Chapter 1
A 25-Year Evolution
25 years ago, The French Culinary Institute revolutionized the culinary industry with a program that taught students in six months what takes other schools two years to teach. Since our first day, we’ve created a reputation other schools cannot match. See how our tried-and-true methods, developed by legends in the industry, prepare students to take the culinary arts to the next level.
Chapter 2
How We Teach, How You Learn
Our hands-on Total Immersion
sm method puts students in the kitchen right from day one, learning and developing essential techniques as they advance through the curriculum. No other school offers this proven, intensive method. Every class is taught in newly renovated kitchens, and students have access to the latest in food technology. Because of our world-renowned Deans, Chef-Instructors, constantly updated curriculum, and professional facilities—including
L’Ecole, our
Zagat®- and
Michelin®-rated restaurant—the learning experience at The French Culinary Institute is one-of-a-kind.
Chapter 3
Your Extended Education
There are many opportunities to explore your interests and get the most out of your education at The FCI. With over 60 Chef-Instructors on staff, there’s always someone available to answer your questions, provide extra help, or offer advice. Our students have ongoing access to all of our resources, including the International Culinary Theater, where leaders from the industry give live demos, and our Library, where we maintain an enormous collection of food and beverage periodicals. Additionally, student clubs give you the opportunity to take advantage of all that New York City has to offer—from dinners at first-class restaurants to farmers’ markets and more.
Chapter 4
Living in NYC
Watch students talk about living with a community of like-minded, passionate students in New York City, the culinary capital of the world. Learn how the experience of living in New York is an integral element of your program at The FCI, from the clean, safe apartment-like dorms to the 24/7 access to an exceptional and eclectic selection of ingredients. Additionally, hear students talk about the diversity at The FCI, and how the shared passion for culinary excellence unites and unifies students from all over the country and all over the world.
Chapter 5
Classic Culinary Arts
Our flagship program, Classic Culinary Arts, takes students from the basics of handling a knife to working in our Zagat®- and Michelin®-rated restaurant, L’Ecole. We teach in six months what takes other schools two years to teach—it’s the kind of training that employers respect. The techniques you learn here are universal and can be used to cook any kind of cuisine, anywhere in the world. Students leave prepared to apply their skills to positions both in and out of the kitchen, in all areas of the industry. And with food technology as a part of the curriculum, you’ll gain unique insight into what the industry’s top players are doing to stay ahead. Our scheduling options (six months by day or nine months at night) make it easy to keep your day job while taking classes at night.
Chapter 6
Classic Pastry Arts
The Classic Pastry Arts program opens the door to the magic of pastry. You’ll learn everything hands-on from cookies and tarts to wedding cakes and profiteroles, in as little as six months. From chocolate bonbons and fondant to sugar blowing and sugar sculpture, your education will put you heads and shoulders above many others in the field. You’ll have the skills you need to feel confident in any area of the pastry industry, including advanced techniques that aren’t being taught at other schools. Our scheduling options (six months by day or nine months at night) make it easy to keep your day job while taking classes at night.
Chapter 7
The Art of International Bread Baking
The Art of International Bread Baking trains you in the expert techniques for baking a spectrum of delicious loaves from around the world in as little as eight weeks. Starting with the Classic European mixes, you’ll bake sourdoughs, baguettes, croissants, and more. The curriculum progresses to include German and Middle European whole grains, the darker, more flavorful doughs, as well as the flavorful range of Italian breads: ciabatta, flatbreads, focaccia, and don’t forget pizza! With your Grand Dîplome, you can be an asset to bakeries anywhere in the world or start one on your own. Our scheduling options (eight weeks by day or night) make it easy to keep your day job while taking classes.
Chapter 8
Restaurant Management
Learn the realities of opening and running a successful restaurant with our acclaimed faculty, visiting instructors, and real-world practitioners from the industry as your guides. The FCI’s distinguished reputation also allows us to deliver talented professors from Cornell University’s internationally acclaimed School of Hotel Administration.
You’ll study theories and real-world case studies and for your final project, develop a business plan for an actual culinary venture.
Chapter 9
Advanced Studies
If you’re looking to step up your game, you can find the advanced training you need to stay competitive in our Advanced Studies programs. Led by industry-recognized pioneers, our innovative Culinary Technology courses, along with our Wine Studies and Food Journalism programs, will give you a high-caliber education that can’t be duplicated by any other school.
Chapter 10
Amateur Programs
If you love food, and you love cooking, our Amateur Programs are for you. Taught by the same Chef-Instructors in the same cutting edge facilities as our Career Programs, students gain a level of insight into the culinary arts only The French Culinary Institute can provide. See how you can become familiar with the fundamental techniques of culinary, pastry, or bread at a slower pace than our Career Programs.
Chapter 11
A Well-Connected Resource
Our Career Services department is well-known across the country and around the world. Every day, we connect our students with top-tier employers in the culinary industry. Our reputation as a world-class program with an immersive curriculum, along with our growing network of alumni and connections, will allow you to find creative, inspiring jobs both in and out of the kitchen. Watch some of the ways that The French Culinary Institute can support you before and after you graduate.
Chapter 12
Financial Aid: Going Above and Beyond
Our Financial Aid department is dedicated to helping you make sense of the options available to you, including loans, grants, and scholarships. The process is simple and we’ll hold your hand the entire way. With our extensive resources and dedicated staff, there’s no reason why you should let finances stand in the way of pursuing your passion.
Chapter 13
Why The French Culinary Institute?
Graduates of The French Culinary Institute are ready to work in the field the day they finish, and with a growing network of over 14,000 alumni, you’ll have an inside track to some of the best restaurants and businesses in the world. See how some of the biggest names in the industry feel about hiring from our programs, and you’ll see why The FCI provides a culinary education that prepares you for a lifetime of success.
