Students gather in the student lounge at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City

Student Experience

An Inside Look at Student Life at ICE

The Most Critical Connections of Your Career Are Often Right Next to You

At ICE you'll see a diversity of ages, experiences, backgrounds and goals, whether you’re taking classes at our New York campus, Los Angeles campus, or online from home. Your classmates could come from all over the United States and the world. Some are at the start of their careers, studying to become executive chefs and managers in the nation's top restaurants. Others have come to ICE to train for the next chapter of their lives, be they carpenters, lawyers, bankers, advertising executives, journalists or actors. Still others have already worked in the food industry and want to sharpen their skills in pursuit of better opportunities.

Although your classmates come from different backgrounds and have different aspirations, they share a common goal for their experience at ICE: to turn their passion for food and hospitality into a rewarding career. This forms the friendships and basis for your professional network, lasting for many years ahead.

ICE is committed to providing a well-rounded experience to its student body, whether students attend in-person or virtually from home. Throughout the year, ICE students enjoy a variety of special events and exclusive classes to help enrich their culinary school experience.

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Students in class at the Institute of Culinary Education

Extracurricular Programs

Every ICE career program student is entitled to participate in a broad variety of classes and educational programs, above and beyond their chosen career program curriculum. Students at our New York campus, are able to choose from hundreds of courses offered by our School of Recreational Cooking. All ICE students are also invited, and encouraged, to attend the Professional Demonstrations and Lectures by special guests from the culinary world. Most demonstrations and lectures are also streamed live for students who are unable to attend in person, or prefer to view from home.

Guest Speakers - Entrepreneurs

Throughout the year, ICE invites great culinary and hospitality entrepreneurs from across the nation to speak on campus. From California winemakers and New Orleans chefs, to food website founders, specialty food company presidents and executives at hotels, these resources are eager to share their knowledge. ICE's students are invited to these intimate lectures with these industry pros, and have the chance to pose questions to them directly — an invaluable learning opportunity. These lectures take place on both of ICE's campuses, and are streamed live online for students who are unable to attend in person, or prefer to view from home.

Networking & Volunteer Opportunities

ICE offers students new opportunities to get involved with some of the biggest names in the food industry. Whether it’s hosting the latest high-profile cookbook launch, volunteering for a well-attended culinary event or inviting an acclaimed restaurateur to share their secrets of success, ICE is a hub of networking activity.

A student smells wine in the Wine Essentials class at the Institute of Culinary Education

ICE's Wine Essentials Course

All ICE career students have access to the school’s Wine Essentials course. Structured around the most important grape varietals and wine-growing regions, this six-session course gives students a deeper understanding of the full wine spectrum. In today's culinary industry, possessing a foundation of wine knowledge is an unquestionable boost to one's resume.

Student Housing Program

ICE's Student Housing program helps our students find safe, comfortable and convenient housing in some of New York City and Los Angeles’ exciting and vibrant communities. Our vendors offer a variety of housing options — from dorm-style living to shared or private apartments. Our Student Housing program allows students to focus their time and energy on exploring their new neighborhood and launching an exciting new culinary or hospitality career.

Chef Marc Murphy shares his experience as a student at the Institute of Culinary Education

"ICE helped lay the foundations of my education as a chef. It was there that I learned the basics, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my entire career."

Marc Murphy (Culinary Graduate)
Chef, Restaurateur & TV personality