Daniel Yacoubian's Study Abroad in Italy

The Collins College of Hospitality Management not only prepares students for the workforce but requires students to be a part of it before graduating. Daniel Yacoubian, a senior hospitality management student, spent his summer studying abroad in Italy. Yacoubian participated in The Collins College’s study abroad program at the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence for four weeks. Furthermore, he attended the Florence University of the Arts for an additional three weeks and was assigned as a server and barista in the school’s café and restaurant to gain international work experience.

Monday through Friday at 8 a.m., Yacoubian would start his day at Fedora Café, a local coffee shop, whipping up espressos until noon. Then, he would work an eight-hour shift at the Ganzo restaurant from 2-10 p.m. This was Yacoubian’s work schedule for three weeks, and he said he loved every moment of it.

During those three weeks, Yacoubian said, “the highlight of my trip was interacting with the local Italian community and learning how their hospitality standards compare to American hospitality standards.”

Yacoubian said Ganzo’s restaurant manager, Lapo, held high expectations for the way food should be served because Italians held a high expectation for their meals. “It is an unspoken rule among Italians that they cannot edit their order because the way food is presented and served contributes to the guest experience,” Yacoubian said.

Looking back at his time abroad, Yacoubian said he enjoyed working at the Fedora Café the most. “People interact with each other while they wait or drink their coffee, and I even had some regular customers who would come in just to speak with me,” Yacoubian said. “They value community, and that was so different compared to a Starbucks back home.”

During his time in Florence, Daniel Yacoubian’s brother, Vahe Yacoubian, came to visit him. Coincidentally, while dining at his hotel, Vahe Yacoubian ran into someone from Cal Poly Pomona.

“I was dining alone, and a gentleman invited me to join his party at his table,” Vahe Yacoubian said. “I explained that I was in Italy to see my brother, who was here through The Collins College Study Abroad Program. I explained how special The Collins College of Hospitality Management program was and that my brother felt fortunate to be a part of a great educational institution that had a family-like feel.”

Vahe Yacoubian’s story sent the group into chuckles because sitting at the table was none other than President Coley.

“The world truly felt small at that moment,” Vahe Yacoubian said. “President Coley expressed how proud she was of the students who emerged from The Collins College. She told me she always runs into Collins College graduates thriving in the hospitality industry when she travels. I realized then that my brother was fortunate to be part of a university that was invested in its students’ success.”

Daniel Yacoubian could not believe the circumstances but was in shock when he received a personal email from President Coley recounting her meal with his brother.

Yacoubian would like to thank The Collins College for equipping him with international experience in the hospitality industry and Lesley Butler for being his advisor abroad.