In recent years, many Vietnamese students in Australia have begun honing their barista skills in order to secure part-time work during their studies. 

Nguyen Huynh Nhu, 18, is one such student. 

Even before getting on the plane to head down under, Nhu spent two months attending barista sessions at The Lovely Cup O' Coffee in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City ahead of her hospitality course at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia. 

Through her research, Nhu learned that being a barista is a common job in Australia, offering a stable income and flexible working hours suitable for students balancing work and studies.

“I understand that being a barista is more than just making coffee,” Nhu told Tuoi Tre News.

“It requires good communication skills, a deep understanding of customer needs, and the ability to work under pressure. 

“Australian customers often prioritize coffee quality and service, so I want to prepare thoroughly.”

Nhu hoped that learning how to be a barista before heading to Australia will help her better understand coffee culture and feel more confident when looking for work.

“I will be able to immediately apply my barista skills to a real job once I arrive in Australia,” she said.

At The Lovely Cup O' Coffee, Nhu learned to identify different basic coffee types and master 17 popular Australian drinks.

She also participated in workshops simulating foreign coffee shops, where she took orders, prepared beverages, and handled cashier duties in English. 

Notably, her certification from the course will waive two modules at Le Cordon Bleu, saving her approximately AU$500 (US$312). 

Attractive income

According to Dang The Lan, founder of The Lovely Cup O' Coffee, working as a barista is one of the easiest part-time jobs for Vietnamese students abroad, alongside tutoring, waitressing, internships, and farm work. 

Full-time baristas can earn AU$4,000-5,000 (US$2,495-3,119) per month during holiday periods, while part-time positions pay AU$2,000-3,000 (US$1,248-1,871) per month, Lan said.

“The job is not particularly physically demanding, and it is in high demand and offers a stable income,” he commented. 

“Most importantly, it helps international students improve their English through daily interactions with customers.

“Many even get the chance to work in high-end hotels or restaurants, enhancing their career opportunities after graduation."

Under 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 favorable conditions for students to balance studying and working to cover living expenses.

Do Viet Dung, a first-year accounting student, currently works as a barista at two coffee shops in Sydney, earning AU$25-30 (US$16-19) per hour, with higher rates on weekends and holidays. 

At first, he struggled with language barriers when communicating with customers and colleagues. 

However, he quickly adapted and significantly improved his English skills.

“I connected with a community of Vietnamese students in Australia who help each other find jobs and share real-life experiences,” Dung said. 

“This bond has boosted my confidence and made it easier for me to integrate.”

In the long term, Dung plans to open a small coffee shop where he can pursue his passion for coffee-making and create a cozy space where people can connect.

Meanwhile, Ho Tuan Kiet, a data science student, had a very different experience.

He initially struggled with language barriers and high barista course fees in Australia, paying AU$200 (US$125) for a three-hour class. 

Luckily, during a visit home to Vietnam, he learned of the Da Nang branch of The Lovely Cup O' Coffee and decided to give their course a try. 

Upon returning to Australia, he received four job offers within 10 days and was hired at a rate of AU$30 per hour.

“Attending barista training courses in Vietnam provides students with certain advantages, such as receiving detailed guidance in Vietnamese, which makes it easier to understand concepts, without facing language barriers -- especially since not everyone studying abroad is proficient in English from the start,” Lan explained.

“Additionally, it also saves time, as being familiar with the material beforehand helps reduce the adaptation period once abroad.”

From side job to true passion

For many Vietnamese students abroad, working as a barista is not just a side job but also a gateway to new career opportunities. 

Lan is a prime example. 

“Working as a barista back then not only helped me stabilize my life but also sparked my true passion for the coffee industry,” he recalled, thinking back to his time as an IT student at Central Queensland University in Melbourne around 15 years ago.

“Over my nearly seven years in Australia, I got to work with well-known coffee brands and really dive into the professional coffee culture.”

Beyond honing their barista skills, Lan also helps students prepare job applications tailored to the Australian labor market by guiding them on writing standout CVs, answering interview questions, and understanding workplace culture in Australia. 

Through his experience living and working in Australia, Lan hopes to share the most practical knowledge with the students, helping them prepare the necessary skills to increase their chances of securing well-paying jobs in the barista profession.

One challenge Lan hopes to see addressed for Vietnamese students aspiring to become baristas is the limited understanding of coffee. While coffee culture is widespread in Vietnam, many still lack deeper knowledge about the beverage.

In other countries, people focus on the essence of coffee beans, their varieties, and flavor profiles, whereas in Vietnam, blended coffee tends to be more familiar.

“Many students are surprised when they go abroad and see different brewing methods and names of coffee beans like Java or Bourbon. In Vietnam, we simply call them coffee beans," Lan explained.

“When asked about the beans they drink in Vietnam, where they’re from, and what their flavor profile is, they just can’t answer,” he said.Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!