Darlington College Students Elevate Culinary Skills Through Thai Experience
Eighteen Darlington College students experienced Thai culinary culture in a 15-day trip to Bangkok, funded by the Department for Education’s Turing Scheme. Students attended Suan Dusit University and earned certificates. Inspired by their experiences, they will host an Asian-themed buffet to share what they learned. Students expressed a desire to return or explore opportunities abroad.
Students from Darlington College have had an enriching experience in Thailand, where they honed their culinary skills while immersing themselves in Thai culture. Eighteen students from Level 2 and 3 culinary skills courses, along with three staff members, participated in a 15-day program in Bangkok. The initiative, funded by the Department for Education’s Turing Scheme, aimed to enhance their skills and broaden their knowledge.
During their stay, the students attended Suan Dusit University, where they learned various aspects of Thai cuisine. As part of the London-Bangkok World City Links Traditional Thai Cuisine initiative, participants received certificates to recognize their achievements. This opportunity has not only imparted culinary knowledge but also inspired personal reflections from the participants, particularly about future aspirations.
For mature student Tina Snowball, the trip ignited thoughts of retirement in Thailand. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It was the first time I’d been to South East Asia and I loved it. I can’t wait to go back… The people are extremely welcoming, and there are so many nationalities that you don’t feel out of place.”
Similarly, 17-year-old Alisha Goddard shared her excitement, saying, “It was the first time I had been to Asia and I didn’t want to come back. I loved how different it was from here. I now don’t want to stay in the UK and this has encouraged me to work abroad.”
Lecturer Dawn Cobb praised the students’ engagement, noting, “The trip was absolutely incredible, and our students threw themselves into the Thai food culture with such enthusiasm. The Thai people were the perfect hosts, and we all learned a lot from the experience.”
In sharing their experiences, the students will host an Asian-themed buffet on March 11 at the college’s Glasshouse Restaurant, starting at 6:30 PM, where they will recreate dishes learned in Thailand. Reservations can be made by calling 01325 503188/503050 or emailing [email protected].
The journey undertaken by Darlington College students to Thailand has not only refined their culinary skills but also provided them with invaluable cultural insights. As they prepare to share their newfound knowledge through an upcoming buffet, the experience stands as a testament to the transformative power of international education. The reflections from both students and faculty highlight the potential for future endeavors, whether in culinary careers abroad or personal aspirations.
Original Source: www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
