Every New Destination is a New Chance to Grow
Author Annie B. Milostan ’25 is a Baking and Pastry Arts major.
Being away from home for college is always hard, especially when you go to another country and have to adjust to different weather, time changes, and a different culture. But it’s always the best part of it. I was able to talk to Deborah Alterio, an international student here at CIA New York, about her experience and how she decided CIA was the place she knew she needed to be.
Major and graduation year: Baking and Pastry Arts, 2025.
Where are you from:
Guatemala City, Guatemala.
What made you choose CIA:
Guatemala City has a growing restaurant industry but limited culinary education options. There is a popular tech school, offering short courses and diplomas, but I’ve always hoped for higher education. After doing my research, CIA seemed like the best option for me, mainly because of their financial aid options and varied degrees. If you’re passionate about food and want hands on learning experience, I believe CIA is the right place to develop your skills.
What’s been the biggest adjustment for you since coming to the U.S. for college:
There is a challenge when it comes to lifestyle, and weather too! I had never experienced winter until last year, and I wish I could tell my younger self to invest in good quality clothes for the weather. It’s definitely hard being away from home, so I recommend trying to get involved on campus and socializing with other international students. It’s nice to share a common experience and even better if you get to do it in your native language! Also, make sure you’re regularly calling home, it can become challenging to stay in touch with all your responsibilities, I personally must add it to my to-do list to keep on top of it.
What are some of your favorite things about studying at CIA:
The chef instructors. I genuinely look up to each instructor I’ve had and admire their various career paths, they’re all greatly experienced and passionate about teaching. You really get to dig into your curiosity and ask questions! In addition, every program requires the completion of a three-month externship, which is a great opportunity to learn about your professional goals or even try something completely new.
What are some of the things you’ve learned from your experience at CIA:
The foodservice industry is one of hard work, and there will be challenges along the way. The world of food is an extensive one, and it is truly beautiful how a love for food can be translated into so many different career paths. If you make it to CIA, or any other culinary school for that matter, I strongly encourage you to keep an open mind and do your best to keep that curiosity alive. Passion and curiosity are the best motivators for learning, and you can absorb a lot from simple observation if you’re truly present in the kitchen. Lastly, as my Baking Techniques chef once said, “this is a people’s business, and you have higher chances of succeeding if you learn to work with different personalities” (patience is truly a virtue!).
What resources at CIA have helped you with classes and to adjust to being here:
The Russell H. Ferber Library Learning Commons, I worked there for two semesters as a tutor and had a few appointments to meet with other students and get their feedback on my work and technique. It’s a little less intimidating than going to your professor, and just having things explained differently sometimes makes them truly click in your brain. In addition, I’ve managed to do a lot of my schoolwork by accessing the books at the library, so I recommend checking their availability before purchasing a textbook if your budget is limited. As a student you also have access to a pretty good gym, including a weight room, cardio room, and fitness room which features a few classes every week. I find that movement is a great way to stay on top of my physical and mental health. There isn’t anything better than a good workout after a long and stressful class or shift, and I refuse to be a chef in need of hip replacement surgery (I can name two that I personally know, which is one too many). Even if you don’t like high impact workouts, I strongly recommend forming a habit of stretching while you’re young, those long hours of standing can catch up to you quickly!
What would you say to an international student looking to study here at CIA:
Do your research! Not only about the school and visas but investigate the area and what opportunities you’d like to pursue with your degree. Just make sure you have a realistic budget and consider that every trip to New York City is $40 of transportation plus any expenses you decide to incur. It’s great for stages and long weekends, but you probably won’t spend a lot of your time there throughout the semester (I still get asked if I like living in New York City even though I’ve said countless times that I’m upstate).
International Students at CIA
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