Lhaki Zhutsang is an international student from Bhutan. She has just finished her studies in SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management at Bentley campus. In this article, Lhaki shares her experience getting herself out of her comfort zone and travelling to Perth, WA to study at TAFE International Western Australia.
What were you doing before moving to Perth as an international student?
Before moving to Perth, I was a high school student in my country, Bhutan. I was passionate about cooking, always finding new recipes to cook for my cousins and family. I had just finished taking the school board exams and was planning what to do next. I hoped to stay in Bhutan with my family. However, education and careers in culinary arts were limited, which motivated me to move to Australia.
What are the best things about your course?
I studied commercial cookery at Bentley campus. I finished the SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management recently and earned my diploma qualification. The best part of the course was the hands on experience of meeting like-minded classmates and forming strong friendships with them. This made me look forward to coming to class every day.
How have you found the facilities on your campus so far?
The facilities at the Bentley campus were excellent. Many of my lecturers were amazing. I enjoyed their focus on interactive experiences which always kept the classes enjoyable yet educational. They really made sure to help us as much as they could, from guidance with our assignments, to cooking methods during class.
What career path are you planning to pursue after completing your studies at TIWA?
For my future, I plan to pursue a career as a professional chef. My resume is still in progress, which I hope to build as a good chef doing what I love!
What are the best things about Perth as an international student?
I have been living in Perth for the last two years, and it’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey. As an International student, Perth has been welcoming and full of opportunities. The balance of urban life and cultural diversity has made the stay even more enjoyable.
Do you have any advice for students who are considering studying a course similar to yours at TIWA?
For anyone considering studying a course in commercial cookery at TIWA, my advice is to take the leap. The interactive experiences, supporting lecturers and career-relevant training make it an excellent choice. And as a student, having a TAFE course on my resume really caught my employer’s interest. I would definitely recommend TIWA as it provides you with all the tools you need to succeed, you just need the drive.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I decided to leave Bhutan and move to Australia. It was not easy leaving my comfort zone having been with my family for my whole life. However, I was eager to embrace more challenges that would help me grow personally. Australia had a reputation in Bhutan as a country that values education and also fosters diverse cultural backgrounds. It was also known for its thriving job market. I wanted to be in an environment that would push me to be independent but also provide me with many opportunities.
The journey has been difficult yet rewarding. Living and studying here taught me resilience, the importance of adapting and the value of hard work. It has provided me with many exciting opportunities, and I am proud of myself for making the move.