The universal language of food: Language students launch food truck business

In 2024, married couple Ilian and Carolina left Spain with a shared dream: to bring the authentic flavours of their home to the streets of Australia.

Today, that dream is a reality. The couple’s food truck, Delicious Spanish Bites, now serves authentic paellas, tapas and hand-made desserts at events across Southeast Queensland.

Before they could stand at the helm, though, the couple first stepped into the classroom.

Ilian and Carolina both arrived at TAFE Queensland’s Coomera campus with the goal of improving their English skills for everyday life and work. For Ilian, this started with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), which offers free English language classes to support eligible migrants and refugees as they settle into life in Australia.

“AMEP is a great opportunity to learn English, integrate into Australian society, and open up new personal and professional opportunities. It is a very well-structured program with supportive teachers who genuinely care about their students,” Ilian said.

Meanwhile, Carolina joined the government-funded Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, which equips participants with the English, Maths and digital skills they need for work or further study.

"We felt comfortable and supported from the beginning,” Ilian shared. “What we like most is the positive atmosphere, the support from the teachers, and the focus on real-life situations rather than just theory.”

That focus on practical learning translated directly into their business journey, with Delicious Spanish Bites launching in late 2025. 

"It improved my communication with customers, suppliers, and event organisers, and helped me better understand processes and regulations. I felt more confident operating in a professional environment,” Ilian said.

With Delicious Spanish Bites continuing to grow – and both Ilian and Carolina still attending classes – their journey is far from over. The couple look forward to growing their business as they continue to build their skills at TAFE Queensland together.

"We would like to thank TAFE Queensland and the AMEP and SEE programs for their ongoing support. We have been treated very well since the beginning, and the programs have played an important role in our settlement and personal growth in Australia."

From a new country to a flourishing food truck, Ilian and Carolina's story is a testament to what's possible when language and community come together.

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. In Queensland, the AMEP is delivered by TAFE Queensland.

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.