Apicius Armenia Opens New, Fully Equipped Hospitality School Building in Dilijan

YEREVAN, September 8. /ARKA/. Apicius Armenia International School of Hospitality has officially opened its new educational building in Dilijan, marking an important step in the development of international hospitality education in Armenia.

The new three-story building has been designed and fully equipped to international standards, creating a modern learning environment for students preparing for careers in Armenia’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.

Apicius Armenia is the Armenian branch of Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence. Established in Dilijan in 2025 by the Green Rock Foundation with the support of Green Rock, the school brings international hospitality education to Armenia while adapting it to the needs of the local market.

The opening ceremony was attended by Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, Ambassador of Italy to Armenia Alessandro Ferranti, as well as representatives of the Tavush Regional Administration and the Dilijan Municipality.

Education That Connects Learning with Real Experience

Practical experience is at the heart of Apicius Armenia’s educational approach. Around 80% of the learning process takes place in real hospitality environments, allowing students to develop professional skills while they are still studying.

The school’s facilities include CEMI (CEMI by Apicius), a student café operated by Apicius students from the very beginning of their studies. The café is also open to visitors and residents of Dilijan, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real working environment.

Apicius Armenia offers a two-year educational program. Depending on their study pathway, students can continue their second year in Florence or complete the full program in Armenia. During their studies, they receive an internationally recognized professional qualification and can also continue their education through bachelor’s degree programs at the American University of Florence.

From Dilijan to Florence

The school’s first academic year has already produced tangible results. Eight students have moved from Dilijan to Florence to continue their education and gain international professional experience.

Now in its second academic year, Apicius Armenia brings together several dozen students from different countries, all preparing to build their careers in the hospitality industry.

Expanding Access Through Scholarships

Apicius Armenia also offers scholarship opportunities based on different criteria, including motivation, academic potential and financial need. The scholarship fund is supported by contributions from organizations and partners committed to expanding access to hospitality education.

Green Rock is the school’s largest scholarship contributor and provides 10 full scholarships every year to Apicius Armenia students.

Katerina Danekina, CEO of Green Rock Management Group, said the creation and development of Apicius Armenia is part of a broader vision for Dilijan — one that places people and education at the center of the city’s future.

“When we began shaping our vision for Dilijan’s development, we knew that its future had to be about much more than buildings and infrastructure. It had to be about people — creating an environment where talented and ambitious young people can learn, grow and build their future.

That is why education has such an important place in our vision. Apicius Armenia brings international experience and knowledge to Armenia, giving young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, discover their potential and build careers in hospitality.

Today, we are opening a new building, but more importantly, we are opening a new chapter.”

Katya Bredikhina, Director of the Green Rock Foundation, emphasized that Apicius is designed to go beyond traditional classroom education by connecting students with real work experience and the local community.

“When developing its projects, the Green Rock Foundation always considers their long-term impact. We are implementing cultural, educational and community projects at the same time to contribute to the comprehensive development of Dilijan.

In the same spirit, Apicius is more than just a school. It gives students education, real-world experience and a direct connection with the local community.

Our goal is to prepare professionals who are ready to work in a real environment from day one and contribute to the long-term development of Dilijan.”

The development of Apicius Armenia by Green Rock and the Green Rock Foundation is part of a broader strategy to support Dilijan’s long-term development, strengthen Armenia’s hospitality education ecosystem, bring international expertise to the local context, and prepare a new generation of qualified professionals for the country’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.