An Introduction to Cooking

An Introduction to Cooking The Beginner’s Guide to Cooking ChaptersThe Greatest Chefs in the History of CookingThe Best Chefs in the World Right NowThe Best TV Cooking ShowsThe Most Popular British Dishes“We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of an opportunity to eat badly.” - Anna ThomasI don’t care if people call me a pig if I get to eat great food! Even though the amount we spend on food has decreased since the 1960s, it’s still a significant part of household budgets.Supermarkets have helped drive down prices. With budgets remaining the same, our purchasing habits are trending towards organic products.  There’s less of a focus on good food, especially if we’re to believe the dip in popularity of cooking shows since the 2000s.That said, with fewer people able to eat in restaurants as frequently as they'd like, there's been a resurgence in the world of cooking.In this article, we’re going to look at how you can perfect your cooking with the greatest chefs of all time, the best chefs alive today, the best TV cooking shows, a nd the most popular dishes in the UK. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Greatest Chefs in the History of CookingEven though France was behind the Michelin Stars, Japan has actually more Michelin-starred restaurants.A lot of famous chefs learnt to cook in family businesses like bakeries. (Source: Skitterphoto)While we're probably quite familiar with the celebrity chefs of today, here are some of the greatest chefs of all time who are no longer living. The chefs who inspired the chefs of today:Joël Robuchon, 1945-2018. He had 32 Michelin stars at the time of his death. His signature dish: Pommes Robuchon, the perfect mashed potatoes.James Beard, 1903-1985. He was a cookbook author, teacher, and all-around top chef. In fact, he was a huge proponent of American cuisine at a time when the culinary arts seemed to be only interested in French cuisine. The James Beard Foundation was created after his death by Julia Child who bought his home, making it North America's only historical culinary centre.Anthony Bourdain, 1956-2018. Don't let the name fool you, Anthony Bourdain is not a French chef. He actually grew up in New York City and gained his education at the Culinary Institute of America. He had a prolific television career and it'd be harder to find a cooking show that he wasn't on. He appeared on the Food Network's A Cook's Tour.Roger Vergé was a friend of Paul Bocuse and trained Alain Ducasse. His signatur e dish is the “poupeton”, courgette flower with truffled mushrooms.Paul Bocuse, 1926-2018. He was born into a family of cooks and created the Bocuse d’Or, a biennial world chef championship. His signature dish was the truffle soup vge 1975.With traditional dishes to culinary masterpieces, the great chefs have always known how to impress those eating their food.The Best Chefs in the World Right NowWhile some of the best chefs have left us, there are plenty of great chefs currently still with us. There are plenty of chefs specialising in different cuisines. Indian food, Italian food, and Mexican food all have representatives in the world of haute-cuisine.Be inspired by some of the world's greatest chefs. (Source: babawawa)While a lot of great chefs have left us, there are still plenty of great chefs still alive. They inlude:Alain Ducasse, a student of Roger Vergé, who creates dishes inspired by his origins. He’s also the head of a vast gastronomical empire.Jamie Oliver. While this celebrity chef doesn't have a single Michelin Star to his name, he's famous for award-winning television shows and his efforts to make gourmet food accessible to everyone through easy-to-make meals.Emeril Lagasse is an American chef, James Beard Award winner, and restaurateur famous for New New Orleans cooking style. He's also the executive chef of thirteen restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.Bobby Flay is another celebrated American Chef famous for his TV shows. He is famous for his Mexican and Southwest cooking style and is the executive chef of restaurants in Vegas, New York, and Atlantic City.Gordon Ramsay, who was trained by Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon in Paris.Rachel Ray, like Jamie Oliver, favours “quick and easy” cooking and has hosted both cooking and talk shows in the US.Pierre Gagnaire, a student of Paul Bocuse, a great