Various educational opportunities are available, depending on your goals.
When selecting a French cooking college, which school you choose to attend is as important as the offerings of the French cooking colleges themselves. Whereas some culinary colleges offer a fast-paced environment, others take a slower, more traditional approach. Consider French cooking colleges that offer accreditation, affordable costs, job placement, solid reputations and a desired location to suit your goals. Look for French cooking colleges that offer hands-on learning, as well as degrees or certificates of completion if you want to be involved with restaurant management. Accredited college class credits are transferable to other schools and offer financial aid to students.
Prestigious Colleges
Prestigious French cooking colleges offer the most up-to-date technology.
French cooking colleges, such as Le Cordon Bleu and the French Culinary Institute in New York, are considered to be two of the most prestigious cooking schools in the United States. Prestigious cooking colleges hire professional chefs as instructors. According to Le Cordon Bleu, "The instructors not only teach students the art of French cooking, but become mentors to the students offering inspiration and support to graduates." Prestigious French cooking colleges offer hands-on training under the supervision of professional French chefs, and some of the most famous chefs, such as Julia Child, have attended professional cooking colleges. Degree programs include bachelor's, master's, MBA and master's of business administration. Continually upgrading classes with advances in cooking techniques and technologies, prestigious schools educate students to adapt to the changing world of the professional French cuisine industry.
Not all prestigious French cooking colleges offer actual French-style cooking classes. For example, The French Culinary Institute in New York City, another prestigious cooking college, offers "a well-rounded, fast-paced, international cooking education."
Don't let the name misguide you, however. The term "French" in the name of the college, according to the Institute's website, refers to the "French Technique," as the foundation for most Western cooking. The school's mission is to teach culinary students the basics of the technique, because elementary skills used in French cooking are common in the industry, offering a well-rounded education.
Local French Cooking Colleges
Learn French cooking locally.
Local colleges may offer French cooking classes, which can be attractive if your goal is getting a job in the restaurant industry as a chef or manager of a French restaurant. Local colleges are less expensive than specialized schools and will assist with job placement in your local area. Local colleges are typically accredited, transferring college credits if you would like to further your education in the future.
Online Classes
Learn the art of French cooking at home.
Online French cooking colleges offer the convenience of learning the art of French cooking at your own pace. Projects will be completed in your own kitchen, but because more than likely you just own basic equipment, your education and credentials could suffer when trying to find employment. Online French cooking colleges are best for amateur chefs or updating your skills if you are already employed at a local restaurant. Be sure to check the school's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and always inquire about accreditation, just in case you would like to expand your skills in the future. Professional chefs also offer online courses on their websites, sometimes for a minimal fee or even for free. Always call the online cooking college to find out all the facts before registering.
Applying
Research your options.
Applying to any type of French cooking college requires some homework. Request a brochure from the college you would like to attend. Read through the publication and note any questions you may have about the school. Call the admissions office. Counselors will answer questions and provide attendance requirements. Fill out the enrollment application. Entrance applications typically require a nonrefundable fee to apply. To receive student loans or grants, you must apply for Federal Student Aid.
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