The future of gastronomy begins here – in Varna!
Students at the Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) at Varna University of Management (VUM) have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in some of Europe’s top restaurants – including those awarded Michelin stars. This is made possible thanks to VUM’s strong international network of business partnerships and the Erasmus+ programme. 
Svetoslav Alexandrov – a second-year student in the “Gastronomy and Culinary Arts” programme – fulfilled one of his dreams by joining the team at Barro restaurant in Ávila, Spain, in the summer of 2025. 
“This summer, I lived one of my dreams – working in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It was a place and an experience I will never forget! I learned valuable lessons and took my first steps toward professional baking. At Barro, I truly realized how well-prepared we are as CAI students. I was proud to represent Bulgarian cuisine at such a high level. The highlight for me was when Chef Carlos Casillas offered me the position of head baker – an offer I accepted as an honor, but I’ve decided to finish my education first.”
Stories like Svetoslav’s prove that with talent, passion, and quality education, anything is possible. 
This mobility is supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union in the framework of the Student mobility for traineeships.
