Are you a culinary student at Del Mar College ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Do you dream of mastering new techniques, experiencing authentic French cuisine, and building real-world skills in an international kitchen?

We’re excited to announce that the Corpus Christi Sister City Program, powered by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, is piloting a new Culinary Exchange Program with our sister city in Agen, designed to support and elevate local culinary students through international experience.

This one-of-a-kind opportunity connects local culinary talent with our global sister city, offering hands-on experience, cultural immersion, and professional connections that can shape the future of your culinary career.

🍽️ Del Mar College Culinary Exchange Program to Agen, France

The Del Mar College Culinary Exchange Program offers a qualified culinary student a rare opportunity to train abroad, immerse themselves in French food culture, and represent Corpus Christi on an international stage through our sister city partnership with Agen.

This is a hands-on, professional culinary exchange designed for serious students ready to take their skills global.

🌍 What the Culinary Exchange Experience Includes

During this two-week immersive program in France, selected students will:

• Live and work in Agen, France, a region known for traditional French cuisine and agricultural excellence
• Train at multiple restaurants and bakeries alongside renowned chefs
• Learn regional cooking techniques, ingredients, and kitchen culture
• Participate in culinary demonstrations, including presenting a Texas recipe abroad
• Visit local farms, wineries, aquaculture sites, and food producers
• Engage in cultural excursions throughout Agen, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and the Lot-et-Garonne region

Student returns with expanded culinary knowledge, international experience, and professional confidence that sets them apart in the industry

🎓 Scholarships & Program Support

The Corpus Christi Sister City Program, powered by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, is piloting this Culinary Exchange Program to strengthen international workforce development and cultural exchange.

• Flight will be arranged and paid for by the United Corpus Christi Chamber. Host family lodging will be arranged by the Sister City International Program. Per diem for meals will be provided.
• Housing and program activities in France are coordinated through the Sister Cities partnership

👩‍🍳 Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for dedicated culinary professionals in training. Eligible applicants must:

• Be a current Del Mar College student enrolled in Culinary Arts or Baking/Pastry
• Have completed 33+ credit hours toward their degree
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Have at least one year of hands-on culinary work experience
• Provide:
  • One CAHM faculty recommendation
  • One employer recommendation
  • A Faculty Advisor verification
• Demonstrate professionalism, maturity, and readiness to serve as a Goodwill Ambassador for Corpus Christi and the United States

Click here for more information about the Del Mar Culinary Arts program.

🎥 Texas–France Recipe Exchange Requirement

As part of the application process, students must submit a 5–10 minute Texas Recipe Exchange Video, which includes:

• Introduction of the cook and hometown
• Cultural or historical background of the recipe
• Step-by-step preparation with measurements
• Serving suggestions
• Optional cultural fun fact about Corpus Christi

Videos are shared with Agen and may be featured in virtual watch parties and live culinary demonstrations abroad.

🗓️ Key Dates (2026 Program)

• Application Opens: January 20, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 10, 2026
• Interviews: February 16–20, 2026
• Selection Notification: March 3, 2026
• Orientation: March–April 2026
• Travel to France: May 30 – June 13, 2026 1. Application, and Guidelines

🌟 Why This Program Matters

This exchange is more than travel, it’s career-shaping experience.

Participants return with:

• International kitchen training
• Cross-cultural communication skills
• Professional networks abroad
• A deeper understanding of global food systems
• A competitive edge in culinary, hospitality, and food-related industries

This program strengthens both individual careers and Corpus Christi’s global connections through food, culture, and collaboration.

📝 Ready to Apply?

Applications and required forms are available through Del Mar College and the Sister Cities Committee.

📩 Submit completed application packets to:
lpollaki@delmar.edu

🔗 Application Form:
https://form.jotform.com/252874011429052

📍 Culinary Exchange Program Documents:

https://unitedcorpuschristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Culinary-Exchange-Program-Documents.pdf

Chamber of Commerce Sister Cities Page
👉 Visit: https://unitedcorpuschristi.org/sister-cities/

Don’t miss this chance to see the world, expand your horizons, and bring global insight back home.

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✨ The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is honored to lead this important initiative and continue connecting our city to the world, because when communities unite, everyone thrives.