There is an abundance of cooking schools out there. Some are good. Some are great. Some unfortunately are a real rip off!! It makes sense to do some simple checks to ensure you get the best one to suit your needs. Here are some simple guidelines to help you decide which one to choose.
1. If learning to cook is your objective, then ensure you get an accredited school with a qualified chef in the kitchen! Is the chef a good teacher as well as a great chef?
2. Check how long the cooking classes will run. This is so important as many school just do a simple three hour demo per day and get rid of you asap! How long will you be with the chef in the kitchen and what skills will you actually acquire? Will you get actual hands on cooking experience? Time with the chef to reflect and ask questions? Will you eat together with the chef every day?
3. What is actually included in the course? Is lunch and dinner included? Do you have to pay for wine as an extra? How many courses are included for lunch and dinner?
4. Look carefully at the menu for the course. Does it include what you expect? Is the food organic? Are wine tastings included? Food & wine pairing?
5. Look at the reviews for the school. Trip Adviser can help with this. Feel free to email someone who has actually attended the school so that you can get an independent assessment of the chefs and the school.
6. Is the school a magical place? Do people actually enjoy their time there? There is so much to learning and the way cooking schools are managed. Are you included as part of the family or treated as a stranger? Again this is best gleamed by the reviews of previous customers.
7. How flexible is the school? Will they adjust their menu to suit your individual requirements?
8. What type of accommodation is available at the school? Do you get your own private gite or do you have to share a bathroom?! Check out carefully so that you are not disappointed. Ask for photos and again check out those reviews.
9. How easy is it to get to the school? Is it near an airport or a ferry port? Do you have to drive? Can you get a pick up from the local station? How helpful is your school with information and guidance about travel arrangements?
10. Does your chosen school offer any extras? Think about introductory dinners and celebratory graduation evenings with Diplomas! Are you given notes and menus covering your course and full support and after care when you try your recipes at home in your own kitchen?
11, What is available to see during non cooking times? Are tours arranged to places of interest, food markets, farms, vineyards etc. Are there lots of interesting places to visit when not in the kitchen?
12. How many people will be on your course? Some schools overbook the kitchen and you wont find that very enjoyable. The best schools actually limit the numbers of students below 10 per class so that everyone gets time to enjoy each other as well as quality time with the chefs.
13. Ensure your cooking school is the genuine school. In this age of computer fraud, websites can be easily copied. Check the website browser. Make sure the school is real by checking the address and land-line. Call the land-line number. Don't pay any fees unless you are absolutely sure you are dealing with the genuine cooking school. How easy is it to pay? Can you get your money back if you have to cancel? Check out the terms and conditions carefully.
14. How accessible is the school and its environs? Is there disabled access? Can you walk or do you need a car or taxi to get around? What other facilities are there? Cycles to rent?
15, What about single person supplements? What about your friend who is not attending the school but would like to join at lunchtime and/or in the evening?
These are just some points to consider when choosing a cooking school. If you are in a country with a strong currency vis a vis the Euro for example, you could save a substantial sum just by being careful where you decide to travel to! There has never been a better time to visit us at French Dining School assuming of course you have carefully done your homework!
