Study Culinary Arts in Spain: Become an International Chef

If you go to sleep and dream of the most dynamic and flavorful food you’ve ever tasted it’s likely you dipped into Spain in dreamland. This large country is literally surrounded by some of the major culinary influences, including France, Africa and Morocco. Bounded on one side by the Mediterranean Sea it is also a gateway to rich Italian and Greek cultures and cuisines.

Traditional and Modern Culinary Flavors

Interested in studying classic culinary technique in one of the most beautiful countries in the world? You’ll discover a world-class cooking academy in the heart of Madrid. Surrounded by Spanish tapas, and inventive seafood dishes, there is a dynamic culinary tradition here, but there is also an exciting modern one. Already the list of accomplished Spanish chefs is long as is the list of “best of” restaurants in Madrid and Barcelona—also two hot tourist destinations.

Food TV and charismatic celebrity chefs have inspired new generations to the industry, not only in the U.S. but international cities have been equally inundated with creative and ambitious new menus, fusions and re-inventions. In the last couple of decades Spain has also built a successful wine industry, which compliments its colorful food culture.

Education in Local Food

While you study in Spain make an essential part of your culinary academics the local food culture. Check out notable restaurants in Cuenca, Bilbao, and Malaga. Depending upon your location—this is a big country with distinct regions and geography—the ingredients will change with the seasons and regional availability. Along the lengthy coastline not only may you drink up beach front, but fish and shellfish dishes are popular. Further inland and in smaller cities you may have the good fortune to taste wild native game, sample inventive tapas and pair it all with locally produced wine.

And hospitality and restaurant jobs are plentiful. Madrid and Barcelona drive a perennial tourist business as well as a thriving business economy.

Top Spain Cooking Schools

Le Cordon Bleu Madrid is where you may take up study in the classic French culinary tradition as well as learn traditional Spanish methods. This world-famous Parisian program trains chef professionals throughout the world in the ways of one of the great culinary traditions. Courses are taught at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria and include: Le Cordon Bleu Grande Diplome and Bachelors in International Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Escuela Universitaria de Hosteleria y Turismo de Sant Pol in Barcelona emphasizes hospitality management, but provides you with solid fundamentals in food service management. Key areas of study are Hospitality and Catering.