Overall, I really enjoyed the content that ONA provided. The slides were well-designed, and the instructor was very knowledgeable, being a real barista. This made it easy to learn new things, especially when I had questions ready to ask. The course was well-structured, beginning with basic knowledge about coffee beans and processing methods. We had the chance to smell and taste different types of beans, which I really appreciated because the combination of expert explanations and hands-on experience helped me better understand the differences between beans processed in various ways.
The instructor pulled six espressos, showing us how head baristas adjust the machine in the morning and how different parameters affect the taste of the espresso (be ready to drink a lot of coffee!). We also simulated coffee delivery in a shop environment, which was quite chaotic but a fun experience!
However, I feel there could be more support when it comes to practical skills. My milk frothing technique is not very good, and I wasn’t sure how to improve it. I would have liked the instructor to observe each student individually, provide feedback, let us try again, and then offer more suggestions. It seemed a bit disorganized when everyone was trying to practice at the same time, and it was hard for the instructor to manage.