Inspired by her lifelong passion for food, Nayana Shahi decided to study BA (Hons) International Culinary Arts at °®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s collaborative partner institution, Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management in Nepal. With a clear dream of becoming a chef, she chose a course that combined international academic standards with intensive, hands-on kitchen training and global industry exposure.
Inspired by her ambition, Nayana was particularly drawn to the course’s strong practical focus, experienced chef mentors, and international internship opportunities that provided valuable real-world insight while still studying. Through these experiences, she developed the creativity, discipline and resilience needed to thrive in the fast-paced culinary world.
A recipient of the Dean’s Award for her accomplishments during her time on the course, Nayana made the most of every practical session and challenge, building the skills and confidence to pursue her career in the culinary industry.
Why did you choose to study with one of °®¶¹´«Ã½'s collaborative partner institutions, and what attracted you to the course?
I chose to study with one of °®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s collaborative partner institutions because it aligned perfectly with my long-term dream of becoming a chef and building a career in the culinary industry. I enrolled at Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management as it was one of the first hotel schools in Nepal to introduce a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts. What truly attracted me to the course was its strong practical focus and the opportunity for early career exposure through its international internship programme. This global experience allowed me to gain real-world industry insight while still studying, which I found incredibly valuable. Overall, the combination of academic excellence, hands-on training, and international exposure made it the ideal choice for me to begin my professional journey as a chef.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
If you’re considering this course, my biggest advice would be to join with passion and an open mind. Culinary Arts is not just about cooking, it requires discipline, creativity, teamwork, and the willingness to learn every single day. There will be long hours in the kitchen, practical exams that test your skills under pressure, and moments when things don’t go as planned. But those challenges are what truly shape you into a professional.
Make the most of every practical session, listen carefully to your chefs and mentors, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes - that’s where the real learning happens. Also, take internships seriously, especially international opportunities, because they expose you to real industry standards and help you grow both personally and professionally. Most importantly, stay consistent and patient. Success in the culinary field doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and hard work, it becomes incredibly rewarding.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
What I enjoyed most about my course was seeing how the book-based theory came to life during practical sessions. It was fascinating to apply what we learned in class to real kitchen environments. Some aspects were familiar to me, but others were exciting surprises, such as outdoor practical’s, blind basket practical examinations, menu creation projects, and the market evaluation of our self-created dishes. I also truly valued the guidance and advice from our experienced chefs, whose real-world insights helped deepen my understanding and improve my skills.
What's your' top tip' for making the most of being a student, and what was the most valuable lesson you learned?
As a Dean’s Award holder, my top tip is to be intentional with your time and fully commit to both your academic and practical learning. Don’t just aim to pass aim to truly understand. Participate actively in class, ask questions, volunteer for extra responsibilities, and treat every practical session as if you are already working in a professional kitchen. The effort you consistently put in will always reflect in your growth. The most valuable lesson I learned is that consistency beats talent. You don’t have to be the most naturally gifted person in the room, but if you show up every day with discipline, humility, and a willingness to improve, you will stand out. Staying focused, managing your time well, and maintaining a strong work ethic were key factors in earning the Dean’s Award and those habits continue to guide me beyond my academic journey.