chef who’s always trying new things. As a result, he doesn’t have a single signature dish.Mario Bat ali is famous for his Italian cuisine and hosted Molto Mario on the Food Network for 8 years. He was educated at the Cordon Bleu.While male chefs dominated once dominated the world of cooking, as you can see, more and more women are becoming popular in the world of cooking.Get started with the best cookery courses London on Superprof.The Best TV Cooking ShowsWatching TV won’t make you a great chef, but there are plenty of entertaining cooking shows you can watch for fun.You can learn more than you think from the TV. (Source: Robert-Owen-Wahl)Cooking shows started popping up in the 1950s with a chef onscreen telling you how to make certain dishes. This continued for many years until the 2000s when cooking shows and reality TV started to mix.MasterChef is one of the most famous cooking shows and a competition to find the best chef. They go through different challenges and are judged on their cooking. The finalists chosen by the judges.There are also other cooking shows that are popu lar:Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsay.Food UnwrappedThe Great British BakeoffCome Dine With MeSaturday KitchenDinner DateGreat British MenuHairy BikersWe don’t know about you but these types of shows always make us hungry. They always make us wonder why what we’re eating isn’t as good as what they are.The Most Popular British DishesKnowing the best chefs to have ever lived, the best working today, and the best cooking shows, have you really learnt how to cook?You don't need to be a professional chef to cook the country's favourite dishes. (Source: JESHOOTS-com)Learning to cook can seem like climbing a mountain. Maybe you just know how to cook pasta.However, there are plenty of great recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and can work wonders on staples like pasta or potatoes. The most important thing about cooking is how you cook and season them. Once you’ve mastered these two skills, nothing can stop you.The most popular dishes are often the most simple ones to make, the tastiest ones, or the best for you.Here are some of the most popular dishes in the UK:Fish and chipsPizzaChinese stir-fryChicken tikka masalaSpaghetti bologneseThai green curryRoast dinnerBangers and mashSweet and sour chickenShepherd’s pieAs you can see, vegetarians aren’t very well represented in the UK. The UK really likes comfort foods. Of course, this includes some of the most traditional British dishes as well as international dishes.It’s hardly surprising that there are a few Italian dishes on the list! You can find Italian food wherever you go in the world, even in China. Of course, the quality varies hugely from country to country.Spaghetti bolognese, carbonara, stews, roast chicken, could have all been included in the list. All of these dishes are quite easy to make, too.If you need a little extra help in the kitchen, you should consider getting help from a tutor on Superprof. You can get tutorials in a number of different skills including cooking and baking. Ad ditionally, there are three different types of tutorial available in each subject: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials include one tutor and one student. These are usually the most costly per hour but they're also the most cost-effective since your tutor can focus on you every single minute of your tutorial. With hands-on subjects like cooking, face-to-face tutorials are great.Online tutorials are usually cheaper than face-to-face tutorials since the tutor doesn't have as many travel costs and this saving is usually passed onto their students. As long as both of you have a decent internet connection and webcams, you can use programmes like Skype to communicate with your tutors.Group tutorials are the most like your traditional art classes at school. However, if you get enough of you and your friends together, you could always hire a tutor together. With each student sharing the cost of the hour, you can get quite a discount for each s tudent in attendance. Of course, you won't get as much one-on-one time with your tutor, though.While each type of tutorial has its advantages and disadvantages, you need to choose the one that matches your learning objectives and your budget. Everyone can learn to cook, after all, if they have the right tools, resources, and encouragement.

