Trainer exchange Costa Rica - Germany: a first hand experience

In 2022, Enrique Mejía Céspedes, who trains chefs for the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) at the Westin Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica, had already taken part in a study visit to Germany. The Costa Rican five-star hotel with various hotel restaurants has been offering dual training in the kitchen for over ten years. GOVET, the German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training, is now supporting the training manager in organizing an exchange of trainers in Germany. The program is considered a showcase model for dual training in Costa Rica.

I made the most of every minute

Enrique Mejía Céspedes

"I was welcomed with incredible hospitality and was allowed to get to know the hotel business and the cooking school. Chef Hubertus Schultz gave me full access to his knowledge as an instructor. I made the most of every minute, from the cultural contact, getting to know the staff and the town of Gedern, to the feeling of warmth in the Schlosshotel Gedern cooking school."

The owners of the Schlosshotel, Ute and Hubertus Schultz, gave the Costa Rican training manager a comprehensive glimpse behind the scenes - despite the busy pre-Christmas period. The Schlosshotel is located in the Vogelsberg region, in the city triangle of Frankfurt am Main, Fulda and Giessen, and has 17 rooms, an award-winning restaurant and a cookery school where private cooking courses can be booked. The exchange between Mejia Cespedes and Hubertus Schultz focussed on training in the kitchen.

An educational model where everyone wins, where everyone is committed to the same common good and where learners achieve their goals and continue to grow.

Enrique Mejía Céspedes

"All my expectations were met and dual vocational training in Germany is definitely a role model. It can be summarised in two words: 'Total success'. An educational model where everyone wins, where everyone is committed to the same common good and where learners achieve their goals and continue to grow. In other words, it's a process that changes lives."