International Students

We're proud to welcome students from around the globe. While some of them continue onto successful careers in New York City, others return to their countries of origin equipped with a vast array of professional skills to launch or advance their careers back home. Meet a few of the many international students whom have enrolled at ICE:

Wasmah Bakr
Country: England and Saudi Arabia
Visa type: H-4
Program at ICE: Restaurant & Culinary Management
Educational background: B.A., King Abdulaziz Univ, Culinary associate’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu
Career background: John Catering, Meedan, Le Cordon Bleu San Francisco
Career goals: to manage and expand much of the family catering business.

Yiting Cai
Country: China
Visa type: F-2
Program at ICE: Pastry & Baking Arts, 2015
Educational background: B.A., University of Wisconsin
Career background: logistic Specialist at Shanghai International Port Group and Linklaters.
Career goals: to work in food media or blogging and eventually open a bakery or pastry shop.

Rafail Georgiou
Country: Cyprus
Visa type: M-1
Program at ICE: Pastry & Baking Arts
Educational background: B.A., Solent University
Career background: business.
Career goals: to open a patisserie combining modern and traditional pastry techniques.

Mehak Mittal
Country: India
Visa type: M-1
Program at ICE: Pastry & Baking Arts
Educational background: B.A. in Textile Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology
Career goal: to combine design and food to make art out of food.

Aida Ramos
Country:Finland
Program at ICE: Health-Supportive Culinary Arts
Educational background: High school
Career background: Restaurants in Finland and Austria
Career goals: to learn to make health-supportive and nutritional cuisine and open a restaurant in the future.

Simone Valladares
Country:Brazil
Program at ICE: Health-Supportive Culinary Arts
Educational background: College
Career background: Restaurants and health coaching
Career goals: to teach cooking and open a cafe.

Zihe Zhou
Country: China
Visa type: M-1
Program at ICE: Culinary Arts
Educational background: B.A., Binghampton University, 2011
Career background: General Mills China, Young & Rubicam Shanghai
Career goals: to eventually become an entrepreneur in the food and beverage field by creating my own restaurant and food brands, most likely in China.

"My experience at ICE was extraordinary; I learned valuable lessons that will last for a lifetime. I'm really glad I studied at ICE, as it opened my eyes to a new perspective about the culinary world. NYC is also so diverse in its food culture and that was a great advantage."
— Niharika Srinivas Kumar (Management, '19)
Bangalore, India

"My experience at ICE was revolutionary to my culinary mind. I now understand the fundamental science and art of pastry and baking. With that knowledge, I feel no limit to what I can do with my skill. Living and schooling in the culinary capital of the United States made learning easier. The city itself is like a big kitchen!"
— Oyindamola Akinpelu (Pastry, '17)
Nigeria

"I chose ICE as it is the best culinary school in the U.S. I really loved and enjoyed the whole experience at the school: going to classes every morning, volunteering for different events and trailing in some of the best restaurants in NYC. ICE alumni have plenty of connections with the best culinary places that you can take advantage of. I did my externship in the test kitchen of Martha & Marley Spoon, and I trailed in top-notch restaurants such as Boulud Sud, Blue Hill and Nomad."
— Daniela Vitar (Culinary, '18), Pastry Cook at NoMad
Chile

“The chefs and students at ICE come from a diverse background, and you are learning in a dynamic environment where chefs are supportive and eager to help you grow. ICE also proactively offers extracurricular classes, workshops and events to enhance skills and connections even further. Outside of school, you will find yourself easily immersed into New York City’s pool of amazing restaurants and famous pastry shops, places where you will be inspired.”
— Calvin Luk (Pastry, '17)
Hong Kong

"The best teachers, chefs and restaurants in the world are in New York City. This permits students to get a top-grade education in class and to visit restaurants and get one-on-one interaction with entrepreneurs and chefs. Being in the city also allows you to go to all kind of events every day, from workshops to an awesome launch party of a product you like. This opportunity opens the door for networking and career advancement."
— Marie Hale Masek (Management, '18)
Guatemala

"My experience in New York was life-changing as it showed me that you have to work hard and go after what you want."
— Sasha Thompson (Cake Decorating, '18)
Nassau, Bahamas

While all ICE students may select from a range of housing options at ICE — from dorms to luxury apartments — many of our international culinary students choose the comfort of a homestay. While enrolled, you have the option of living with a sponsoring host family, sometimes from your native country, so you can enjoy the comfort of your culture while experiencing America’s culture. We also have many dorms and apartments available in a variety of prices and locations throughout the region. What’s important is that you find a place that is comfortable, affordable and that fits your personal lifestyle. 

Learn more about ICE student housing options.

All international students must apply for admission and be accepted before any student visa applications can be released. Our admissions team is here to help walk you through the process and ensure the success of your application. Click here to download and read the Reference Guide for International Students, which will help you understand the requirements for the visa process.

Help your students explore a career in the culinary arts or hospitality by partnering with ICE in New York City! We offer you attractive resources and compensation, and most importantly, here's what we offer your students:

• Accredited diploma programs in the Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Hotel Management, and Restaurant & Culinary Management, in addition to certificate programs in Artisan Bread Baking and The Art of Cake Decorating. (International students may enroll in the career Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Plant-Based Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Hotel Management diploma programs.)
• Your students will gain hands-on experience with trained, attentive chef-instructors in small classes. Then, they will extern in one of ICE’s vast network of renowned restaurants and culinary businesses – ready for an exciting career in the culinary arts.
• ICE alumni have worked in some of the finest restaurant kitchens in New York, as well as in catering, restaurant management, specialty food retailing, hotels and food writing.
• ICE facilitates the immigration and visa process with special admissions representatives who are sensitive to the needs of your students. See our International Student Reference Guide above for more information. 
• Comfortable housing options in New York City for every student’s preference and budget — from dorms and homestays, to shared and luxury apartments. We’ll pay attention to all the details — your students can focus on learning and enjoying their time in New York City.

ICE is their passport to an amazing culinary career!

Please call (212) 847-0701 to speak with an admissions representative specializing in the needs of international students and lead generators.