The Ultimate Guide to Backpack Essentials

The Ultimate Guide to Backpack Essentials The below post is the first in our 2017 Back-to-School Series. Throughout the month of August, visit the Varsity Tutors blog for back-to-school advice, tips, and tricks for all ages. Buying backpack essentials is a classic back-to-school activity for every grade level. The basic shopping list for all age groups includes items like pencils, pens, erasers, and paper, but students of different ages will also need to fill their backpacks with different items. So what are the backpack essentials that youll need to prepare for this school year? Here is our ultimate guide to backpack must-haves, broken down by elementary school, middle school, and high school. Elementary school backpack essentials TissuesIllness tends to spread quickly throughout schools. Prevent dripping noses by keeping a pack of tissues handy for your student to grab from his or her backpack. WipesElementary school is full of messy pastimes like arts and crafts, recess, and, of course, lunchtime. Wipes make it easy for students to get into the habit of cleaning their hands after they get them dirty or before they eat. Layers of clothingYounger students typically switch between inside and outside time each day. Teach them what clothes they should wear when they go out for recess, field trips, and when they leave at the end of the day so that they stay warm (or cool). SunscreenThis is something else that students should wear when they go outside. Teach your student how to apply sunscreen, and remind them to reapply it throughout the day if they are going outside more than once. Your contact informationElementary school students may still be in the process of memorizing your contact information. While your students teacher has this information, keeping it on an index card in your childs backpack can make him or her feel a little more secure. It is also extremely useful in emergency situations. [RELATED: How Parents Can Help with Elementary Homework Challenges] Middle school backpack essentials USB driveIn middle school, students will start using computers more and more frequently. They may also be required to do homework on their computer at home. Its easy for students to carry around their work on a USB drive. Make sure your student has one in his or her backpack. CalculatorMiddle school students will be doing more complex math and will thus need a good calculator. Check with your students teacher to see what kind he or she recommends. it could be a scientific calculator, graphing calculator, or both. Day plannerA day planner is a helpful tool for middle school students. Buy a planner with large spaces for each day so he or she has enough space to record the days homework with any notes. [RELATED: 4 Ways Parents Can Help Middle School Students Succeed] High school backpack essentials HighlightersHighlighters are often helpful to high school students, who do more reading than younger students. Learning how to highlight and read for important information is an essential skill high school students need for college. USB driveLike middle school students, high school students also need a USB drive to transfer their homework and assignments between multiple computers. Day plannerAlso like middle school students, high schoolers benefit from having a day planner. It can be used to record assignments, test dates, project deadlines, practices, meetings, events, etc. BindersBinders can help keep high school students organized for each class. Help your student label his or her binders, which they can take out of their locker as needed before each class. Be sure your student also has plenty of loose-leaf paper and binder dividers to stay even more organized. [RELATED: 5 Questions to Ask Your Student's New Teacher] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

English, Creative writing and SAT tutor in London

English, Creative writing and SAT tutor in London This week we would like to introduce Erica G, an English, Creative Writing and American SAT private tutor. She is originally from California, but is now a tutor living in London.  Erica is passionate about teaching writing and critical thinking skills through literature, and believes learning these skills can see individuals through much of their academic and practical challenges.   So let’s find out a little more about her… Erica, why do you love tutoring? I enjoy passing on knowledge in a subject that I love as well as building a child’s confidence in their own abilities. Often struggling children have the ability, they just need to believe in themselves. I love being able to instil that belief in a child by maximising their skills so they can reach their full potential. Who inspired you in education? My 8th grade English teacher and two of my lecturers at university where I studied writing and literature. They inspired me because they stood up for the right to education. They were strong teachers and taught me to think for myself in an original way and to believe that I could achieve great things. What else do you get up to besides tutoring? Well, I’m currently a PhD student so I spend a lot of my time doing my research for that. My research is in love and romance in LGBT young adult novels. I’m also an avid textile crafter so I enjoy quilting, knitting and doing some cross-stitch. I just love anything where I can express myself creatively. If you had a super power what would it be? If I could read while I sleep and remember everything in the morning that would be amazing. Then I would have a whole library of books stored in my head. What advice would you give to a parent on how to find a tutor? I would recommend first to find someone who is a specialist in the subject the child needs support with and then to find a tutor who can really help children believe in themselves. A personal tutor needs to be able to work alongside a student and act as coach as well as a tutor. Want to meet Erica?  See below to view her short video: Subjects taught by Erica English- Degree, IB, A-Level, GCSE, 11+, Primary, AS Basic IT Skills Blogging Creative Writing Internet Keyboard Microsoft Office Microsoft Powerpoint Microsoft Word SAT Twitter If you or your child needs help with any of the above then please click here to visit Erica’s profile page and book a lesson. Illustration from  www.flickr.com     CC-by

