At ACAC, the 6-month internship program with partners who are leaders in the culinary industry prepares our students for the real world. We recently welcomed back four Naomi Fund’s scholarship students who have done their internships in different restaurants in the region, including the famous Jumeirah Mina A’Salam in Dubai, Terrazza Italian Restaurant in Phnom Penh and Naga World Hotel .
Four young, bright and hopeful students who have received scholarships from Naomi Tami Memorial Scholarship Fund beamed with pride as they recalled what they’ve learned from their 6-month exposure in the “real kitchen”.
“Being an intern is much more difficult than just being a student in school. I experienced lots of pressure and challenges but I also gained a wider understanding about cooking. I want to learn to cook using different methods so that I can please my customers according to their tastes.”
“The internship is important because we get to practice what we learn from school. We cannot do something that the school did not teach so I am grateful for everything that I learned from ACAC.” Kim Fong, a young man from Kampng Cham province stated. Once shy and timid in the kitchen, he has grown to be more confident, conscientious and a fast learner after his exposure at NagaWorld Hotel, Phnom Pehn.
The lessons learned weren’t the only highlight for this batch. Somaly, a scholarship student who did her internship at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Hotel in Dubai bagged a special award during a cooking competition where she was given the “Best in Hygiene” award.
“I never thought of joining a competition among chefs who have many years of experience 
in cooking. And I even got an award! I am so proud of myself and I want to share this recognition with ACAC because they have taught me great skills to help me become a real chef!”
“These girls are super stars!” Jumeriah’s general manager remarked.
The internship students from ACAC left a very strong and positive impression at Jumeirah Hotel that the management wants more students from ACAC to work in this prestigious five-star hotel in Dubai.