Hi, my name is Ampunyut Khongkaed, you can call Fluk. I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I used to work in the hospitality business for 7 years. My bachelor's degree was Journalism and Mass Communication. Now, I am currently studying at International Human Resource Development (IHRD) at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). I speak a little bit Chinese. I teach the Thai for the language club and for those interesting for free. I am an outgoing person; I love swimming and jogging.

1. What made you decide to study in Taiwan?

I choose the study in Taiwan because of their quality of education and a chance to learn Mandarin at the same time. For the people like me who is their country not use English and Chinese as their mother tongue; I think that this is an excellent opportunity for you to learn and practice those languages and the cost of living is not too high also. The transportation is very convenience easy to commune, a lot of delicious food and the night market.

2. Briefly tell us about the program you are studying. What subjects are you studying? What have you enjoyed the most in your studies?

I study in International Human Resource Development (HRD) program at NTNU. We study about the development of Human Resources.

The thing that I enjoy the most in my study is I found that my program is very diverse. In my class, we have around 32 students and 15 countries around the world; Thailand, Vietnam, America, Taiwan, Belize, Gambia, Mongolia, Malaysia, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, India, etc. Not only the nationality that different we also came from the different field; aviation industry, hospitality, public servant, human resource, education, SME business, etc.  We share the different and embrace the diversity. Our faculty encourages the student to speak, discussing, sharing their working experience. We learn both from the academic and practical field. I learn a lot from both my professor and my classmates.

3. How is studying in Taiwan when compared to studying and being a student in your home country? (Teaching Quality、Environment、School Equipment、Laboratory or others)

I can say that study in Thailand and Taiwan is almost the same price, but I feel that study in Taiwan can give me more chance to handle with the today globalization. The teachers, classmates, are international and full of energy willing to learn and grow together. I like the environment here, and university facility is well maintained; a big and heated swimming pool, fast Wi-Fi, convenience dormitory, functional library. The OIA (Office of International Affairs) in my school is very helpful, efficient and work very professional; they always support you no matter what problem that you have.

4. What has been the most difficult part about applying to study in Taiwan? How did you overcome the difficulty?

First, for me, the most difficult part is to make the decision to study in Taiwan because I was working with the company for 7 years. I had to choose whether I will pursue my Master degree in Taiwan or continue to work. Finally, I decide to come to Taiwan. I firmly believe that study Master Degree in a foreign country like Taiwan will give me a lot opportunity in my future career path, so I choose to come to Taiwan.

Second thing, I have to book the student dorm through their website which has only Chinese language even though I try to use the google translate, but it was not helpful. Finally, I contact on IHRD office to support me and help me to book the student dorm.

I think that after you make the decision that you will come to study in Taiwan, everything will be easier for you. You will work hard and try your best shot to have a chance to study in Taiwan.  I contact and apply for my Master Degree by myself by using the email, and it was very effective and convenient. I feel all the OIA staff is very helpful and efficient to support the international student.

5. What do you plan to do after you have finish your studies in Taiwan? Would you like to stay in Taiwan?  Why? 

After I finish my study, I plan to do the internship in Taiwan and practice more Chinese. I intend to stay in Taiwan longer because I feel that Taiwan is the place that friendly with international study. Living in here is not so difficult. People are kind and willing to help you.

6. How do you think studying in Taiwan can benefit you in your future career?

I do believe that study in Taiwan will benefit to my future career with the university reputation and world ranking of Taiwan education. As the globalization has created the diversity; the study in Taiwan teach me to aware about this and teach me how to respond to intercultural communication. I learn the ability to adapt to new situations, embrace flexibility in ever-changing conditions, remain open to learning new concepts, and to exhibit patience and understanding while working in a multi-cultural setting; I gain those experience and competency from the study in Taiwan.

7. What do you see as your key achievements when studying in Taiwan?

Be more professional, accept and learn from the different

Be able to handle the encounter of the multinational learning and working experience.

Be more flexible and adaptable in varies situation.

8. What advice do you have for other interested overseas students who want to come to Taiwan to study?

If you have to make the decision, do it. Don't hesitate. First time before arriving in Taiwan, I think I cannot make it, I could not pursue my Master's Degree in Taiwan, but now I'm here. Sometime you might underestimate yourself. Don't do it just because someone tells you to do, do it because you really want to do it. I want to tell you that you can do it! Believe in Yourself!  Taiwan is the best choice for you to study abroad.