The 2006 Winter Olympic Games and many other big international events have recently attracted more global awareness and attention to the city of Torino and the Region of Piedmont in Northwest Italy. As a result of this new awareness, tourism has rapidly grown throughout the region and has focused on the many cultural and recreational assets the area has to offer. From the lakes, the mountains, wine country, and the seaside, to the museums, abbeys, and churches, it is a fact that Piedmont has something that is sure to interest almost everyone.

Italian and regional law regulates the tourism sector to ensure the traveler receives a high quality experience of the country from very knowledgable guides, and therefore requires every tour guide to receive training and pass a tourism competency exam. This program, from one of the leading cultural educational institutions in the region, prepares students with the knowledge required to pass the tour guide certificate exam and receive formal approval from the state to work in the field.

Students participating in this class will learn the fundamentals of art history, regional history, communication techniques, didactical activities at the museum, and tourism organization. Most of all, they will learn how to lead a group of tourists to help them enjoy the beauty and the cultural assets of the area.

Certificate
The program is accredited and financed by the European Social Fund, the Italian Government, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the Piemonte Regional Government.  Upon completion of all coursework, internship requirements, and the final exam, the program awards a Tour Guide certificate recognized by the Regional Goverment of Piedmont.

Syllabus

Professors
All of the professors in the program are historians, cultural specialists and tourism professionals from nearby cultural institutions and tourism organizations in the region. 

Admission criteria
All students need an undergraduate degree or greater. No previous knowledge of the subject is required, however, each student must complete a written test and an interview to qualify for admission. 

Location and Duration
Cuorgnè, Italy. Address: via Ivrea, 71 – 10082 Cuorgnè (To).  This 500 hour course includes 150 hours of internship. Lessons take place Monday to Friday in the morning and the afternoon.

Internship
Internships are an essential part of the program.  After studying and working in classrooms, labs, and in the field, students have the opportunity to measure themselves and their knowledge in a real job environment for 150 hours. Directed and coordinated by a tutor, the internship experience can be performed at private or public museums or tourism institutions.

Final Exam
The final exam consists of a written and oral test. Students must also present personal research performed on the job during their internship.