Culinary Academy: Where do I begin?

[holydiver]

Snowdog you went to Dubrulle?. Are you from Canada?. I looked at Dubrulee and Pacific I have already been a Chef for a long time I'm just looking to get a piece of paper lol. They both looked cool and cheap with the exchange rate.The thing I was afraid of was not being able to work for like 6 months because I'm from the states?.

Hey holydiver, cool name- lol. Dio rocks! Yes, you have to wait at least 6 months before the Canadian immigration will give you permission to earn money in Canada. However, upon completion of the professional culinary program (17 weeks), they will allow you to obtain a student work visa so you can undergo a practicum in a professional kitchen, but they pay you nothing. And nothing blows more than working 40 hours a week in a kitchen and not getting paid for 3 months. But, it's still a good school. Although most of the chefs who taught me are no longer around, I think they still follow the same ciricculum- which provides a strong foundation of education.

[holydiver]

Thanks foe the info Snowdog I think the whole not being able to work for 6-9 months would pretty much negate any financial savings by going up there. I have already been Chef and Sous before so I am just looking to get some kind of cert/degree cause its getting harder to work in the biz without one no mater how skilled u are lol. Canada seeme like an alternitave to spending 35k here I could just get an AOS from a community college but they want you to take way too many general college courses which I'm really not into. And yes Dio does rock lol cheers...........

[mangia]

I am currently confused as to what and where I should pursue my interest to become a chef...eventually. I live in Toronto, Ontario, but I was considering relocating to Washington D.C....I am not sure if it matters which city you study in and what route is the best route to take. I was considering a school, but have also looked at doing an apprenticeship, and not being a U.S. citizen gives me extra hurdles that I will have to encounter. Can anyone give me advice on where maybe is best for me to pursue my education and in what form. I have always also believed that hands on training is best....plus I am 31 so I am considering a variety of things. Cost, time, best learning experience etc... Thanks for your help

[Garth Johnson]

{full disclosure, I work at California Culinary Academy in San Francisco}

Mangia,

If you are pursing your education formally, choose the school, NOT the city. (although it can have some bearing).

The CIA's campuses are in remote locations however offer industry acclaimed instruction.

California Culinary Academy is located in downtown San Francisco (known for it's diversity in cuisine with over 3500 restaurants)

As has been said in this thread, you get out of your education only what you put into it. If you intend to leverage your school time by working in the industry while in classes, choose a school that offers that opportunity. If you are going to focus soley on classes while in school, choose the program that will offer the most exposure towards your ultimate goals.

If at all possible, do not just request information from the schools... go tour them. Many people will spend more time planning a vacation than they do choosing a school, even though the later will undoubtedly offer much more in return for the investment.