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Thursday 22 June 2023

1 semester = 1 study trip is one of the principles of the pre-engineering cycle (1st & 2nd year) of UniLaSalle Rouen's international Agro, Food & Environmental Engineering program. On the menu for Parma: Parmesan, Lambrusco and Prosciutto: a program they describe to us with passion.

LEARNING BY DOING & STUDY TRIP

The study trip is a must for our young engineering students in the Agro, Food & Environmental Engineering program.

The concept? A week's immersion in a foreign city, to discover its agronomic practices and food industry, but not only that! During this emotionally-charged trip, the globe-trotting apprentices have the opportunity to visit the city, speak the language and, not forgetting: taste the local gastronomy!

The challenge is therefore twofold: to put into practice the critical analysis skills of students who are not always familiar with the agronomic methods of the destination, but also to form a real esprit de corps within the class, and strengthen cohesion. Dialogue with local producers, reflection on the sustainability of foreign systems, and exchanges between students and teachers on the day's discoveries are all enriching exercises for our budding engineers!

Let's take a look at Parma, the study trip for 1st year Agro, Food & Environmental Engineering students.

Production de jambon de Parme
Consortium de Jambon de Parme - Consorzio Del Prosciutto Di Parma 

PARMA, AN EXCEPTIONAL STUDY TRIP IN THE HEART OF ITALY

On a warm week in May, 30 of our students set off to discover Italy, and more specifically Parma, to learn more about Italian agronomy. Between visits, cultural events and meals on the Piazzale della Pace, they had no time to get bored!

A trip they also describe to us with a touch of vacation about it: "It was lovely! We were able to discover the beauty of Italy and its gastronomy, and we had lots of free time for class bonding," say Jeanne and Charlotte.

The atmosphere was relaxed and "a bit of a summer camp", but there were also some student visits! They were lucky enough to visit the Latteria sociale Santo Stefano to discover how authentic Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese is produced: "a huge production, hyper-strict regulations maintained to the letter", all for an exceptional product.

The ambition of this study trip was also to see productions little studied in class, in particular viticulture. On Wednesday afternoon, our group visited a vineyard producing Lambrusco, a typical sparkling red wine:

    "The discovery of an activity rarely seen in class, and a producer passionate about his work. It was really interesting!"

Production de parmesan, Parme
Visit to the Parmesan cheese factory - the Latteria sociale Santo Stefano 

So, this week in a few words?

For Jeanne, the trip was "enriching, fabulous and full of delights". Charlotte, who loved discovering Italian culture: "Ambiance, Dolce Vita, cuisine". Finally, Simon describes "a magnificent city, discoveries and delicious wine".

Article written by Jules Houplon, 3rd year international engineering student in "Ag, Food & Environmental Engineering" at UniLaSalle Rouen.