Italian Cultural Exchange Program Cultural Activities

The Tuscan Gardens® Italian Cultural Exchange Program will provide you with Monthly and Quarterly cultural experiences, from historical explorations, to the food, to the various hot spots, to adventures, to the people you will meet along the way! After all, Tuscan Gardens is situated in Florida, the third largest state in the United States, and the most popular destination in the Country.

It will also assist you to achieve more fluency in the English language. All of which will bring you benefits after returning to your home country as it enriches your personal and professional development. In return, the Associates, Residents, Families and Guests of Tuscan Gardens ® will gain a mutual respect and understanding for our valued and beloved culture. Following are some of the activities that can be expected in the Italian Cultural Exchange Program.


Monthly Adventures

Siesta Key Beach (voted #1 beach in the country)

Siesta Key Rum (guided tours on how the famous Siesta Key Rum is made)

Dry Tortugas National Park

John & Mable Ringling Museum & Art

Big Cat Habitat and Sanctuary

Mote Marine Laboratory

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature

Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium (Spring Training games)

VanWezel Performing Arts Hall

Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Stadium

Busch Gardens/Island of Adventures

Hard Rock Casino

Clearwater/St. Petersburgh Beach

Clearwater Kayak

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Deep Sea Fishing

Airboat Rides

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary

The Taste History Culinary Tour in West Palm Beach

Boat Expeditions

Everglades National Park

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s estates

Daytona 500 speedway


Quarterly Ventures

Tampa’s Historic Ybor City & Museum Journey which can include exploring Ybor City with its robust creativity, red brick historic building, boutique hotels and Latin cuisine, Tampa Brewing Company, Henry B. Plant Museum and lunch at one of the local Latin restaurants.

Clearwater/St. Petersburgh Excursion which can include Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Beach, Salvador Dali Museum, Snorkeling, Dolphin Watch or Deep Sea Fishing.

Tampa Exploration which can include Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Dolphin Tour or Bush Gardens and Tampa Riverwalk.

Orlando Discoveries which can include Bok Towers, Kennedy Space Center with a shuttle launch experience, Clearwater beach, Downtown Disney and one of Disney, Universal Parks or SeaWorld Orlando.

St. Augustine Escapade which can include Castillo de San Marcos (oldest and largest masonry fort in the United States), Nights of Lights Boat Tour, Pirate & Treasure Museum, with St. Augustine’s festival of twinkling white lights during the holidays and Ripley’s Ghost Train Tour.

Key West Voyage which can include Ernest Hemingway House and Rum Company tour, Florida’s southernmost Point Buoy US 1 marker mile from Cuba, Fort East Martello Museum (fort constructed during the Civil War), Famous Duval Street, Sunset Sail or Boat Expedition.

Miami and South Beach Experience which can include Wynwood Walls Art Deco District Street Art in Miami, Little Havana Tour, iconic Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue and the white sandy South Beach with Caribbean water.

About Tuscan Gardens
Senior Living

Upon entering any of the Tuscan Gardens communities, residents and guests are captivated by the breath taking Tuscan ambiance, transporting them to the splendor of Italy.

The Tuscan Gardens grew out of Founder and CEO Larry Pino’s quests to find the perfect senior living community for his mother, Maria Giordano Pino, who was born and raised in Bari, Italy, and came to America as a bride after World War II.

Open Positions

We are looking to fill two top positions in our Tuscan Gardens communities as described below:

Essential Job Functions – Cook/Chef
  • Assists Culinary Director/Executive Chef with all kitchen operations and preparation.
  • Prepares and cooks Italian meals/recipes and desserts on a regular basis
  • Actively presents cooking, preparation demonstrations and food tasting to the residents and guests.
  • Assists in determining how food should be presented to provide Best in class experience and create decorative food displays with Italian flare.
  • Creates themed interactions with guests, offering them a unique experience.
  • Ensure every food item leaving the kitchen is top quality and presented appropriately.
  • Demonstrates a passion for food service, providing an exceptional “Italian” experience to our residents and guests.
  • Provides feedback on recipes.
  • Exemplifies at all times standards of cleanliness, sanitation and operational organization.
  • Exhibit leadership and management standards with all Culinary Services staff.
  • Responsible for adhering to food quality, appearance and presentation standards at all times.
  • Exhibits cooking standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Demonstrates knowledge in all areas of cooking preparation and production.
  • Visits and interacts with residents to evaluate food service such as quality, quantity, temperature, appearance and dining experience; and socializes with the residents and their families.
Job Requirements
  • High school diploma or the equivalent education, training and experience.
  • Culinary degree preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years restaurant or equivalent cooking experience.
  • The ability to speak, read and comprehend the English language.
  • Knowledge of preparation and line production communication with other dining and cooking employees.
Qualifications
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Responsible for own airfare to Florida.
  • Exit the U.S. upon end of term.
  • The ability to speak, read and comprehend the English language.

Hours: 40 hours a week
Number of Days Off: 2 days

Essential Job Functions – Server
  • Provides a warm welcome and quality service for all residents and guests.
  • Performs all dining room duties, including serving residents, guests, setting and clearing tables, etc.
  • Demonstrates exceptional experience for all residents and guests.
  • Actively assists residents and guests with requests and needs as they arise.
  • Creates themed interactions with guests, offering them a unique experience.
  • Exemplifies at all times Community standards of cleanliness, sanitation and organization.
  • Responsible for adhering to food quality, appearance and presentation standards at all times.
  • Exhibits dining room appearance and presentation standards at all times.
  • Exemplifies Community standards of fully staffed, operational, and stocked dining room.
  • Exhibits serving standards of speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Knowledges in areas of serving, preparation and plating.
  • Sets tables and maintains work stations in proper order. Takes orders, provides service and requested items both graciously and courteously. Answers questions about menu items.
  • Clears dishes from tables during and after meal service.
  • Serves customers using proper serving etiquette and promotes an inviting dining atmosphere.
  • Interacts with residents and family members with personality and enjoyment.
Job Requirements
  • High school diploma or the equivalent education, training and experience.
  • One (1) year restaurant, hospitality or food service experience.
  • The ability to speak, read and comprehend the English language.
Qualifications
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Responsible for own airfare to Florida
  • Exit the U.S. upon end of term

Hours a week: 40 hours
Number of Days Off: 2 days


Apply Today

Ready to apply? Please fill out the form and one of our team members will contact you.