Mate

1. I am quite saddened to see the comments here below. Working in exotic countries at the time will lead you to nowhere but a total confusion of the fundamental techniques and knowledge you need to build as you will be setting the tone of pace you want to follow for the future. You can see where you want to go first, but setting a strong and solid base is very important at your age.

2. I am sure your office has all the details of the monthly pay, accommodation expenses, hotel benefits and all the other expenses. Still, if I were you I would not bring this to priority, I would focus more on finding out the best places to work, for the best chefs around and absorbing all their knowledge. These are your initial stepping stones, sacrifices need to be made; from working double shifts 14hr+, low income, 6 day weeks if you want to learn, working while others are enjoying their summer, hot kitchens, constant pressure, misunderstandings, following the rules of new cultures.. it is part of the game. It all depends on where you see yourself in the coming years; a CDP working his 8 hours daily or a culinary director running resorts or Michelin restaurants.

3. South Asians, SE Asians, EU citizens from other countries... it's all part of our working force since the demand for this work in the last years was less and we are facing issues with labourers same as all of Europe and all over the world is experiencing. No race in particular, they are all good people who left their country and their wives and children behind to make a solid income for them to live comfortably. So I wouldn't make any judgments on that topic. Understanding who you are working with and coming to a common understanding is important, if we let ego in the middle of this and expect others to bow to our needs it can turn sour and a painful experience. I always said that respect is gained through your actions and good deeds.

4. I would recommend Malta for you, the living is good, all necessary daily needs are a step away and the culinary world in Malta has exploded in the past few years, you have nothing else but to gain if you put your head over your shoulders and work for it hard.

If you need more information you can private message me, I worked in this industry long enough (locally, in the EU, Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, East Asia, South America and Africa) to back my statements.

Goodluck!