The International School of Italian Cuisine, or ALMA, housed in the magnificent Ducal Palace of Colorno just outside Parma, arranges lessons and tours for visiting food lovers under the guidance of expert chefs; it's the brainchild of the renowned Milanese chef Gualtiero Marchesi.

Typically to become Chef and Cook/Head Cook you need a Diploma in Culinary skills. Often restaurants and hotels look for formal qualification with experience. You can pursue a certificate programme / associate degree / bachelor's degree or diploma from a culinary school near you.