One of the vast network of The Art Institutes, The Art Institute of California – Sacramento is one of the most attractive places for students from Asia to earn a degree in culinary arts. California is well known for its open-mindedness and diversity, and international students will find more networking and experience-building opportunities here than just about anywhere else on the continent.

Everything about this institute emphasizes innovation, professionalism and creativity. The faculty behind the culinary arts programs hail from prominent industry positions. Some have managed operations in five-star restaurants; others come from production backgrounds. In every event, your instructors’ real-world experience combines with a genuine passion for teaching to deliver one of the best culinary arts experiences on the continent.

Even better, The Art Institute of California – Sacramento is one of 40 institutes around the world, opening up endless career opportunities. For students from Asia, the chance to earn a degree in California and then capitalize on this international network is enticing.

Pic: The Art Institute of Sacramento.

Hands-on training at Muse Restaurant
While earning your degree or diploma at The Art Institute of California – Sacramento, you’ll have ample opportunity to put your academic theory and kitchen skills to work in a real-world environment.

The institute’s practice restaurant is named Muse, and it serves creative cuisine to an enthusiastic public. Students take part in every aspect of the restaurant’s operation. You’ll be planning menus, managing operations and preparing dishes – all based on your specific academic track. Other departments get involved as well. For example, the restaurant’s innovative and upscale look was conceived by the institute’s graphic design and interior design programs.

Academics
There are as many careers within the culinary arts as there are niches and specialties in the industry. If you’re intent on landing a challenging, high-powered career in modern hospitality, it’s essential to find a program that can be tailored to your interests and aspirations.

That’s why schools like The Art Institute of California – Sacremento are so attractive. You can choose between associate degree programs that prepare you for entry level positions with restaurants, production facilities or catering companies, or you can aim for management through one of the institute’s bachelor degree programs. Rounding out the offerings is a pair of challenging diploma programs that lay the foundation for a new career in culinary arts.

Baking and Pastry – Associate of Science
This seven-quarter program develops all of the essential skills needed to become a professional baker or pastry chef. You’ll learn the fundamentals of baking breads and desserts from scratch while honing your decoration and presentation skills. Beyond this, safety, sanitation, management and nutrition science also factor into the degree.

Graduates typically go on to entry-level positions in a range of commercial, institutional or retail settings – usually as a production baker, assistant bakery chef, decorator or pastry cook.

Culinary Arts – Associate of Science
Interest in the culinary arts is taking off in North America, fuelled by innovative West-Coast dining scenes, TV reality chef programs and increased awareness of international culinary trends. This increased interest translates directly into greater enrollment in culinary arts programs.

With this in mind, The Art Institute of California – Sacramento’s culinary arts associate degree has never been as popular as it is now. Competition is fierce, and employers understand that graduates easily rank among the most competent line cooks, pantry cooks and assistant dining room managers on the continent.

Culinary Management – Bachelor of Science
One of The Art Institute of California – Sacramento’s full bachelor degree programs, a degree in culinary management teaches students to identify and manage the priorities in the food service industry. These priorities include communication, training, cooking and kitchen skills, human resources management and the latest technological breakthroughs.

You’ll graduate ready to tackle the challenges of being a kitchen manager, restaurant manager, or purchasing director. Some even go on to serve as catering managers in airlines or food and beverage directors of major events. In every case, professional responsibilities range from dealing with customers to overseeing food quality.

Art of Cooking – Diploma
The Art of Cooking diploma is a thorough primer in food science, cooking techniques and culinary skills. The emphasis is on North American regional cuisine – especially as it pertains to presentation, plating and production. Expect to be coached in everything from knife skills and ingredient mixing methods to plating and cost control.

This diploma qualifies graduates to seize entry-level positions in restaurants. It opens doors to positions including short-order cook, line cook and prep cook.

Baking and Pastry – Diploma
Like the Art of Cooking diploma course, this program develops a broad base of culinary skills. In this case, the emphasis is on baking breads and making desserts from scratch. Students learn the basics of mixing ingredients, shaping dough, preparing soufflés and preparing display cakes.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be well versed in the way an industrial bakery is organized and managed, and you’ll have a marketable skill set that will pave the way to a career with restaurants, bakeries or catering companies.

Pic: The Art Institutes

Campus life
For students who hail from Asia, finding a niche on a North American campus can be an overwhelming task. The key is to get involved in a few programs, events and clubs that will see you building relationships and forging connections with the local community.

The Art Institute of California – Sacremento encourages participation and creates opportunities for ambitious students to step up and assume leadership roles. An orientation program helps international students get their footing, and they can also take advantage of resources offered through the institute’s counseling services.

During your time at the institute, you’ll have the chance to join student-run clubs and attend events sponsored by the Student Affairs Department. The planning and leadership you exhibit at the institute will transform your resume.

Living in Sacramento
Sacramento is one of California’s most refreshing cities. It forgoes the metropolitan airs of Los Angeles or the quirks of San Francisco in favor of straightforward capital-city charm. Historic architecture, friendly locals and a dining scene worthy of the politicians who live here make time spent in Sacramento decidedly worthwhile.

Students at The Art Institute of California – Sacramento can get involved in the community without getting lost in the high-rise jungles that characterize other capital cities in the US. At some point, you’ll want to take a nostalgic cruise on the Spirit of Sacramento, but the real pleasure is dining on the waterfront and going out with friends in the downtown night district.

Prospects for culinary arts students have gotten even better in Sacramento in the past few years. Well-paid Silicon Valley executives are coming here in greater numbers than before, and this is transforming the fine-dining scene. The opportunities for externships or full-on employment are better than ever.

You can connect with the The Art Institutes on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube