Learn more about the Externship Program with The Culinary Institute of America
March 1, 2016
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is a private, not-for-profit college dedicated to providing the world’s best culinary education. As the world’s premier culinary college, the CIA is renowned for its degree programs, expert faculty and outstanding educational facilities.
All of its programs emphasize professional, hands-on learning in the college’s world-class kitchens, bakeshops, restaurants, and classrooms. Students participating in the externship program sharpen their skills and make valuable industry contacts in a dynamic real-world environment. Students choose a site from the more than 1,200 leading foodservice establishments that offer a variety of settings—world-famous restaurants, exotic resorts, glamorous magazines, high-profile television networks and more.
Founded in 1946, the CIA today enrolls nearly 2,900 students from virtually every state and more than 30 countries around the world, all united by their shared passion for food.
Externship, which typically takes place between the freshman and sophomore years, is a full-time commitment of a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of full-time work at a CIA-approved location. Following the course, students must submit an acceptable externship manual within two weeks. A satisfactory evaluation of the experience is required for students to receive their degrees.
Awards and Honors
The James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the food world.
CIA alumni have recently earned awards in the following categories:
Chef & Restaurant Awards
- Outstanding Service (Andrew Chabot ’02)
- Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional (Rajat Parr ’96)
- Best Chef: South (Alon Shaya ’99)
- Best Chef: West (Stuart Brioza ’98)
The Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards
- Cookbook (Nicolaus Balla ’02)
- Best Television Program, On Location (Anthony Bourdain ’78)
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Foodservice Educators Network International (President Tim Ryan ’77)
Click here to learn more about career opportunities made available to you when you study at the Culinary Institute of America.