"One of the benefits of studying with TAFE NSW is that the education system is technical and career oriented. My TAFE teachers were always there for me and they are very good at their job. I think that the environment and the way in which you are taught impacts on your studies."

Marie-Florence Bonarien, Mauritius

Meet Our Students

Yuwan Fernando - Sri Lanka
Diploma of Hospitality Management, including Commercial Cookery

"The TAFE teachers were very good and helpful and they were very easy to talk to"

Yuwan Fernando from Sri Lanka studied the Diploma of Hospitality Management (including Commercial Cookery) at Nepean College, TAFE NSW-Western Sydney Institute and graduated in 2007.

Yuwan is enjoying his Australian study experience and feels he is gaining substantially from it. "The TAFE teachers were very good and helpful and they were very easy to talk to," Yuwan said. "They all have very good knowledge and you learn a lot."

Nepean College is a specialist centre for Tourism and Hospitality. The college has three full commercial kitchens, cold storage rooms, a bakery, a meat retail outlet, a wine cellar and a hotel guest services facility.

There is also a training restaurant called Patama Garang, Aboriginal for "Meeting Place", which is open to the public and offers 5-star dining for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday. Students work placement is rostered in the restaurant and they learn essential culinary and customer service skills to meet the high expectation of our paying clients.

Getting a job was no problem for Yuwan – he found part-time work as a chef in a Sydney hospital while he was studying at TAFE and is still employed there. "I'd like to continue with my studies and get further qualifications so I can become a catering manager," Yuwan said.

Yuwan lives with relatives near the college and is enjoying his life in Australia. "It was a bit difficult to adapt to the Australian lifestyle in the beginning but, after about three months, it was quite comfortable and easy," Yuwan said. "Now I would like to apply to become a permanent resident". Yuwan offers simple advice to other Sri Lankan and international students who plan to study in Australia. "Don't take it easy, take your study seriously."

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