Ma Dongni, a graduating student from the International Industry-Academia Collaboration Program of the Department of Electrical Engineering at Kun Shan University, came from the Philippines to Taiwan to pursue her studies. Driven by her passion for mathematics and the field of electrical engineering, she achieved outstanding results while balancing both academics and internship training. She not only ranked first in her class multiple times, but also passed professional certification examinations conducted entirely in Chinese. In addition, she demonstrated excellent performance during her internship at Garmin, and before graduation, she was offered a full-time position by the company as an Assistant Engineer.
Before coming to Taiwan, Ma Dongni was studying at a university in the Philippines, majoring in Secondary Education with a specialization in Mathematics. Due to her strong interest in mathematics and science-related fields, she decided to shift her career path toward electrical engineering. After entering Kun Shan University, she achieved first place in her class in 4 out of the 7 semesters she completed, ranked second in 2 semesters, and earned the highest overall academic score in her class, demonstrating consistent and outstanding academic performance.
She also actively participated in project-based learning and received an Excellence Award in the university’s project competition with her work titled “Arduino-Based LED Security Monitoring System.” The project integrated sensor and microcontroller technologies to develop a monitoring system with both practical applications and educational value, showcasing her interdisciplinary integration abilities.
As an international student who also had to balance work and studies, language became Ma Dongni’s biggest challenge after coming to Taiwan. To overcome the Chinese language barrier, she improved her listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills step by step through books, podcasts, Taiwanese films and television programs, as well as actively communicating with Taiwanese colleagues at work. She not only participated in the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL), but also passed the Vacuum Technician Certification Examination organized by the Taiwan Vacuum Society and obtained the Class B Technician Certificate in Digital Electronics. In particular, she achieved an outstanding score of 98 on the written examination for the Class B Digital Electronics Technician certification.
In addition, Ma Dongni passed the College Student English Proficiency Test (CSEPT) and obtained the highest B1 level score in the examination, demonstrating strong bilingual abilities. For international students, professional certification exams conducted entirely in Chinese are already highly challenging, and her success reflects unwavering effort and long-term dedication.
For her off-campus internship, Ma Dongni joined Garmin, a technology company specializing in satellite navigation and wearable products. She started in the production department, where she became familiar with product assembly and quality inspection procedures. She was later transferred to the repair technology unit, where she learned circuit analysis and soldering techniques and was responsible for inspecting and analyzing defective components.
She admitted that during the early stage of her internship, she often felt frustrated because of language barriers, unfamiliar work procedures, and worries about making mistakes. Fortunately, with the patient guidance of her supervisors and colleagues, she gradually adapted to the environment. In addition, the professional knowledge she learned in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Kun Shan University, such as circuit diagrams and semiconductors, enabled her to connect more quickly with practical workplace tasks and strengthen her problem-solving abilities. After three years of internship experience, she earned recognition from the company through her professional skills and work attitude. Following graduation, she will remain at Garmin as an Assistant Engineer, receiving the same salary and job responsibilities as Taiwanese employees.
Speaking about her life in Taiwan, Ma Dongni said that she was deeply impressed by Taiwan’s convenient transportation system and urban environment. Although language and cultural differences once brought challenges, they also allowed her to experience the warmth and kindness of the people. She recalled that during her first year at university, she once traveled alone by train to Taipei and accidentally lost her wallet along the way. Because of the language barrier, it was difficult for her to ask for help, but fortunately kind-hearted locals assisted her in finding it, making it one of her most unforgettable experiences while living abroad.
Now, she is able to communicate in Chinese in daily life and has even been exposed to Taiwanese Hokkien through interactions with her colleagues. She said with a smile that the Taiwanese phrases she hears most often include “ài-khùn” (sleepy) and “guá kā lí kóng” (“let me tell you”), and these everyday expressions have helped her integrate more naturally into the workplace while allowing her to
In addition to her academics and internship, Ma Dongni also served as class leader, where she developed leadership and communication skills while learning how to listen to different opinions and strengthen class unity. She believes that a positive learning environment and diverse learning resources are extremely important. Besides reviewing textbooks regularly, she also made good use of her mobile phone and online resources to search for information, while arranging proper rest in order to maintain a balance between work and studies.
Looking back on her study journey in Taiwan, Ma Dongni especially expressed her gratitude to her homeroom advisor, Lin Tiancai, and certification guidance instructor, Zou Chongguang, for their patient guidance. She also thanked her classmates and friends for encouraging her whenever she faced difficulties. She stated that the industry-academia collaboration program allowed her to combine theory with practical experience, not only improving her professional skills but also contributing to her personal growth and making her more competitive in the workplace.
In the future, Ma Dongni will continue to apply her expertise at Garmin and accumulate more practical experience. She also encouraged international students who wish to study in Taiwan to cherish the opportunity, study diligently, maintain an open mind, and enjoy every stage of living and growing in a foreign country.