False Friends Spanish and English False Cognates

False Friends Spanish and English False Cognates One of the more difficult things that many Spanish speakers have while learning English is that there are many words that look and sound similar but have different meanings. We call these false friends or amigos malos. Learning English can be tough from the pronunciation to the grammar but false friends are not that difficult to memorize so that you dont make a mistake. The funniest example is: embarrassed in English sounds similar to embarazada in Spanish. If you tell someone in South America that you are embarrassed they will probably congratulate you and ask when you are due to have your baby. On the other hand if you tell someone that you are embarazada in the US or Canada they will probably ask why and ask if you are uncomfortable because embarrassed in English means that you feel awkward, dumb, self conscious, (verguenza).So below are a list of False friends that are commonly used incorrectly:Actual-means real NOT currentExample: The actual cost of the purse was much lower than the price tag.Particular-means special NOT privateYou can not discriminate against a particular group of people.Familiar-well known NOT relativeIm very familiar with the NorthWestern part of the United States, Ive lived there for many years.Casual-relaxed NOT by chanceThe restaurant does not require formal clothing, casual clothes are fine.Casualty-victim NOT by chanceThe war had many casualties.Soap-to wash your hands NOT to eat with a spoon like soupWe need dish soap for washing the dishes.Jam-is sweet and sometimes made from strawberries NOT ham which comes from cured pig meatMy favorite jam is raspberry.Compromise-an agreement or settlement NOT being engagedMy children are learning to compromise with each other by sharing and working out disagreements.Support-to give assistance NOT unbearable (unsopportable-doesnt exist)I gave her all the support she needed when her mother passed away.Molest-is generally used for sexual abuse or hurting someone in a sexual manner NOT to bother someone.Henry Weinstein the hollywood producers is accused of molesting several young actresses.Here Are The Best Tips For English Fluency:When you want to say: all the day/all the year change it to the whole day or the entire year.I was at the doctors office for the whole day!When you say take decisions you should say make decisions.I need to make a decision about her birthday gift.Remember breakfast/lunch/dinner are not verbs so you must say have or eat breakfast/lunch/dinner.What time do you normally eat breakfast? We eat lunch around noon. In Argentina they have dinner at 10PM!We talk in third person a lot for example: When at a restaurant and they ask how many people for the table you should say: There are four NOT we are four.There are five of us 4 adults and one child.We talk in third person on the phone: We say this is Teauna not I am Teauna.Hello! This is Teauna speaking, can I help you?

Credit Card Checkout is Working

Credit Card Checkout is Working TutorZ credit card checkout progress has been updated and is now working again. If you run low on credit you can now refill your account. TutorZ offers three types of credit packages that are used to purchase tutoring jobs. First, the green apple packages of $20 credit. The second package â€" the red apple â€" is worth $50. Tutors buying the red credit package only need to pay $45, thus receive $5 of extra credit. Third package we name the gold credit package because it offers the highest amount of discount: $25. We charge only $75 on your credit card but add $100 of credit to your account. At TutorZ there are three ways to purchase the green, red or gold credit package. First, by using your credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and the Discover Card. The second payment method is through PayPal. Tutors can acquire credit through funds withdrawn from their PayPal accounts. Finally, TutorZ also offers checkout through phone. Call 805-288-7338 and have your credit card ready. It was the credit card checkout which was not working well and needed update. TutorZ engineers implemented a new client side technology called jQuery and use JSON within the secure HTTPS protocol to facilitate communication with our credit card processor. To purchase a green, red or gold credit package you must be logged into your TutorZ account. From there click the Buy Credit button and chose a package to arrive as this checkout page:

Dreaming of teaching abroad Here are the 5 best programs hiring right now!

