The 2025 edition of the ALLIANCE Summer Program in Lyon brought together a dynamic cohort of international students for an immersive ten-week culinary and cultural experience. Now in its 20th year, the program continues to provide a unique platform where young talents from around the world come to explore the essence of French gastronomy while forging meaningful connections in an inspiring global environment.

From the very first day, students were welcomed into a supportive and vibrant community. The initial days were designed to foster connection and ease students into their new surroundings, with team-building activities and informal challenges that helped establish a sense of belonging. Quickly, the group found its rhythm, setting the tone for a summer filled with collaboration, discovery, and shared growth.

The heart of the program lay in its professional kitchen training. Under the guidance of experienced chefs, students progressed through a rigorous, yet engaging curriculum rooted in the fundamentals of French culinary tradition. They explored key techniques and worked with seasonal ingredients across multiple kitchen stations, gradually transitioning from basic skills to more complex preparations. Over the weeks, the students were introduced to classical methods: the handling of fish and shellfish, pasta-making, bakery and pastry techniques, contemporary cooking. Their training was punctuated by practical exams that challenged them to apply what they had learned under real-time pressure, reinforcing their progress and confidence. They had the opportunity to apply their growing knowledge outside the labs as well, stepping into real-world restaurant environments. These immersions into our restaurants deepened their appreciation of the culinary craft and highlighted the link between technique, customer experience, and kitchen culture.

A standout element of the program was the opportunity to participate in live, real-world events. Most notably, students took part in the Lyon Street Food Festival, where they collaborated with professional chefs, worked in fast-paced service environments, and contributed meaningfully to one of the city’s most celebrated culinary gatherings. This hands-on involvement in a high-pressure public event gave them invaluable insight into the realities of the industry and was a highlight for many.

Throughout the program, creativity and cultural diversity were celebrated, particularly during the International Buffet Challenge, where students worked to design dishes inspired by their home countries. Events like these, along with informal gatherings and social moments, helped foster a sense of connection and mutual respect, reinforcing the program’s mission to build bridges through food and shared experience.

By the end of the ten weeks, the transformation among students was evident, not only in their technical growth, but also in their personal development. They left the program with stronger culinary foundations, greater cultural awareness, and lasting friendships. Many expressed feeling happy, tired, and fulfilled: a perfect reflection of the journey they had just completed.

The ALLIANCE Summer Program 2025 was a testament to the power of experiential learning, international exchange, and the unifying nature of gastronomy. We are proud of this cohort’s accomplishments and grateful to our partners for their continued trust. We look forward to many more editions of this inspiring program, and to welcoming the next generation of aspiring chefs and cultural ambassadors.