Abstract
New York University offers a Study Abroad Program in Florence, Italy, where participants examine food and nutrition from historical, cultural, and culinary perspectives. Although the course was not originally designed to influence dietary practices, participants reported changes in attitudes and behaviors related to food shopping, cooking, eating, and dietetics practices after returning home. This report describes the Study Abroad Program and results from a pilot survey of participants' behavioral changes 6 months after the experience. These findings highlight the potential value of encouraging the pleasures of meal planning, food shopping, cooking, and sharing meals at the dinner table to nurture lifelong healthy eating habits.