Dreaming of teaching abroad Here are the 5 best programs hiring right now! So, you’ve just finished college and you’re thinking about teaching English abroad when a thought strikes you: You could go anywhere in the world. In a few months, you could find yourself in a place you’ve never imagined. With people you don’t even know exist right now. Teaching abroad opens up a world of opportunity that’s as exciting as it is terrifying. I mean, it’s a big world out there - where to begin? Well, a great place to start out is through a paid teach abroad program. Finding the best teaching English abroad program for you means getting the international adventure you’re looking for, safe in the knowledge you’ll have a paycheck at the end of every month and support on hand to help you navigate setting up your new life in a new land. While the best teach abroad programs may provide a smoother transition than just turning up in your country of choice and hoping for the best, they also require a little bit of admin on your part before you pack a bag and indulge your wanderlust. Narrowing down a program that ticks all the right boxes for you and maximizing your chances of getting accepted before you apply can set you on track for an unforgettable adventure. Getting accepted into a teach abroad program First things first, before you apply for a teach abroad program you’ll want to check that you fulfill some basic entrance criteria. Not all programs are the same, but there are three things that most programs ask of their future English teachers: 1. A bachelor’s degree International schools may look for licensed teachers to teach specialist subjects, but the most common general request for English language teachers is for a bachelor’s degree in any field. 2. A TEFL qualification Many teach abroad programs ask for TEFL qualifications, and doing one is also a great way to gain confidence in your teaching skills, boost your CV and let future employers know that you’re ready to share your knowledge with the world! A good TEFL course should give you the teaching tips and techniques you’ll need to organize your classroom and get the best out of your students as an English teacher. There are thousands of TEFL courses out there to choose from, including intensive and part-time options, as well as face-to-face learning or gaining TEFL certification online. As a general guideline, it’s best to pick a TEFL qualification that’s at least 100 hours long, offered by an institution that’s internationally recognized and within your budget - like Teach Away’s very own TEFL course, offered in conjunction with the University of Toronto. 3. Great English language skills! If you’re a native speaker you don’t have to worry about proving your skills in this area, but non-native speakers shouldn’t be put off either! Different countries and programs have different requirements. If you’re a non-native speaker, doing a TEFL course can help show that, not only do you have top-notch teaching skills, but you’re also fully at ease with teaching the English language. Recommended reading: What qualifications do I need to teach English abroad? Now you’ve got the admin out of the way, it’s time to sign up for your perfect teach abroad program! Except, umm… Which is the best teach abroad program for me? The answer to this question really depends on what you want to get out of your experience, professionally and personally. Are you looking for a change in lifestyle, a cultural immersion, or an international adventure? Here are a few questions to help you narrow down what your perfect overseas teaching job might look like, starting with the biggest question of all… Where’s the best place to teach English abroad for me? When you picture yourself living overseas what comes to mind? Are you strolling down cobbled streets in Europe, powering through an Asian megacity or basking in the Middle Eastern sun? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to improve your Spanish or try to get to grips with Mandarin? Do you love Vietnamese food, Spanish guitar music or Korean movies? These might sound like small things to base a big decision on but when stepping out into the great unknown, following your heart a little means you’re sure to enjoy the adventure. Besides the country that you’ll be living in, think about opportunities in the surrounding areas too. Teaching in Germany, for example, would put you in the perfect position to take weekend train trips all over Europe. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. What kind of lifestyle do I want while I’m teaching abroad? Beyond your teach abroad fantasy lifestyle, there are a few practical ways to make your decision, too. Thinking about small things like what kind of weather you prefer, whether you’re better suited to working 9-5 than evenings and weekends and whether there are any favorite hobbies you’d like to keep up while you’re away will make a big difference to your lifestyle once you arrive. If your favorite way to unwind after work is going for a run in the fresh air, then maybe living in a rural setting rather than a super crowded high-rise city would be better for you! You might not have a detailed idea of the lifestyle you want, but narrowing down a few preferences will help you pick out a program that truly suits you. What kind of English teaching do I want to do? Don’t forget a lot of your time abroad is going to be spent teaching English! Committing to a teach abroad program often means signing up for at least one school year so make sure you take some time to think about what will make you happiest in your professional life while you’re away. For example, do you think you’d prefer the structure of working in the state school system or the flexibility of working for a private school? Can you see yourself teaching kids, teens, adults or a mix of all three? Make sure you read up on the types of teaching different programs offer to find one that will make your time as an English teacher as