International Student of the Year Announced

May 10, 2011

This year, Education New Zealand has held a competition for the top international student of the year. Students were selected from various sectors and our student—Karen Ishikawa took first place for private training establishments. She was also a close runner up in taking the top-spot for overall sectors. To view the media release please click here.

2010 saw Karen enrol with us at The Culinary Institute of New Zealand. Her work ethic was second to none and she went on win the award for Top Level 3 Student for 2010. Karen also competed again at both Regional and National Competitions at trainee level this time. She won Silver in both of these competitions as part of the Culinary Institute Trainee Team Skills placing first at Regional’s and 4th at National Level.

This year, Karen has returned to complete her Professional Chef Training (Level 4) with Quantum Education Group and has stood out as one of the school’s best students. She has been chosen to represent The Culinary Institute of New Zealand as part of our Toque d’Or team (a three person team comprising of two chefs and one waiter who must cook 6 portions of a 3 course menu in 3 1/4 hours). This competition is the most prestigious competition for hospitality training in New Zealand and Karen’s skills and application have guaranteed her inclusion in the team. 

Karen is always the first student to put up her hand when The Culinary Institute gets involved in external events and has a smile and manner that makes her a pleasure to be around.

Karen has immersed herself in New Zealand’s culture since she arrived in New Zealand when she was 13. She now plans to travel overseas and expand her knowledge of good food through her travels, then come back to New Zealand to open her own 3 Michelin star restaurant after completing the Professional Cookery Level 4 course with us a Quantum Education.

If you want to become an exquisite chef and do the course that Karen did, the next start date for Professional Chef Training Level 3 & 4 is 03 October 2011. But get in quick as there are only 12 places available!