Part of the reputed The Art Institutes network, The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles tops the list as one of the most attractive places for Asian students to earn a degree in culinary arts. California is famous for its liberal and diverse culture, and international students find more opportunities in this city than just about anywhere else on the continent.

This Art Institute, nestled in the city of dreams, emphasizes innovation, professionalism and creativity. This institute is well known for its ability to enhance career preparation for the culinary industry. One of the mainstays of this institute’s reputation is its faculty, who lead the culinary arts programs. These educators are industry stalwarts who share practical knowledge as well as theory. Some have managed operations in five-star restaurants while others have a background in production. Either way, the industry experience combined with a genuine passion for teaching contributes to an exciting experience for any student looking to excel in the culinary arts.

Academics
A career in the culinary arts offers a number of options in light of increasing niches and specialties in the industry. The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles offers programs that can be tailored to individual interests and aspirations to deliver an attractive educational experience. One can choose between associate degree programs that are geared to prepare students for entry-level positions with restaurants, production facilities or catering companies, or management training through one of the institute’s bachelor degree programs. Diploma programs are also available.

Pic: The Art Institutes

Baking and Pastry – Associate of Science
This six-quarter program is geared towards developing all the essential skills needed to become a professional baker or pastry chef. Students are trained in the fundamentals of culinary skills and are also taught business skills that enhance their ability to meet the challenges of this competitive industry. Students are trained in breads, plated and restaurant deserts, cake production and buffest centrepieces, with a focussed approach on decoration and presentation skills. Beyond this, safety, sanitation, management and nutrition science also factor into the degree.

Graduates typically go on to receive employment in bakeries, restaurants, hotels resorts and other catering services. The job placement rate for graduates of this program is 93%.

Culinary Arts – Associate of Science
Interest in the culinary arts is not just being fuelled by the innovative West Coast dining scenes in the United States, but also by TV reality chef shows and an increased awareness of international culinary trends. Asia, with its diverse and exotic culinary destinations, is one of the leaders in the industry and many Asians are keen to receive qualifications abroad in order to broaden their job prospects at home.

The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles’s Culinary Arts – Associate of Science is particularly sought after, and employers understand that graduates rank among the most competent line cooks, pantry cooks and assistant dining room managers on the continent. Students are exposed to a variety of world cuisines and are trained in international techniques and use of ingredients. This is a definite stop for all culinary enthusiasts keen to receive specialised international training along with business acumen.

Culinary Management – Bachelor of Science
This full-time bachelor degree program in culinary management teaches students to identify and manage priorities in the food service industry. These priorities include communication, training, cooking and kitchen skills, human resources management, and the latest technological breakthroughs. The degree blends theoretical and practical learning, training students 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 as 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 proficiency 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
This program has all the right ingredients to train students for a career in the baking and pastry world. Like the Art of Cooking diploma course, this program develops a broad base of culinary skills. Focussing on the art and preparation of breads, cookies, pies, tarts and all deserts delectable, students are taught to bake and make deserts from scratch. Students learn the basics of mixing ingredients, shaping dough, preparing soufflés and preparing display cakes. Graduates are well versed on how an industrial bakery is organized and managed, and have a marketable skill set that aims to pave the way to a career with restaurants, bakeries or catering companies.

Bistro 31
Operated by students of the institute eager to begin their career in the culinary world, the Bistro 31 restaurant provides invaluable hands-on experience. While earning a degree or diploma at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles, students have the opportunity to put their academic theory and kitchen skills to work in a real-world environment.

This practice restaurant offers a contemporary and creative approach to international cuisine to an enthusiastic public. Students take part in every aspect of the restaurant’s operation, including planning menus, managing operations and preparing dishes – all based on individual academic tracks.

Student Life
For students from Asia, finding a niche on a North American campus can be a challenging task. The key to an exciting university experience is to get involved in extra-curricular programs, events and clubs activities that help build relationships and forge connections with the local community.

Pic: The Art Institutes

The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles encourages participation and creates opportunities for ambitious students who are willing to extend their horizons and take on positions of leadership.

An orientation program eases international student into the foreign climate, and they are urged to take advantage of the resources offered through the institute’s counselling services. These are provided by a staff of qualified financial planners, employment assistance advisors, and counsellors who provide individual services to ensure a positive and satisfying student experience.

Food lovers at the institute in general, and culinary students in particular, can join the Culinary Club, a student-run organisation that aims increase culinary awareness outside the classroom. The Club fundraises through a variety of activities, such as bake sales and community-based events. This is just one of a diverse range of clubs and organisations at the institute that cater for a diverse and international student body.

Living in Los Angeles
The entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is a bustling city of food, fashion, cinema and dance. LA is home to some of the most captivating museums and galleries, including The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Norton Simon Institute.

Students can enjoy the city’s sights under the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre, famous across the world and leading tourist hotspots in the country. Other popular destinations include Watts Towers, Little Tokyo, the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Hollywood Boulevard’s ‘Walk of Fame’.

Los Angeles is home to some of the top restaurants and hotels in the country, making it a perfect place to start for any industry hopeful.

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