Mumbai to New Plymouth is more than a slight culture shock.
But, says Ashwin Rane, it’s a very good culture shock. No great pollution, no traffic jams, no crowds or hustle and bustle – just fresh air, friendly people and an easy life.
It’s no wonder he wants to stay here after completing his studies at WITT.
The 21 year old will complete his Diploma in Professional Cookery in December and he plans to secure a full-time job as a chef, preferably at a restaurant, and preferably staying local.
“It’s very nice here. I was up the mountain and it was the first time I ever saw hail, or a rainbow. Here, there is a white snowy mountain on one side and a sky blue sea on the other with green cover in the middle.”
Ashwin became aware of WITT through his counsellor. He has a degree in hotel management and was looking to continue his study but outside India.
His counsellor had a number of places to recommend but Ashwin chose WITT because of the location, lower fee structure and New Zealand’s quality education. Then what cemented his decision was meeting his would-be tutor Joachim Ogden and Mrs Carol at an education conference in India two years ago. “The course is very good, I like it. It’s a good education and the staff are very friendly. I am gaining new knowledge and it’s different to what I would learn in India.”
Some of the food is vastly different to his home country and he’s making dishes that would simply be unheard of, such as recently Joconde sponge – a special soft, flat sponge often used in creamy desserts such as cheesecake.
He says the food here in New Zealand is fantastic, very fresh and a large array to concoct different dishes. His only disappointment is in some Indian restaurants which have modified dishes for New Zealand’s less zingier palates.
Maybe he could rectify that once he gets that job.