Flavours of Perth: Solpana's journey at KCBT

Hi, my name is Solpana Marpaung and I'm originally from Indonesia! I'm currently studying Commercial Cookery at Keystone College of Business and Technology (KCBT). 

I've been in Perth for two years now, and I'm enjoying life a lot. I chose it as my study destination because it's a beautiful, safe, and multicultural city with a high standard of education. The natural beauty here is amazing, and I especially enjoy going to the beach and exploring different food spots around the city. I love how calm and peaceful it is compared to bigger cities, and the cost of living is more affordable.

It's also not too crowded and has a peaceful environment (perfect for studying!), and the people are friendly. You'll meet people from all over the world, making it easy to feel welcome and make friends, especially with all the cultural events, student support services, and community groups.

It's a great place to live, study, and grow, both personally and professionally. 

I've always been passionate about food and cooking, and I wanted to turn that passion into a professional career, which is why I chose to study Commercial Cookery at KCBT. My course has hands-on training, experienced chefs, and a supportive learning environment, and also includes both practical and theoretical learning, which helps me prepare for working in real kitchens. 

The best thing about my course is the hands-on experience in the kitchen - I love learning new cooking techniques, working with fresh ingredients, and improving my knife skills. It makes me feel like I'm already working in a real restaurant! The trainers are very supportive and experienced, and they take the time to explain everything clearly. 

I also enjoy the multicultural atmosphere here at KCBT. It's great meeting people from different backgrounds and learning together. 

Here's what a typical day at KCBT looks like: 

• My day starts with getting ready for class and arriving early to prepare for the kitchen session. 
• We begin with a short theory discussion or briefing from the trainer. 
• Then, we move into the kitchen - I work with my classmates to prepare different dishes, practice techniques, and follow recipes. 
• After class, I usually review my notes, complete any homework, and sometimes work at my part-time job. 
• I also try to relax, cook at home, or spend time with friends. 

It's a busy but enjoyable day!

Once I graduate, I am planning to stay in Australia. My goal is to gain more experience working in a professional kitchen, ideally in a busy restaurant or hotel. I want to continue improving my skills and eventually work my way up to becoming a chef. 

In the future, I would love to open my own café or restaurant and share my passion for food with others. 

If you're coming to Perth to study, my advice is to be open to new experiences and don't be afraid to ask for help. Perth is a friendly and safe place, and there are lots of support services for international students. Try to make friends, explore the city, and enjoy the beautiful environment. It's a great opportunity to learn, grow, and build your future!