fulfilling as possible. What kind of salary could I make teaching abroad? If you’re looking for the highest salaries for English teachers, countries in Asia and the Middle East, like China, the UAE, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam are at the top of the scale. English teachers in these destinations often earn enough to enjoy their time abroad and save money too. While other destinations may pay less, one of the benefits of teaching English abroad through a program over going freelance is that you are guaranteed to make the same amount every month, making it easier to work out a budget and make sure you don’t miss out on any once in a lifetime opportunities. An added plus is that most programs also offer other perks like language lessons, free housing or even flights to and from the country you travel to! When looking at potential salaries don’t forget to check out living expenses in your country of choice. Recommended reading: Top countries to make the most money teaching abroad in 2018 Where is the highest demand for English teachers? There is high demand for teachers in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and The United Arab Emirates, to name a just a few countries. These are some of the best countries to teach English and save. But don’t worry if the destination you want to go to isn’t on this list; there are great teaching programs running in countries all over the world! The good news is whatever kind of teach abroad program you’re looking for, there’s one to suit just about everyone! Here are some of our favorites: 1. Teach Away’s Explore Program - China An ancient culture steaming into the future without losing its rich artistic, culinary and national traditions. If you can picture yourself spending a year in China then the Teach Away’s Explore program might be for you. There are positions available all over the country and beyond world-famous Beijing and Shanghai, it’s worth checking out lesser-known destinations for a unique cultural experience. Eastern city Suzhou, for example, is known as the Venice of China because of the pretty waterways that fill the city and southern Shenzhen is close to beautiful beaches and the bright lights of Hong Kong. Depending on the program you choose, benefits on the Teach Away Explore program include health insurance, housing, return airfare and Mandarin lessons. 2. The Jet Program - Japan Japan’s government-funded JET program has been running for decades - a testament to how much demand there is among foreigners to experience this fascinating country like a local. And who can blame them?! From Buddhist temples to manga, via ramen and cat cafes, Japan’s unique culture is as intriguing as its people are infamously polite. Multiple positions available in public schools all over the country mean diverse experiences on offer. A position in the countryside might mean a cultural and linguistic immersion, whereas urban positions could place you in one of Japan’s world-class, 24-hour cities. Benefits for JET program teachers include affordable accommodation, 5-6 weeks of holiday plus national holidays, round-trip flights and Japanese lessons. 3. UAE Government Schools - United Arab Emirates Whether you head for world-famous Abu Dhabi or one of the lesser-known Emirates, working in the UAE will make you part of a large international community where you can meet people from all over the world. UAE Government Schools is also a great teaching program for couples, with or without kids. Working within the national education system also means you’ll get a local perspective on the futuristic cities, old-world culture and stunning natural beauty abundant in this sun-drenched corner of the world. Between exploring traditional souks, poolside brunching in luxury hotels and trekking through the desert, there will be plenty to keep you entertained outside of work hours too. English teachers on the UAE Government Schools program are required to have a teaching license or CELTA and two years teaching experience. Benefits for teachers normally include a tax-free salary, round-trip flights, health insurance and housing. 4. EPIK - South Korea Whether it’s kimchi, k-pop or cutting-edge cosmetics that piqued your interest, South Korea has all that and so much more to offer. Rural and urban positions are available throughout the country, and wherever you work South Korea’s compact size means that a mountain ski trip, the dizzying lights of a vast metropolis or serene rice fields are never more than a train ride away. Nestled between China and Japan, South Korea is also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in Asia. Benefits for EPIK English teachers include a settlement allowance, housing, subsidized health insurance and completion bonuses. 5. CIEE - All around the CIEE is one of the most flexible programs out there in that it offers teaching positions in almost every corner of the globe! If you still haven’t settled on a specific destination for your English teaching adventure then how about narrowing it down to Chile, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Thailand or Vietnam?! CIEE is also one of the most supportive programs â€" wherever in the world you go you’ll have 24/7 emergency assistance, iNext international insurance, pre-departure support and an in-country orientation when you arrive. Depending on the CIEE program you choose, language classes may also be available. So, which program are you signing up for? If you’re torn between two (or three!) why not try starting the online application process and see where it takes you? The process will encourage you to think more deeply about your motivation for signing up and what each experience might have to offer you. And if none of these options seem like the right fit, don’t lose hope just yet! Try searching online by location or program type and see which other programs might match your interests. You never know, your perfect teach abroad program might be just a few clicks away!

