Drawn to Taiwan: A Balance of Comfort and Opportunity
Before deciding to pursue my studies in Taiwan, I had the opportunity to visit the country twice as a tourist. Those trips left a strong impression on me. I saw a highly developed society with warm, welcoming people, and I was particularly drawn to the quality of its education system. Taiwan offers strong academic standards while maintaining relatively affordable tuition fees compared to many other countries. The high chances of receiving scholarships made studying here feel both realistic and worthwhile. Another important factor was the geographical and cultural proximity to Vietnam. Taiwan is not too far from home, and that sense of familiarity made the idea of studying abroad feel far less intimidating.

I decided to study at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) mainly because of its highly convenient location. Situated in the center of Taiwan, the university makes it easy to travel either north or south, which is very practical for both academic and personal trips. Being located in Taichung is a great advantage; it is a vibrant and well-developed city, yet the cost of living is still relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas. This balance between urban convenience and reasonable expenses was very appealing to me, and the wide range of university scholarships allows me to focus fully on my studies without economic pressure.

You might not expect this, but my university is far more warm, open, and real than you think. The campus doesn’t feel distant or overwhelming—it feels comfortable, like a place where you belong. Professors and classmates are easy to talk to, discussions flow naturally, and what we learn connects directly to real-life business situations.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Before enrolling in this master’s program in business administration, I had already gained practical work experience. Through that time in the workplace, I became more aware of my own weaknesses and gaps in my knowledge, particularly in areas related to management and strategic thinking. I chose NCHU because its courses are application-oriented and closely aligned with real-world business situations like operations, strategy, marketing, and organizational leadership. This practical focus really appealed to me, as I wanted an education that goes beyond theory and helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice.

One standout hands-on course I participated in was Technology Management. What made this course especially valuable was its strong practical focus on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. We explored real-world applications of AI in business, learning how Google’s machine learning systems work in practice—from data processing to pattern recognition and model training concepts. The experience was eye-opening because it allowed me to move beyond abstract concepts and actually understand how machine learning can support decision-making, marketing analysis, and operational efficiency.

Beyond the classroom, the university provides a wide range of learning opportunities that support our overall development. For example, the university library regularly organizes English-speaking practice sessions and thematic workshops. Through interactive discussions, I can strengthen my language proficiency while exploring global topics such as leadership and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finding My Voice and Overcoming Challenges
The most challenging aspect of learning Mandarin for me has definitely been writing Chinese characters. The large number of strokes and the complexity of the characters make them difficult to memorize and reproduce accurately. Fortunately, NCHU provides strong support for language learners through a buddy program. Each international student is paired with a local student, creating a valuable opportunity for daily language exchange. Whether I have questions about vocabulary, pronunciation, or cultural context, my buddy is always willing to help. This natural interaction helps me remember the language far more effectively than studying only from textbooks because I am using Mandarin in real-life situations.

This supportive campus environment also helped me achieve one of my most meaningful milestones last semester. I had the honor of serving as a bilingual MC for a talent show featuring student representatives from different countries. This was the first time I had ever been entrusted with such an important role, and also my first-time trying hosting. I would never have imagined myself standing confidently in front of a large audience, but NCHU gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone. What touched me the most was the incredibly supportive atmosphere—no one judged me; instead, everyone encouraged and cheered for me. It made me realize that NCHU is more than just a university — it feels like a home, where people stand by each other, grow together, and celebrate each other’s progress.

A Future in Taiwan's Cosmetics Industry
To help us connect with the professional world, the university regularly organizes career workshops, employment seminars, and industry-sharing sessions. Listening to experienced professionals share insights about market trends and real workplace expectations has helped me gain a clearer understanding of what employers are truly looking for—not only technical skills, but also communication ability, adaptability, and strategic thinking. These events made me realize that career paths are rarely linear, and continuous learning is essential.

After graduation, I hope to stay and work in Taiwan. Over the past few years, Taiwan has become more than just a place of study for me; it feels like a place full of opportunity and growth. I have a dream company in the cosmetics industry, and I sincerely hope to have the chance to work there one day. My goal is to apply the business management and technology skills I have gained at NCHU to contribute to the company while continuously developing myself. Studying in Taiwan has truly opened new doors, shaped my professional goals, and strengthened my confidence to pursue bigger ambitions and long-term growth.
