Frequently asked questions about the combined programs

• Do I need previous professional experience to study one of the combined programs?

  No, these programs are designed for anyone who wants to start to learn the basics and for chefs who want to update their knowledge and learn in a different way.

• What are the prerequisites for taking this course?

  Some of the best chefs in the world didn’t even finish high school. That's why our evaluation process focuses more on your attitudes and cognitive skills than on your studies. If you want to know more about how we assess your candidacy, download this document, you will find it very interesting.

• Do I need a visa to take the combined programs?

  For many countries a visa is not required to complete this program. However, people from non-EU countries who want to study for a period of more than 90 days. This people must meet the following requirements to obtain a visa:
  
  

  • Prove that they have sufficient financial means for their stay and return to their home country.
  • Have public or private health insurance compatible to operate in Spain.
  • Prove that they have been admitted to an authorized teaching center in Spain (such as the CIB).
  • Be legally allowed to enter Spain.
  • If the stay is longer than 6 months, a lack of criminal and health records that may have serious repercussions on public health.

  
  We also recommend you check the official information on your government’s website.

• What language are the classes taught in?

  The language distribution is different for each program. Generally speaking, classes are taught in English and Spanish in equal measure, although there are programs where Spanish is spoken more than English. But whichever class you’re taking, we have a real-time translation system in both languages that will support you. The documentation we deliver is almost always available in both languages.
  It is important for you to know that regardless of the program you are going to take, the common language spoken by almost all students is English. In addition, students who do not yet speak Spanish can attend free Spanish lessons at the School.

• How does the admission and enrollment process work?

  To become a student of the CIB, you need to pass the four phases of evaluation:
  
  

  1. Talk to your Advisor. As well as guiding you and helping you complete the process successfully, they will also be evaluating your attitudes, interests, motivations and cognitive abilities. You should download and read our #CookingTomorrow book, as you will be asked about it in the following steps. It takes about two hours to read from start to finish. It is very important to complete this step before moving onto the next one.
  2. If everything goes well, you will be invited to fill in an admission form and attach the necessary documentation. Filling out this form can take between one and three hours. This form is evaluated by your Advisor and the Admissions Committee. All forms are submitted to a thorough verification check that detects if it has been copied, totally or partially, from another text or written using AI.
  3. If the form is successful, you will have an online interview with a member of the Admissions Committee who will ask you about our methodology, your motivations, your interests and where you see yourself in the future. This interview usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
  4. Every Friday, we analyze the previous week's applications and discuss the applicant's suitability and fit with our school and the requested program. On the following Monday, candidates are notified regarding their application status and whether they have been accepted or not.

  
  Steps to enroll:
  
  

  1. Schedule a call with an Advisor.
  2. Talk to your Advisor so that they can help and get to know you.
  3. Download and read #CookingTomorrow.
  4. Complete and submit the admission form.
  5. Sit the assessment interview.
  6. Pass the Admissions Committee's evaluation.
  7. Reserve your place and subsequently enroll on the program.

• What do the international internships in restaurants involve?

  The internships form part of the CIB programs, just like any other subject. They are a very important part of your learning, which is why they are supervised and included in the price. We monitor your evolution, how you adapt to the workplace and follow up on your learning by interviewing both students and employers. Once you have been with us for a few months, we will know you well enough to provide you with the best internship option based on your interests, work capacity, knowledge and skills and, of course, your attitudes.
  The collaboration agreements we establish with companies and restaurants meet rigorous criteria to ensure our students receive sound education and training, and that the placements offer shared values, well-being and a willingness to complete effective mentoring.

• Do I have to complete the internship straight after the program?

  Yes, you must first finish the teaching phase of the program to be able to move onto the internship phase. In some combined programs, you can change the order of the internships.