"My dream is to become an assistant cook."
Denys Chen studies NT2 + Technical Skills
"I come from Ukraine and have been living in Belgium for just over a year. Although I can follow the NT2 course well, learning Dutch is quite difficult. In Ukrainian, we don’t have articles. Making sentences in Dutch is really complicated. So far, I have had lessons with three different teachers, one for each new language level. The lessons are very useful because I am learning Dutch specifically for technical professions. That will help me find a great job in the future."
Internship at the Gasthuis with Seppe Nobels
"Currently, I am doing an internship as a kitchen assistant at the Gasthuis with Seppe Nobels. The internship is very varied: from sorting the storage room 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, such as moussaka with oyster mushrooms. I have also learned to cook with Belgian vegetables, such as wraps with salmon and herbed cheese. And preparing sweet desserts is delightful."
"Many young people work at the Gasthuis, which creates a fun and dynamic work atmosphere. My internship days are from Wednesday to Saturday, working in shifts. I am compensated as a volunteer. The internship offers me more than just cooking experience: I also learn to be punctual and work in an organized way in a beautiful workspace. That is very valuable when looking for a job."
Seppe Nobels has been at the Oud Gasthuis since January 2024, developing a gastronomic training program for new residents of Mechelen and other Europeans. The focus is on culinary exchange, social employment, and the richness of Mechelen’s organic farming, the short food chain, and the city’s Burgundian tradition. Seppe transforms students’ personal memories into new culinary or gastronomic creations, combining European cooking techniques and Flemish ingredients. This is not just a restaurant, but a complete experience in an artistic and culinary setting, with a big social heart where art and food work together for a sustainable future (https://www.seppenobels.be/t-gasthuis/)."
Going all in and becoming an assistant cook
"My dream is to work in the hospitality industry and become an assistant cook. I know I still need to learn more Dutch, but I am highly motivated. I also spend a lot of time in the kitchen at home and like experimenting with new dishes. Recently, I made a really delicious dish with simple ingredients like potatoes. It was a real success!"
"My internship is not over yet, and I look forward to learning a lot more at the Gasthuis. I am grateful for the opportunities I get. I really want to become skilled in this profession and I am going all in."