Andreia Tonet

My name is Andreia Tonet, and I am from Brazil. I am currently in my second year of the GHRM MBA program at National Sun Yat-sen University. I chose this program because it is fully taught in English, which was essential for me as I do not speak Mandarin. From the very beginning, the program offered an inclusive and international learning environment where I felt welcomed and supported.

One of the most memorable courses for me was Cross-Cultural Management. This class deeply shaped the way I understand people, organizations, and global workplaces. The concepts and discussions were not only academically engaging but also highly practical, and I am certain I will carry this knowledge into my future HR career. Through group projects, meetings, and class discussions, I was able to develop my HR skills while learning from classmates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

What truly made my experience special was the sense of community. I loved my classmates and my time at NSYSU, and I built real friendships that I will never forget. Through academic projects and extracurricular activities, I also had the chance to immerse myself in Taiwanese culture, which was both eye- opening and meaningful.

One of my biggest challenges was the language barrier during field trips, where interviews were often conducted in Mandarin. While this required relying on Mandarin-speaking classmates, it taught me humility, teamwork, and adaptability. Living in Kaohsiung, I especially enjoyed the kindness of the people. My Taiwanese friends were incredibly supportive, and I hope to keep these friendships for life.

I feel well prepared for my career, while also understanding that learning never stops. My advice to future students is to work hard, but also make time for friendships, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t get back.