identical to that implemented in Apicius Florence. We offer a two-year academic program with the possibility of obtaining a diploma in two fields: Management in the field of hospitality and Art of gastronomy and viticulture.
The first year students study in Dilijan, and the second year – by choice: either continue their studies in Armenia or go to school in Florence. This provides flexibility, but also ensures a coherent European certificate.
In addition, we will have a developed direction of professional development: short courses for active restaurateurs, hoteliers, chefs and courses on sustainable hospitality, wine culture and restaurant management.
And finally, amateur courses – for everyone, including tourists. It is gastronomic workshops, tastings, open kitchen events – a way to touch the Italian and Armenian cuisine and culture in an informal atmosphere.
– Do you plan to invite specialists from Italy to teach at «Apicius Armenia»?
Yes, this is a crucial part of the project. We are sure that the experience and charisma of the Italian and other international teachers-practitioners teaching at Apicius Florence is not just teaching, it is inspiration. These specialists not only teach, they share their professional way, philosophy, approach to work.
The participation of international chefs, wine culture experts, managers from industry will be an integral part of the program. This will also include guest lectures, master classes and student mentoring. This creates the very «international environment» that is so valued in the field of hospitality.-Will students have the opportunity to spend part of their studies in Italy?
Yes, of course. We specifically designed the program so that students could study their second year in Italy at the Apicius campus in Florence. This is a unique opportunity not only to deepen knowledge, but also to immerse yourself in another culture, understand European standards in practice, make professional acquaintances.
Learning in Florence will give an invaluable advantage: the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most touristic cities in the world, practicing practical skills in real projects Apicius, training based on experience (experiential learning), in leading restaurants and hotels in Italy, participation in major gastronomic events and, not least, cultural integration. It is an experience that stays with a person forever.
– What influence do you think the school can have on the development of tourism and gastronomic sphere in Armenia?
Apicius Armenia can play a transformative role for the entire tourism ecosystem. Above all, we prepare a new generation of professionals – people who will not just work in restaurants or hotels, but will create new formats, standards, brands.
Second, we create a center that will attract tourists, restaurateurs, professionals, students and teachers from other countries. This is cultural and educational tourism, which can give Armenia a new reputation as the center of gastronomic culture of the region.
Third, through cooperation with business and the state we will strengthen the local economy – from wineries and farms to hotels and cafes, offering new products, services and formats.
-Do you plan to cooperate with local restaurants, hotels or educational institutions?
Yes, today we are already actively forming cooperation with leading restaurants, wineries, hotels and professional culinary communities in Armenia. Such partnerships play a key role in the development of our project: they provide students with the opportunity to undergo internships in real industry conditions, which greatly improves the quality of their training. In addition, current industry professionals will be able to participate in advanced training courses, updating their knowledge and skills in accordance with the latest global standards. Joint initiatives such as gastronomic festivals, workshops and tasting events not only strengthen the links between education and business, but also become important events to attract the attention of the public, tourists and media.
We are also open to collaborating with other educational institutions to strengthen the educational environment in the region and share knowledge.
– What opportunities will young people get through «Apicius Armenia»?
Young people will have the chance to develop their potential in an internationally recognized profession. We are not only talking about cooking skills or hotel management – we are talking about the opportunity to build a career, travel, represent Armenia in the international arena.
Apicius Armenia provides its students with a solid foundation for the successful start of their professional career. Education at the school is completed with an internationally recognized diploma, which opens the door to career opportunities not only in Armenia but also outside of it. The program includes compulsory modules of experiential learning (experiential learning) based on real industry enterprises that allows students to apply their knowledge in practice. Special attention is given to the development of personal and communication skills – qualities that are particularly in demand in the field of hospitality. In addition, students become part of a broad international professional network, which greatly expands their prospects and opportunities for further growth and cooperation.
We especially want to help young people from regions that often do not have access to quality education and international opportunities.
-Who can study at this school?
Learning at Apicius Armenia is available to anyone who is sufficiently motivated, speaks English and strives for development. We are targeting both school leavers and students, young professionals and those who want to change careers regardless of age.
In addition, we will have short programs and courses open to everyone – from farmers and entrepreneurs to tourists and culinary enthusiasts. We want to be accessible and useful for the whole community.
-What approaches to learning do you use in «Apicius Armenia» and how they affect the educational process of students?
Our approach is based on Experiential “hands-on learning”. From the first days, students are involved in real projects and tasks characteristic of the industry. They work on cases, hold tastings, organize events and participate in team initiatives, developing not only professional skills but also responsibility, leadership qualities and teamwork. The educational process at Apicius Armenia is built on a balanced model where theory and practice have equal weight. The training process is evenly distributed among three key components: theoretical foundations, laboratory work and practical experience through participation in real projects and case studies.
This approach makes learning dynamic, applied and truly engaged. Students do not simply assimilate the material, but learn to apply it in real situations, which greatly increases their readiness for professional activities. This creates not just technical expertise, but self-confident leaders who can adapt, make decisions and develop the hospitality industry to a new level.
– What are the conditions and requirements for students wishing to study at «Apicius Armenia»?
Apicius Armenia requires a high school diploma, as well as proficiency in the English language at a level not lower than B1, since the instruction is conducted entirely in English. In addition, applicants are interviewed. When selecting candidates, we pay attention not only to formal requirements but also to personal qualities: motivation, willingness to learn, openness to new experiences and a sincere interest in the field of hospitality are important. The educational program is intensive and requires a high degree of involvement, responsibility and organization on the part of students, so we are looking for those who are willing to invest seriously in their future.
- Are there any scholarship programs that can be used by students of «Apicius Armenia»?
Yes, we have developed a multi-level scholarship system in collaboration with business, private donors and charities. We want talent, not financial opportunities, to determine the student’s path. Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive education that will help develop talents throughout Armenia and beyond.
