Culinary Institute of Virginia Reviews

"I was miserable don't go attend unless you know what you are getting into. 60+ hours no weekends or holidays for little pay is normal. Don't convinced into into a program you don't want. The industry after can be is brutal and cruel, you need tough skin for it."

"Thank you for inviting me to share my experience at ECPI University. Yes, I had an incredible journey at ECPI CIV Norfolk. First and foremost, CIV ECPI University provided me with a solid foundation for my chosen field. The curriculum was rigorous and comprehensive, covering theoretical knowledge and practical skills highly relevant to the industry. The professors at ECPI were knowledgeable and experienced professionals passionate about teaching and guiding students. They were always available to provide support and answer any questions I had inside and outside the classroom. One aspect that truly stood out for me at CIV ECPI was the focus on hands-on learning. The university emphasizes practical application through lab work, projects, and real-world scenarios. This approach allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience. The university also fosters a collaborative environment where students can collaborate on projects, enhancing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, CIV ECPI University is known for its strong industry partnerships. These partnerships open up various opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and even potential job placements. The university's career services department played a vital role in assisting me with career guidance and networking opportunities. They organized career fairs, workshops, and industry-specific events that helped me connect with potential employers and gain insights into the current job market. Another notable aspect of CIV ECPI is its flexibility. The university offers on-campus and online programs, allowing students to choose the learning format that best suits their needs. As a working professional, you will appreciate the option to take classes online, which provides the flexibility to balance your education with other responsibilities. Lastly, the support and sense of community at CIV ECPI were outstanding. The faculty and staff genuinely care about the success of their students and are always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it was academic support, personal guidance, or career advice, I always felt supported throughout my journey at CIV ECPI. Overall, my experience at CIV ECPI University was transformative. My education equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in Culinary Arts. In addition, the emphasis on practical learning, industry partnerships, flexibility, and a supportive community contributed to my growth as a student and professional. I highly recommend CIV ECPI University to future students seeking a well-rounded education that prepares them for career success. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I had at CIV ECPI and believe it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue quality education in a supportive and career-focused environment."

"This school only wants your money. I have heard many stories on how bad they treat their students and do not like it. Some places wont even hire you because you went to CIV and they know their reputation. Save your time and money by going to a restaurant and working your way up."

"I enjoyed learning from the experience faculty and staff. Interacting with my classmates helped improve my learning experience. Career services helped me find gainful employment through my internship while completing my associate's in culinary arts. I would recommend ECPI university and its culinary institute to those who have a passion for something and want to grow their experience and knowledge."

"The faculty and support staff are passionate about the culinary field and getting the right person with the best qualifications in the best jobs. All the instructors are amazing, the course work is relevant to the degree and there really isn't any "Busy Work". The dedicated "Career Services" department is there to assist you with employment from day one to finding you the right "externship" site and then they offer an "alumni support specialist" for post graduation. If volunteering is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to give back, from "Kid's Cafe" (partnership with the local food bank) to "Casual Gourmet" (teaching home cooks the ropes) and many local events as well. If you are thinking about coming to culinary school, I recommend taking a look at CIV and see if it's the place for you. It was for me!"

"I was a career changer from a tech support background when I enrolled at CIV. I knew that I enjoyed cooking and was good at it, but wasn't sure how to make a career of it. Overall, my experience at CIV was amazing! The instructors were all great, giving of their time in and out of class. They encouraged questions and mistakes, urged us to get involved with different events, and made lessons simple and relevant. The courses themselves have changed since my day, but they started with basics including knife cuts and making stocks and concluded with a group of students basically running our own restaurant out of a classroom for a week. The skills and knowledge I learned and the assistance from Career Services definitely helped me find work quickly after graduation; however, as with anything, what you put in affects what you get out."