Rodney moved to Greece from Zimbabwe to become a Swiss Alpine Center culinary arts student at the City Unity College seaside campus. He has a message for future candidates!
By Rodney Itayi Zishiri
“As I decided to embark on a second career path, it was demoralizing to hear that it would be too complicated to learn a new craft that requires particular skillsets at this stage in my life. Many said that I had missed the window for a future in the culinary arts.
But a passion for the art of food preparation, and my mother’s unwavering support would serve as catalysts in my search for the perfect diploma program and opportunity. As I finally stumbled upon the Culinary Arts program at the City Unity College campus in Greece, I knew instantly that I had found what I was looking for. A temporary move to Greece from Zimbabwe could be life-changing…So I went for it!
From the word hello, Swiss Alpine Center and its founder, Mrs. Hoffman, were very welcoming and assured me that this was the right place for high-quality education in culinary arts combined with business administration. They answered all my questions and quelled all my doubts. I was ecstatic! The enrollment process was swift and easy. The staff were very responsive to any queries that I had, and they assisted with my visa and immigration processing. This was a very pleasant experience.
This institute has renowned chefs, top-class facilities, and an intimate teaching style. The program is centered around experiential learning and organized by knowledgeable chefs with vast international experience, including some with Michelin Star accreditation. The City Unity College campus is located in a beautiful suburb of the Athenian Riviera. Students are both Greek and international, making the environment warm and appealing.
The Swiss Alpine Center has been operational for 35 years and has international alumni in top executive positions within the hospitality industry. These alumni help students by sharing their expertise as guest lecturers and also form an indispensable network that students and alumni can leverage to gain internships and opportunities for furthering their culinary careers. I myself was interviewed by an Alpine alumnus for my first internship with a world-renowned hotel, the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Vouliagmeni. The hotel’s Michelin Star restaurant is where I began my commis chef internship, on May 3rd, 2022.
I always tell my friends and family about how beneficial attending the Swiss Alpine Center at City Unity College has been for me. I highly recommend it! If you come with the right attitude, I assure you, you will leave feeling transformed, with an increased set of valuable skills that will accompany you for the rest of your life. Skills that you did not have before you walked through their doors!
Good luck to all future candidates. Perhaps I’ll have the pleasure of interviewing you for a position in an esteemed culinary establishment in the future!”
