Center for International Career Development

Program Reviews

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Michael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

I was in the program in 2014, This was the best choice of my life i always tell people to reach out for this experience. I came back from France and worked in multiples Michelin Star restaurants ... Two years after my return i was diagnosed with cancer, i am now in remission and now own my own catering company. If i never would have followed my dream i don’t know where i would be present day thank your for the experience and opportunity!

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Melinda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship in Avignon, France

I would definitely recommend this program if you want to travel and experience a different culture. There’s so many experiences I had that were honestly once in a lifetime. I loved meeting people from around the world at the language program, and doing activities with them too. I learned a lot about food and different techniques while working in the kitchen. It was also a chance to be very independent which was very liberating! I would recommend you save some extra money to eat at a Michelin start restaurant because there are so many over here!

What would you improve about this program?
Stable WiFi to communicate and use internet. I was aware of this before the program but my advice would be to get a SIM card when you get there and phone bill will be much cheaper!
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Madeleine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

True French Baking

I had a great time in France, I'm kind of an introvert so having preplanned activities that we went to with the French school was really helpful for me to get to know my partner who would be working with me at our placement restaurant. Our chef and the staff who worked with us were all very nice and friendly. Pushing to go through this program was one of the best choices I've ever made. Training with my chefs made me so much better, the experience I gained looks amazing on my resume, and the life I lived in France was wonderful.

Most of my immediate family took the time to make their way over and visit me and it was so much fun showing them around and showing them what I had learned.

What would you improve about this program?
My particular program meant that I had to check in with my school weekly but we frequently lost service, meaning that I was terrified I wasn't going to be able to turn in my assignments. I had no data or wifi to let them know I would be late and being late without notice was grounds to terminate my last semester. Any locations need verifiable connection to internet. And it needs to be consistent. Ours was told that we would have wifi but it wasn't consistent.
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Brady
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Memorable and Amazing Experience!

All the time spent in the kitchen was absolutely great. I learned how to create better dishes and gained knowledge of how to combine ingredients. I got to work on my knife skills, plating and production.

During the language program, the experience with the host family was amazing and all of the teachers at the school were very friendly.

The services that CICD provided are very good. The program was nothing short of exceptional and something I'll always remember.

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Nicoletta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

If I had the opportunity to do it again, I'll do it in a heartbeat. One of the most rewarding times in my life. I wish I could live in France! Everyone was so friendly, the staff plus my roommates. I had so much fun not only learning new cooking techniques but travelling the country and visiting different sites as well as sampling the great french cuisine. I have friends for life now from all over the world. And also a lifetime of great memories

What would you improve about this program?
I wish I could have gotten a job offer
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Liudmila
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship in Marseille

Wonderful experience in 3 michelin star restaurant. Never forget it! Its give a lot of opportunity for the future. Learn a lot about food and management. Really recommend to take a internship to this place to everyone. Your life gonna change extremely quick n the good way! Thanks a lot to everyone who's connecting to this. ( restaurant stuff, CICD and of course Gerald Passedat) I wish all the best to future participants who is planning to go to this place wich change your life forever!

What would you improve about this program?
Little more communication between restaurant and CICD about contract.
Shelby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Adventure I’ve Ever Taken

This program has changed my life for the better! My internship led me to an amazing hotel and chef who helped me develop my skills and confidence in the kitchen. After my internship was up I was offered a position at the hotel as an employee, things have only gone up from there. The help and quick response from the CICD team was awesome- Valerie Lecamus helped me with my internship process and still keeps in touch to see how I’m doing. Of all the cool and crazy things I’ve tried- this program and flying to a new country by myself to work was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What would you improve about this program?
More detail on housing. My housing was provided from the hotel- staff apartments. They were great cause everyone who lived there worked in the hotel, so a great way to meet people you’ll see everyday. But they were in very bad condition, out of CICD’s control, but a better idea of what was to be expected would have been better.