7 Things to Expect as a Line Cook

7 Things to Expect as a Line Cook Image via Pexels Working in the food industry is not for just anybody, as you have to be a specific kind of person who not only loves to cook but also can handle certain responsibilities of operating a kitchen. Unfortunately, cooking and baking for friends and family occasionally is a long way from working in the food/restaurant industry. There are many occupational positions within the food industry ranging from sous chef to executive chef, with the introductory, baseline position being a line cook. You may be asking yourself, what is a line chef and how does this apply to me? A line cook is an entry level position in a restaurant that essentially involves being responsible for cooking food according to the standards of the specific restaurant, customer, or chef. If you are looking for a way to ease into the restaurant industry and work your way up in positions, a line cook job may be for you! For first-time beginners, here are a few points entailing what to expect as a line cook. Image viaPexels 1. Manage stress well: Restaurants and especially restaurant kitchens can be extremely fast-paced, loud, and hot at times. As a line cook, you’ll have to deal with these circumstances regularly, which can become stressful. If you are looking into being a line cook, make sure that you can function well in not only busy but also high-stress environments. 2. Prepare for some danger: Due to the nature of the job, line cooks may encounter minor or major problems that interfere with their performance. Being fast-paced can result in mistakes happening mistakes such as small cuts, burns, and bruises. Situations like this are not fun or pleasant so if you do not handle the potential of being hurt well, this kind of position may not be for you. 3. Money, money, money: Restaurant workers, depending on the position, typically make good incomes. Though line cook positions are entry level, according to snagajob.com, the average salary for all line cooks is about $14 per hour. At high-end restaurants, line cooks can earn up to $18.25 per hour. One of the perks of being a line cook is being able to have free meals while you work! 4. Education: In the culinary industry, most positions require some form of higher education, whether it be an associates degree or a bachelor’s degree. These two to four-year programs usually include basic training for working in food industries, such as cooking techniques, health and safety procedures, and other managerial restaurant duties, snagajob.com states. 5. Get used to the hours: Line cooks are used to unusual, long hours on the job. Shifts can range from very early mornings to late nights, and even holidays. Not only is the timing of the shifts sometimes difficult, the length of the shifts prove to be even harder. The job itself is unforgiving and requires constant energy, so the most important priority when working is to take care of your body. To be able to function well as a line cook, Paul Sorgule of finedininglovers.com notes, “Eat well, eat appropriately, hydrate, exercise frequently, buy the right shoes, bend when you lift, use dry side towels when grabbing a hot pan or tray, and see a doctor on a regular basis.”  6.  Embrace your chance to brand yourself: Though you are working under the supervision of someone in a higher position than you, as a line cook, you can use your skills of quickness and creativity to make yourself stick out and move up in the business. The traits and qualities unique to you will only help you become better recognized for your hard work and your hospitality in the kitchen. 7. Move on to greater positions: As stated earlier, being a line cook is a basic, entry-level position. However, the longer you work in this position and the more places you are exposed to will only help you grow and build your status as a restaurant worker. You could be a line cook today but within the span of a few years you could be a sous chef or even the executive chef of a restaurant that you created yourself; you have the potential! Image viaPexels For many, working in stressful and fast paced environments makes their blood curl. For others, the rush of adrenaline and boost of energy keeps them motivated to work the best they can. Line cooks rely on their love of food, their need to make customers happy and their desire to build themselves in the food industry. When considering a job like this, ask yourself if this sounds like an occupation that could be fitting for you and never forget the power of positivity and personal relationships. As always, best of luck to you!