"My dream is to become a sous chef."

Denys Chen studies NT2 + technical courses.

"I come from Ukraine and have been living in Belgium for just over a year now. Although I can follow the NT2 course well, learning Dutch is quite difficult. In Ukrainian, we don’t have articles. Constructing sentences in Dutch is really complicated. So far, I have had lessons from three different teachers, one for each new language level. The lessons are very useful because I am learning Dutch specifically for technical professions. This helps me find a great job in the future."

Internship at Gasthuis with Seppe Nobels

"I am currently doing an internship as a kitchen assistant at Gasthuis with Seppe Nobels. The internship is very diverse: from sorting the inventory to preparing dishes in the kitchen. Under the guidance of Chef Faieq, I mainly work on Palestinian dishes with lots of fresh vegetables. I really love making vegetarian dishes, like moussaka with oyster mushrooms. Additionally, I have learned to cook with Belgian vegetables, like wraps with salmon and cream cheese. Preparing sweet desserts is an absolute delight."

"At Gasthuis, there are many young people, creating a fun and dynamic working atmosphere. My internship days are from Wednesday to Saturday, where I work in shifts. For this, I receive compensation as a volunteer. The internship offers me more than just cooking experience: I am also learning to be punctual and to work neatly in a beautiful workplace. This is invaluable when looking for a job."

Seppe Nobels has been at Oud Gasthuis since January 2024, developing a gastronomic training program with new Mechelen residents and new Europeans. The focus is on culinary exchange, social employment, and the richness of organic Mechelen agriculture, the short supply chain, and our city’s Burgundian tradition. Together with the students, Seppe transforms memories from the past into new culinary or gastronomic creations featuring European cooking techniques and Flemish ingredients. This is not just a restaurant, but a total experience in an artistic and culinary setting, with a strong social heart where art and food collaborate for a sustainable future (https://www.seppenobels.be/t-gasthuis/).

Going all in and becoming a sous chef

"My dream is to work in the hospitality industry and become a sous chef. I know I need to learn more Dutch, but I am very motivated. I also spend a lot of time in the kitchen at home and love experimenting with new dishes. Recently, I made a really delicious dish with simple ingredients like potatoes. It was truly a hit!"

"My internship isn't over yet, and I'm looking forward to learning much more at Gasthuis. I'm grateful for the opportunities I am given. I really want to excel in this profession, and I’m going all in."