Lithuanian students improved their skills in Italy & Malta

Marijampole (Lithuania)

Eating culture in Lithuania is rapidly changing. The Lithuanian cuisine and cafes and restaurants making their way to a variety of European cuisine. But the students of VET schools – future chefs, waiters, bartenders- acquire only basic skills at school. They lack knowledge about the world cuisine and the features of customer service of different nations. They know about modern cuisine and the world dishes mostly from TV shows or magazines.

Therefore, Erasmus+ project “Southern European cuisine for better training of specialists“ No. 2016-1-LT01-KA102-022814 implemented by Marijampole VET Centre aimed to familiarize students with cuisine of Southern European countries. During the placements in Italy and Malta the students deepened their professional knowledge about Mediterranean cuisine and seafood, cooking technologies, got acquainted with other cultures, broadened learning horizons. Future waiters, bartenders got familiar with the various clients, with a supply of dishes, with features of tourist service, besides they developed foreign language skills and knowledge.

The project also aimed to help students, originating from the province and from disadvantaged families, to gain international and intercultural competence, to develop communication skills, learn dynamism and ability to assume responsibility for their own learning outcomes and professional achievements, improve general skills. The project encouraged students’ creativity and provided an opportunity to integrate into the EU and Lithuanian labor market.