Date Posted: April 22, 2026
GRIFFIN, GA – Five Southern Crescent Technical College Culinary Arts students have returned from an enriching three-week study abroad experience at Kendal College in England. Accompanied by instructor Chef Ciarra Campbell, the students gained valuable international culinary training while immersing themselves in a world-class hospitality environment.
Participating students included Ayana Sanford, Destinie Helms, Christian Wheaton, Jaelyn Lyle, and Jordan McCoy. During their time abroad, the students applied their culinary skills and knowledge with confidence as they adapted to foreign foods, new techniques, and the fast-paced demands of an international kitchen.
While at Kendal College, the students worked in multiple areas of the on-site restaurant, participated in numerous culinary events, and studied under Richard Axford, Chef Paul Waring, and other Michelin-starred chefs. They also experienced the college’s highly respected menu-driven training model, contributing to daily production for the café and cafeteria, as well as a white tablecloth restaurant open to the public for lunch and dinner featuring modern classical cuisine and exceptional desserts.
Now in its tenth year, the study abroad program was made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Culinary Arts Advisory Committee and the Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation.
Southern Crescent Technical College extends special thanks to Richard Axford for his leadership, hospitality, and continued partnership in providing SCTC students with an exceptional international learning experience.
Student Christian Wheaton reflected on the experience, saying, “It was an honor to work alongside the students at Kendal College, and I truly made some lifelong friends that I plan to visit again. Chef Richard and Chef Paul were both kind and a pleasure to work with.” Destinie Helms added, “I can now say after three weeks of consuming as much information as I could, I have become confident in front-of-house service. Having the teachers and students in England support me is something that helped me learn valuable skills in such a small amount of time.”
The annual study abroad opportunity continues to provide students with life-changing experiences that broaden their skills, strengthen their confidence, and prepare them for success in the global hospitality industry.
For more information about the Culinary Arts program at Southern Crescent Technical College, visit sctech.edu.