Lifestyle

Vietnamese Students: Brewing a Future in Australia with Barista Skills

In the vibrant landscape of Australia's education sector, an increasing number of Vietnamese students are embracing the art of coffee-making, honing their barista skills to secure part-time employment during their academic journey. This emerging trend showcases a unique fusion of cultural exchange and practical career preparation, as these students strive to perfect their craft behind the coffee machine while pursuing their academic goals.

Administrator

9 April, 2025

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Nguyen Huynh Nhu, an 18-year-old student, is one of many with an eye on the future. Before even boarding the plane to Australia, she invested two months of her time in barista training at The Lovely Cup O’ Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Thanh District. This proactive step was taken in preparation for her hospitality course at Le Cordon Bleu, Australia.

Nhu’s research revealed that being a barista in Australia offers a stable income and flexible work hours, ideal for students juggling studies and part-time work. But she also understood that it required more than just coffee-making skills. “It requires good communication skills, an understanding of customer needs, and the ability to work under pressure,” she shared with *Tuoi Tre News*.

Australian customers, she learned, prioritize coffee quality and service, so she wanted to ensure she was thoroughly prepared. By getting trained beforehand, Nhu hoped to gain a better grasp of the coffee culture and boost her confidence in her job search.

At The Lovely Cup O’ Coffee, Nhu learned to identify different coffee types and master 17 popular Australian drinks. She also gained practical experience through workshops simulating foreign coffee shops, where she took orders, prepared beverages, and handled cashiers duties in English.

Additionally, the certification she received from the course waived two modules at Le Cordon Bleu, saving her approximately AU$500 (US$312). This was an added financial benefit to her proactive approach.

Lucrative Income and a Gateway to Opportunities

Dang The Lan, founder of The Lovely Cup O’ Coffee, shared that being a barista is one of the easiest part-time jobs for Vietnamese students abroad. It offers a good income, with full-time baristas earning AU$4,000-5,000 (US$2,495-3,119) per month during holiday periods. Even part-time positions pay well, with rates of AU$2,000-3,000 (US$1,248-1,871) per month, according to Lan.

Dang The Lan shares insights and experience with aspiring baristas at The Lovely Cup O’ Coffee. Many students have benefited from his guidance and gone on to successful careers. Photo: Supplied

Lan highlighted that the job is not physically demanding and is in high demand, offering a stable income. Most importantly, it provides international students with an opportunity to improve their English through daily interactions with customers. Many of his former students have even secured jobs in high-end hotels and restaurants, enhancing their career prospects post-graduation.

With Australia’s new policy, effective from July 1, 2023, international students can work up to 48 hours every two weeks during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. This creates a favorable balance between studying and working, allowing students to cover their living expenses.

Do Viet Dung, a first-year accounting student in Sydney, is a testament to this. He currently works as a barista at two coffee shops, earning AU$25-30 (US$16-19) per hour, with higher rates on weekends and holidays. While he initially faced language barriers, he quickly adapted and improved his English skills with the support of a community of Vietnamese students.

Ho Tuan Kiet, a data science student, had a different experience. He struggled with language barriers and the high cost of barista courses in Australia. However, during a visit to Vietnam, he discovered the Da Nang branch of The Lovely Cup O’ Coffee and decided to enroll. Upon returning to Australia, he received four job offers within just 10 days, starting at AU$30 per hour.

Lan explained that taking barista training courses in Vietnam offers several advantages. Students receive detailed guidance in their native language, making it easier to grasp concepts without language barriers. It also saves time, as prior knowledge helps reduce the adaptation period once they are abroad.

From a Side Hustle to a Passionate Career

For many Vietnamese students abroad, being a barista is more than just a side job. It’s a gateway to new career opportunities and a chance to discover their true passion. Lan’s own story is a perfect example of this.

Dang The Lan, founder of The Lovely Cup O’ Coffee, shares his passion for coffee and guides students towards successful careers in the industry. Photo: Dieu Qui / Tuoi Tre News

Lan recalled his time as an IT student in Australia, “Working as a barista back then not only helped me stabilize my life but also ignited a true passion for the coffee industry. Over nearly seven years in Australia, I worked with renowned coffee brands and immersed myself in the professional coffee culture.”

Beyond training students in barista skills, Lan also helps them navigate the Australian job market. He guides them on crafting standout CVs, acing interviews, and understanding the local workplace culture. Through his own experiences, he aims to equip students with the practical knowledge and skills they need to secure well-paying jobs in the barista profession.

Lan hopes to address one challenge for aspiring Vietnamese baristas—their limited understanding of coffee. While Vietnam has a vibrant coffee culture, many lack deep knowledge about the beverage. In other countries, the focus is on the essence of coffee beans, their varieties, and flavor profiles, whereas blended coffee is more common in Vietnam.

“Many students are surprised by the different brewing methods and names of coffee beans abroad,” Lan explained. He aims to bridge this knowledge gap and help students gain a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee, enhancing their career prospects in the process.