PANAJI: Twelve students and a faculty member from VM Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), Goa, recently completed a four-week exchange programme in Portugal, organised by Turismo de Portugal. Held from April 29 to May 23, 2025, the initiative provided hands-on training in Portuguese culinary arts, hospitality practices, and cultural immersion.
The group was accompanied by faculty Chef Syam Raj and collaborated with prestigious hospitality schools across Lisbon, Coimbra, Lamego and Porto. The programme aimed to broaden the students’ global outlook and equip them with international industry skills.
In Lisbon, the students trained at Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Lisboa, where they attended culinary workshops, explored local markets, and hosted an Indian cuisine showcase to promote cultural exchange. The second week took them to Coimbra, where they trained under Chef Emanuel Faria, explored wine traditions of the Bairrada region, and presented Indian dishes during a special culinary event.
During the third week in Lamego, students visited wineries in the Douro Valley and studied sustainable hospitality practices at the Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel. The final week in Porto included sessions on Portuguese pastries like ‘Pastel de Nata’, a Barista workshop, and visits to the city’s historic Port wine cellars.
The exchange concluded with a visit to Madrid, Spain, where students explored cultural landmarks to further enrich their global learning experience. All participants were awarded certificates of participation by Turismo de Portugal.
Prof. Irfan Mirza, Director of VMSIIHE, said, “This programme not only enhanced our students’ skills in international cuisine and hospitality but also fostered global understanding and cross-cultural collaboration. It was a truly transformative experience.”
The exchange reaffirms VMSIIHE’s focus on offering global exposure and preparing students for international careers in the hospitality industry.
