The French Culinary Institute

Highlights

• Worldwide network of over 6,000 industry professionals
• Students cook at the institute's L'Ecole restaurant
• Programs can be completed in six to nine months
• Offers amateur courses
• Provides continuing education
• The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology has provided accreditation

About the School

Founded over 25 years ago by Dorothy Cann Hamilton, The French Culinary Institute (FCI) offers career programs in Classic Culinary Arts, Classic Pastry Arts and the Art of International Bread Making. The school also provides numerous amateur and advanced classes in various culinary subjects. The programs are designed to combine classic French techniques with American inventiveness. Hands-on learning is a major part of the programs.

The French Culinary Institute offers small class sizes. The average student to teacher ratio is 12 to 1. According to the institute, their programs have been designed by some of the world's best known chefs. The school's staff includes (or has included) well-known master chefs such as Alain Sailhac, Jacques Pépin, André Soltner, Jacques Torres and Marnie Old. The school also prepares students for jobs as event planners, consultants, public relations representatives, food writers and editors and other positions.

Academic Programs

Program areas include:

• Culinary Arts – Immerses the students in the French techniques of cooking. The program also includes training in nutrition, kitchen management, buffet and catering, restaurant services and other topics. The enrollees also cook in the institute's restaurant during the last third of their training.
• Pastry Arts – Offers a thorough understanding of the major elements of fine pastry. The program combines theory and hands-on learning. Each of the courses includes a review of techniques, theory, equipment, procedures and recipes.
• International Bread Making – Offers theories along with the fundamentals and various advanced techniques of bread making. The business aspects of the industry are also included in the program.
• Specialized Certificates – The Institute offers a wide range of specialized certificates covering many different culinary topics. These include certificates for: bread baking; pastries; chocolate deserts; chocolate truffles and bonbons; decorations; fine cooking; four season chef; wine; knife skills; plating and food styling; sous vide and low temperature cooking; sugar paste flowers; tapas; tarts; food writing; opening and running a restaurant; and more.

Learning Options

• Career and amateur courses begin every six weeks
• Students may select from day, evening and weekend classes
• Flexible schedules are an option

Faculty

The faculty includes numerous master chefs. Due to the small class sizes, the instructors are able to offer personalized assistance.

Student Life

The student population consists of recent high school graduates, restaurant owners, amateurs, experienced chefs and people of all ages. The campus theater provides students the opportunity to watch live demonstrations from celebrity chefs and food experts. The French Culinary Institute also helps students acquire internships at restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, magazines, chocolate companies and a variety of culinary businesses.

The school assists graduates in finding jobs in their field of choice. According to the institute, they receive a large number of requests for jobs from their network of restaurants, magazines and newspaper editors, bakeries and caterers. The institute also provides a variety of student clubs and various types of student housing.

For housing, the institute notes that a range of low-cost and secure options are within a subway ride of its downtown New York City location. These include, for example, apartments on Roosevelt Island and the EHS Clark Residence in Brooklyn Heights.

Admissions and Financial Aid

A high school diploma or a recognized equivalent is required to attend The French Culinary Institute. Also, a work resume and an essay describing why the applicant is interested in the food industry and attending The French Culinary Institute must be submitted. Concerning financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans are available for those that qualify.