Students looking to attend culinary school should treat it like they would if they were going on to a state university. Doing research on the schools is very important. Attending an open house can be one of the best ways to get much needed information. Especially when it comes to the campus, classes and well…in this case, culinary education. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts feels that the following are important reasons for potential culinary or pastry students to attend an open house.
Meet the Instructors
Putting a face to a name helps students become comfortable with their surroundings. Meeting chef educators and being able to connect and establish a rapport can help things go more smoothly when classes begin. This is a great opportunity to learn about program related opportunities through the chef educators as well, including curriculum, technology and maybe even their favorite recipes and courses.
Learn About the Curriculum
The culinary and pastry industry uses a lot of acronyms and jargon that can sound foreign to some. However, hearing it, asking questions and taking notes makes it less of a mystery. Attending an open house can familiarize you with upcoming programs. It can also help explain the importance of learning skills and goals. You will tour classrooms and kitchens to expose you to both sides of the culinary world. Courses offered at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts vary by campus and degree but may include: Regional Cuisines, Professional Communications, Artisanal and Specialty Baking, Patisserie, Farm-to-Table Experience, and a professional externship.
Meet Other Potential Students and Classmates
Meet Other Potential Students and ClassmatesAn open house is a great way to start getting to know the people you could be living and learning with. While attending one of our ground campuses you may have the opportunity to not just learn with other students but live with them if you choose. The people you meet at our open houses could become future classmates, roommates and even friends. Many of our students have made lifelong friends throughout their culinary journey. Use the time at an open house to talk to other attendees. Get a sense for the diversity and personalities of students interested in attending our school.
Interact with Current Students
This is the perfect time to meet current students. They can tell you what it’s like to live in Boulder or Austin and attend class. Ask, and they’ll be happy to share their experiences with you.
Look Beyond the Kitchen and Classroom
While connecting with chef educators and current students it’s also a great time to look into other areas of how culinary school can help prepare you, beyond the kitchen. Students have mentioned that one of our most memorable and influential courses is our immersive Farm To Table® Experience. Here you will learn outside of the kitchen and classroom; and in some cases, literally outside. We created the six week course to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of where food comes from, the advantages of buying local, various farming and production methods, and how to continue to make the best sustainable and ethical ingredient choices throughout their culinary careers.
Start Thinking About Career Paths
How does culinary school prepare you for life in the foodservice industry? Career possibilities are endless so how do you decide? At an open house, you have the opportunity to meet with our Career Services staff and learn how they provide support both during school and after graduation with things like resume writing, application and interview preparation, and much more.
Learn about Financial Aid Options
There are a number of financial aid options available, for those who qualify, to help pay for culinary school. There are loans, grants, scholarships, and even U.S. Veteran options. During an open house you can meet with staff to find out what options might apply to your unique situation.
Get a Taste for Culinary Life at an AESCA Open House
During our open houses, students get to taste cuisine prepared especially for that day. How fun it is to actually taste what your future can be. Many of our open houses are themed for a particular time of year: Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and more.
As you can see, attending an Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts open house can be the perfect opportunity to get to know more about the campus, classes and kitchens, as well as other students, faculty and staff. Click here for a calendar of open houses behind held at our two ground campus locations.
