As part of its academic collaboration with BSI Learning Australia, The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi recently welcomed renowned Australian hospitality educator Ms. Jo Turner, Trainer & Assessor – BSI Learning Australia, for a week-long engagement with students.

Under this partnership, international faculty members from Australia visit IICA every year to conduct specialised sessions designed to provide students with global learning exposure. This marked Ms. Turner’s second visit to the institute, where she led a series of classroom discussions, practical workshops, and interactive sessions focused on hospitality management and industry practices.

During her sessions, students received insights into several key areas of hospitality operations and workplace management. Topics covered included leading and managing teams, staff rostering, conflict management, budget planning and monitoring, customer service practices, workplace conduct, relationship management, and health and safety procedures.

Speaking about her experience, Ms. Jo Turner said, "It was wonderful to once again interact with the students at IICA. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for hospitality education are truly encouraging. Hospitality today demands not only technical expertise but also strong communication, leadership, and people management skills, and it was rewarding to share these perspectives with the students."

To make learning more practical and engaging, the institute also organised role plays and hands-on activities. These sessions were designed to strengthen communication skills, leadership qualities, teamwork, coordination, and other essential hospitality skills.

Adding a culinary element to the programme, Ms. Turner conducted a demonstration on preparing Pavlova. Students gained practical knowledge about meringue preparation techniques, baking methods, whipping processes, and dessert presentation skills.

Sharing his thoughts, Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder of The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), said, "At IICA, we continue to create opportunities that expose our students to international faculty and global hospitality practices. Ms. Jo Turner's sessions offered valuable learning experiences that combined management education with practical industry understanding, further helping students prepare for global hospitality careers."

The institute also hosted a dedicated interactive session for aspiring students interested in studying hospitality and management in Australia. Participants had the opportunity to directly engage with Ms. Turner and understand international education pathways and career opportunities within the hospitality sector.

IICA has also been recognised by FICCI with a Certificate for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship for its contribution towards entrepreneurship, skill development, and employment generation within the hospitality and culinary industry.

Registrations are currently open for the July '26 batch at IICA's Hauz Khas campus for students interested in pursuing culinary and bakery arts programmes with Australian qualifications. The programme offers opportunities for further studies in Australia while providing practical training under experienced chefs. This year also marks the third successful graduating batch of BSI Learning students from IICA.

Founded in 2005 by Chef Virender S. Datta, who brings more than five decades of international hospitality experience, IICA remains among India’s early institutions to introduce globally benchmarked culinary education. The institute further strengthened its international presence through collaborations with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College in Japan, creating opportunities for faculty exchanges and cross-cultural culinary learning.