PARIS: At just 22, Prizma Paudel, a proud native of Lalitpur and an alumna of Little Angels’ School, embodies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and well-timed opportunity. A graduate of the Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) program at the prestigious National Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Prizma has already carved her path to international acclaim.

Her journey took a decisive turn when she was selected for the France-Nepal Student Mobility Program, an initiative that has become a cornerstone of cooperation between Nepal and France in hospitality and gastronomy. This program, established in 2021 during the landmark visit of Patan’s Mayor, Chiri Babu Maharjan, is much more than an academic exchange; it is a diplomatic and cultural bridge.

The partnership flourished with subsequent high-profile visits. In 2022, NATHM Executive Director Rajesh Uprety and BHM Program Coordinator Binod Aryal visited France to bolster ties. The momentum continued in 2023 with a visit from Tourism Secretary and NATHM President Suresh Adhikari, followed by an exploration of new opportunities led by Bernard Lambert, Director of Lycée Hôtelier Savoie Léman (LHSL), in Nepal. Most recently, in March 2025, Nepal’s Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation led a delegation to France, marking a historic milestone in the program’s evolution.

Launched under the aegis of the Nepal-France Friendship Society in collaboration with French government institutions, the program offers young talents a chance to intern abroad, equipping French and Nepali students with world-class expertise in hospitality and culinary arts.

For Prizma, the program has been nothing short of life-changing. Immersed in the elite culinary training provided by France’s finest institutions, she has emerged as one of its most outstanding success stories. Prizma’s achievements are not just a testament to her individual determination but also a shining example of what is possible when vision meets opportunity.

Her story is a vivid reminder that with the right platform and unwavering dedication, Nepali talent can illuminate the global stage.

A Journey of Grit and Grace

With unwavering determination and an unyielding spirit, Prizma Paudel embraced a challenge that few would dare to undertake—learning French from scratch. Under the tutelage of the seasoned instructors at the Alliance Française of Kathmandu, she immersed herself in the intricacies of a new language, a feat driven by her vision of excelling in the global hospitality industry. Her perseverance bore fruit in 2023, when she embarked on a transformative journey to France, immersing herself in one of the world’s most demanding and competitive hospitality landscapes.

During a year-long internship at a prestigious five-star palace hotel in France, Prizma proved that Nepali talent belongs on the global stage. The internship was more than a professional milestone—it was a test of character. Adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, enduring grueling hours, and navigating a steep learning curve, she faced each challenge with remarkable grace and resilience. Every setback was met with an unrelenting commitment to excellence, a thirst for growth, and a steadfast drive to succeed.

Upon completing her internship, Prizma returned to Nepal with renewed purpose. She further refined her French language skills and completed her Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) degree at NATHM, cementing her position as one of the nation’s rising stars in hospitality. Her journey, marked by politeness, loyalty, gratitude, and an uncompromising work ethic, did not go unnoticed. Recognized for her exceptional talent and performance, Prizma earned a rare and prestigious work visa offer from the French authorities—a testament to her abilities and dedication.

Prizma’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and transformation. It is a narrative that inspires, showcasing how dreams, when nurtured with grit and grace, can break barriers and create opportunities. For young Nepali talents, she stands as a beacon of what is possible when ambition meets the right platform.

A Dream in Motion

Next week, Prizma Paudel will embark on the next chapter of her remarkable journey, a story that reads like the unfolding of a dream. Recently crowned the Best Student of the France-Nepal Student Mobility Program, she has earned this distinction through her exceptional talent, unwavering discipline, and the boundless ambition that fuels extraordinary achievements.

Her next destination is Annecy, a jewel near the Swiss border and one of France’s most enchanting cities. Often likened to Nepal’s Pokhara, Annecy is celebrated for its crystalline lake, majestic mountains, exhilarating paragliding experiences, and landscapes that seem lifted from a fairytale. It is here, nestled between the serene shores of Lake Annecy and the lush greenery of a forest park, that Prizma will begin her professional career.

She will take up the role of a cook at a prestigious luxury palace hotel, working under the guidance of the renowned Executive Chef Frédéric Delormes. With a starting salary of €2,336 (approximately 350,000 NPR) per month for 35–39 hours of work per week, along with accommodation benefits, Prizma is set to thrive in an environment that will nurture her talent and refine her craft.

This milestone is not just the culmination of her hard work but the start of something even greater—a career with limitless potential. From the classrooms of Kathmandu to the kitchens of France, her story embodies the transformative power of dreams, perseverance, and courage.

Prizma Paudel’s journey is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity and when ambition is paired with determination. Her narrative serves as an inspiration to countless others, proving that with hard work and the audacity to chase your dreams, the world can become your stage.

How Prizma Paudel Inspires a Generation

Prizma Paudel is more than just a success story—she is a beacon of hope for thousands of young Nepali students who dare to dream beyond borders. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the transformative impact of the right guidance, proving that Nepali youth can thrive and compete on the global stage.

But Prizma’s story goes far beyond personal achievement. It is about paving the way for the next generation of Nepali culinary talents. With world-class training and invaluable experience gained in France, she is well on her way to becoming one of Nepal’s most accomplished female chefs. Her rise is not only a reflection of her dedication but also an inspiration for those who dare to believe in their potential.

Her narrative deserves to be heard. Inviting Prizma to share her journey at inspirational programs for young Nepali students would be an extraordinary opportunity to ignite ambition, encourage perseverance, and demonstrate the boundless possibilities that unfold when passion meets opportunity.

Prizma’s journey from Nepal to France—and beyond—is not the culmination of her story but the beginning of something even greater. She is not merely following a path; she is forging her own. She is not just learning from the best; she is becoming one of them. She is not simply dreaming; she is achieving.

Nepal’s youth now have a role model to look up to in Prizma Paudel. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence—a story that the world is beginning to watch with admiration.