General Resources Top Cooking Schools Le Cordon Bleu: Le Cordon Bleu was founded 100 years ago in Paris, but today it has branches in Tokyo, London, Ottawa and Sydney as well. Le Cordon Bleu may be the world's most celebrated culinary school. It's prestige is reflected in it's cost: of the nine month Grand Diplôme, which covers cuisine and pastry costs Fr 177,500.00 or about $23,199.33 for tuition and fees. All instruction is in French. Stratford Chefs School: Stratford Chefs School in Stratford, Canada, is a small nonprofit school based on the apprenticeship model. The rigorous curriculum includes theory courses such as culinary history, gastronomy and wine appreciation. Stratford's dedicated students reap the rewards of their studies upon graduation -- the school has a 100% placement rate. Chopsticks Cooking Centre: Founded in 1971 by Cecilia Au-Yang in China, Chopsticks Cooking Centre teaches Chinese culinary culture and techniques. The courses cover traditional Chinese dishes including roasts, dim sums, breads and cakes. Apicius Institute: The Apicus Institute is in renovated 14th century convent in the historic center of Florence, Italy. Their semester long programs include wine tasting classes, Italian lessons and cooking workshops. Classes are conducted in English. Books The Guide to Cooking Schools 2001, edited by Dorlene Kaplan, is a useful reference for those considering launching a career in the culinary arts. The guide contains concise descriptions of hundreds of culinary schools worldwide. Culinary Arts Career Starter by Mary Masi offers an overview of how to get started in the culinary field. It features sections on culinary schools, various certification and apprenticeship programs, and how to finance a culinary school education. Professional Associations The ACF: The ACF is a professional, nonprofit trade organization that seeks to promote the image of American chefs throughout the United States and the world. It promotes opportunities for professional training; sponsors culinary certification programs; and organizes cooking competitions and events throughout the United States. The IACP: The IACP is nonprofit professional association providing continuing education and development for its members. The organization has more than 4,000 members in over 35 countries and provides excellent networking opportunities.

If you can smell a new career cooking in your future, you might be heading toward the kitchen. A career in culinary arts can be an exciting way to work, study or travel overseas and gain an understanding of international cultural traditions. There is an abundance of work available throughout the world for chefs trained in the United States. In addition to work opportunities, there are many excellent culinary arts schools overseas that could make you a more attractive candidate for chef positions in the United States and throughout the world.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Culinary arts can provide an incredibly rewarding and artistic career, providing chefs with opportunities to develop new dishes and perfect old ones. However, a successful career in the kitchen involves more than outstanding culinary skills. Robert Clarke, a certified executive chef and the certification program coordinator for the American Culinary Foundation, says that to make a good chef you need "a certain amount of education, a good breadth and depth of experience, and a lot of dedication and hard work." You also need "managerial skills, especially the ability to keep people on staff. You need to be able to forecast business and schedule employees."

Training in America, Cooking Overseas

There are more than 700 cooking schools in the United States, about 70 of which are certified by the American Culinary Federation. If you have studied culinary arts and have some experience working in restaurants, you can probably obtain one of the levels of certification offered by the American Culinary Federation. These certificates, according to Clarke, are widely recognized overseas. Worldwide, there is no shortage of positions available for those who can demonstrate their expertise.

The Demand for Specialization

Recent years have seen a proliferation of new restaurants, and this trend is expected to continue indefinitely, as increases in population, household income and leisure time allow people to dine out more often. In addition, the growing number of two-income households will lead to an increasing dependence on the convenience of dining out. Because of the number of new restaurants, eateries need to differentiate themselves by providing a more specialized menu and atmosphere. Chefs who have studied overseas can demonstrate knowledge of specific local cuisine or regional fare, and are often sought after by specialized restaurants.

If You Can't Take the Heat...Stay Out of the Kitchen

Cooking is an art, and like most arts, it can be difficult to break into. Because most culinary schools are fairly expensive, a career in culinary arts usually requires some initial funding. Even after obtaining certification in the culinary arts, you may have to endure several years of low-paying positions. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the United States Department of Labor, the median hourly wage of restaurant cooks in 1988 was $7.81. Lastly, chefs must withstand such frustrations as time pressure, working in close quarters, and lifting heavy supplies. If these drawbacks don't deter you from pursuing a career in kitchen, and you think you have what it takes to become an international culinary star, check out our useful resources.