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Meet Anja Lengersdorf, a Leiths Online alumna who has spent nearly 20 years living in the UK, teaching German at private schools. Thanks to Leiths, Anja transitioned into teaching cookery, transforming her passion into a full-time role at one of Leiths' Partner Schools. She has since moved to Como, Italy, where she now teaches German while immersing herself in the rich local food culture.
Why did you choose Leiths Online?
I had always wanted to cook with Leiths when I lived in London. For me Leiths had the air of excellence, the name stood out and the online courses definitely lived up to their reputation. I researched a lot of courses in all price brackets but found this to be the best by far. Having moved around the UK and then to Italy, Leiths Online has created the perfect opportunity to have this experience at my own pace, to fit around my life and still have the same high-quality education as I would have done at the school in London. Leiths Online didn't compromise on quality at all.
What did you love most about the course?
I loved the way the course was built. Being someone who teaches in secondary schools, for me, the structure is important. Without noticing at first, my skills were developed step by step, a progress you can't make on your own, not even close. I first thought that with being online, the mentors would only give vague feedback, but they were so helpful and detailed. My mentors did not miss a thing and gave me amazing advice on how to go forward. With it being online, I was also able to practise dishes again and again, ensuring I definitely understood the skills. It also gave me a chance to post a better photo to the class feed!
After a hard week, cooking with Leiths Online just made me happy. I could focus on the dishes and had an incredible time while cooking with these step-by-step videos. And my family couldn't wait for the next dish each week.
Has it helped open any doors in terms of what you wanted to do after you completed the course?
I did the courses as a hobby at first. It started with the Essentials Cooking course, then Essential Bread and Patisserie, and currently I’m completing Chef Skills. I think I am addicted to these courses and can’t imagine not doing a Leiths course. I hadn't planned to turn this into a career but with the help of the new skills, I actually opened a cookery school in the secondary school I was teaching at, and we are a part of the Leiths Partner Schools program. The Leiths support online and in person blew me away. This was one of the best moments ever and I could not have done this without Leiths Online.
One of my dream goals is to run my own cookery school and I will spread the word about the techniques they have taught me.
Do you have any advice for future students who are thinking about learning cooking online?
Don't hesitate, just try out one of these courses. The mentors are very helpful and don't be discouraged if there are setbacks. This is just part of learning a practical skill and I think it’s important to make time in your life for just a few hours each week and see where this leads you. Your cooking will completely change for the better and even after, you have a whole host of recipes to choose from and remake. It has given me so much confidence and now I get to cook for friends and family and wow them with my skills.
Generally, I would say the courses are excellently planned and structured and the variety of recipes will expose you to dishes and ingredients you have never considered before. Just go for it. You won't regret it.
