French + Gastronomy Summer Program in France

The Embassy of France in Canada and Algonquin College invite you to train in France this summer. Algonquin College Culinary Management students are invited to apply for a summer training opportunity in Rouen, Normandy, France. Two students will be selected to participate in the French + Gastronomy program. The program combines French language learning, cultural discovery, and gastronomy-focused training delivered through French in Normandy and École Fauchon.

Overview

French + Gastronomy is a three-week program in Rouen, Normandy that blends language learning, gastronomy training, and cultural immersion. Rouen is promoted as a gastronomic and cultural destination, and the program is designed for English-speaking students, including beginners in French. Gastronomy workshops at École Fauchon are delivered in English.

Program dates

Session 1: June 22, 2026 to July 10, 2026

OR

Session 2: July 13, 2026 to July 31, 2026

 

Program structure

  • 40 hours per week
  • 15 hours per week of French as a foreign language at French in Normandy
  • Gastronomy module at École Fauchon with practical workshops and industry exposure
  • Guided project module and team presentation
  • Cultural visits in Rouen and Normandy, including visits to two important regional tourist sites

Students will

  • Take morning French classes and afternoon workshops from Monday to Friday, subject to occasional schedule adjustments
  • Develop French language, communication, and intercultural skills
  • Participate in hands-on cooking and pastry workshops at École Fauchon
  • Learn about French table arts, cheese, bread, wine, cocktails, pastry, and culinary techniques
  • Meet producers and gastronomy professionals, such as artisan chocolatiers, cheesemakers, and hospitality professionals
  • Complete a culinary project and team presentation
  • Take part in weekend cultural visits and excursions in Rouen and Normandy

Weekly focus

  • Week 1: table arts, cheese, sommelier foundations, wine tasting, cocktails and mocktails, and cheese and bread tasting
  • Week 2: pastry arts, including chocolate work, gâteaux de voyage, choux pastries, and macarons
  • Week 3: culinary arts, including plant-based cuisine, meat and poultry, seafood, and a final culinary challenge

Eligibility

  • Be a current Algonquin College student enrolled in the Culinary Management program at the time of application
  • Eligibility for scholarships is limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students may apply to enroll but are responsible for paying the full fees.
  • Have returning status for Spring 2026 or Fall 2026
  • Not be encumbered, with no academic probation or significant outstanding academic concerns
  • Have no significant conduct or behavioural violations on record
  • Hold a valid passport that meets French and Schengen entry requirements for the full travel period plus the required additional validity period
  • If not a Canadian citizen, be able to obtain any required entry visa before departure
  • Be able to participate in all scheduled program activities, travel dates, and academic components
  • Applicants must not be fluent in French

Costs and funding

There are two funded spots available for Algonquin College students through this opportunity. For the two selected students, the Embassy of France in Canada will cover:

  • program costs;
  • shared apartment accommodations;
  • a limited food stipend.

Algonquin College will provide learners $1500.00 to the selected participants to support flight and train costs.

Inclusions and exclusions

  • Included: published program delivery, French language instruction, gastronomy workshops, guided project activities, and planned cultural programming that forms part of the program package
  • Excluded unless separately confirmed: airfare, rail travel, passport costs, visa costs, spending money, and personal expenses
  • Students should review travel document requirements early and be prepared for any personal costs not covered through the program or funding supports

Selection process

  • There are two open spots available
  • Selected candidates will be chosen based on academic merit, reference letter, and essay
  • Application deadline: April 26th, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Selected candidates will be notified by May 7, 2026
  • Culinary students not selected for the scholarship may still attend the program by paying the full fees. Canadian learners and permanent residents may also be eligible for GuardMe Travel Award of up to $1500,00 CAD

Why apply

  • Strengthen culinary skills in an international setting
  • Learn from French gastronomy professionals and École Fauchon instructors
  • Gain exposure to French gastronomy, pastry, hospitality, and food culture
  • Develop French language skills in an immersive environment
  • Build intercultural skills and international experience
  • Add a recognized international training experience to an academic and professional profile

More information here

French in Normandy program page: https://www.frenchinnormandy.com/french-gastronomy/

French + Gastronomy brochure: https://www.frenchinnormandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FrenchGastronomy_Plaquette.pdf

Campus France program page: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/the-french-gastronomy-and-french-hospitality-programs

How to apply

Students should submit the required application materials by the deadline above. Please see the application form below.

  • Essay
  • Reference letter
  • Unofficial transcript from ACSIS

If you apply to and are selected for this opportunity, you agree to:

  • Attend mandatory pre-departure meeting(s) which will be scheduled in the months prior to the trip
  • Abide by the College’s Student Code of Conduct
  • Follow and adhere to Algonquin College’s Travel Code of Conduct Agreement

If you have any questions, please reach out to ac-overseas@algonquincollege.com.

French + Gastronomy Summer Program in France — Application Form

Train in France this summer. Algonquin College Culinary Management students are invited to apply for a summer training opportunity in Rouen, Normandy, France. Two students will be selected to participate in the French + Gastronomy program in partnership with the Embassy of France in Canada. The program combines French language learning, cultural discovery, and gastronomy-focused training delivered through French in Normandy and École Fauchon.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Section 1: Application Form

Name*
Date of Birth*
Address*
Are you currently receiving OSAP?*
Max. file size: 63 MB.
Approximately 500 words. Please answer the following: 1. Explain the personal, academic, and professional motivations that inspire you to apply for this program in France. How will this opportunity support your goals and growth? 2. Describe your involvement in your community—such as volunteering, employment, or other contributions—and explain how these experiences have shaped you and prepared you for this exchange.
Max. file size: 63 MB.
Must be completed by a professor/instructor who has taught you at Algonquin College.
Max. file size: 63 MB.
Unofficial transcripts can be accessed through ACSIS.

Passport

Please note, you will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date should you be selected for this opportunity. Additionally, if you are a Permanent Resident you will need to ensure that you have a valid Permanent Resident Card for the duration of travel.
Declaration*
Consent*