Chef Forum banner

Which country would be best to travel to for culinary?

  • Spain

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Mexico

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Egypt

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Thailand

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Jamaica

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • France

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • China

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • India

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Chile

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Italy

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Malaysia

    Votes: 0 0.0%

New and Clueless... Please help!

956 views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  margotron 
#1 ·
For most of my life I planned on being a psychologist of some sort. However, I relatively recently decided that going after a PhD might not be the most realistic goal for myself and all the papers and book work doesn't sound pleasant. I'd much rather have more "hands on" learning. So my issue at the moment is that because this is a newer idea for me I know very little about it. If there are any experienced individuals (especially if you've traveled) that would be willing to answer the following questions for me that would be greatly appreciated.

1. Is it worth it to go to culinary school? If so, why? If not, why and do I need any college?

2. If I traveled to another country for some extra experience (which I LOVE the idea of), which countries (top 2 or 3) would you recommend going to? I've been considering Thailand, Spain, and Mexico. But that's mainly because of price and I happen to love Spanish haha.

3. If you're an experienced chef, what would your best advice for me be RIGHT NOW. What types of specific steps would you recommend that I, as a beginner, should take?

4. How much of an advantage would studying food in another country actually be for me?

My ultimate goal would be to be a chef and I'm willing to work darn hard for it. I know it's not easy or "fun" haha. I want to strive to be the best, but I need to know the steps I should take to get there.
 
See less See more
#2 ·
I understand everything u are talking about because i had the same questions at first, buh u will not know 100% about it to you do it. In culinary school they only prepare you for the real life as a chef give you the training and show you hands on about the cooking methods. Eventually you will need to gain experience in a kitchen but some people will tell you dont go to school just start working, but if you do that you would have to work from the bottom with no training or be put into a situation of you not knowing what to do. Its like working in construction with no tools to do the job, in culinary school they give you the right tools to be the best chef you can be. I didnt and still dont wanna do school but i think that was the best adequate choice for me.
 
#3 ·
Throwing my two cents in, I would recommend getting a job in a kitchen right now (locally) and see how you like it. If you love it and enjoy the lifestyle that comes with it, start considering your options. Either you'll realize that you will get all the education you need by working your way up in the restaurant, or that school is a worthwhile experience to become a better employee that will move up in the kitchen and learn fundamental skills. I don't know how many stories I have heard about people that went completely through culinary school only to get a job in the real world and realize they hate it!

As for travel, if you can do it, do it! I unfortunately have not traveled too much for work experience, and wish I had/could. That said, what I do know is that Spain is an amazing place with a dynamic culinary scene - from traditional to cutting-edge modern/molecular gastronomy type cuisine. Also, the culinary schools in Mexico are nicer than any culinary campuses I have seen in the U.S. and they provide educational opportunities beyond what they offer in the U.S.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top