Studying abroad is not just about earning a degree; it is about broadening horizons and building skills that last. The Macao University of Tourism (UTM) offers a range of master’s programmes that emphasise both theory and practice, leveraging its international faculty and local industry resources to help students develop real‑world problem‑solving abilities before they graduate.
Three mainland Chinese postgraduate students – Guangdong and Shandong – have experienced this first‑hand while studying in different fields at UTM.
Finding Research Directions through Greater Bay Area Data
Cheejay Liao Zijie, from Zhuhai, is a second‑year MSc student in Digital Marketing and Analytics. He chose UTM primarily for the development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. “Macao is at a crucial stage of diversified development – tourism, cultural creativity, international exchanges – opportunities are everywhere,” he says. He finds Macao’s culture similar to that of the mainland, with a comfortable pace of life that allows him to focus on his studies. “UTM is a ‘small but beautiful’ university with an outstanding reputation in tourism education, diverse faculty, and an international atmosphere – all of which attracted me.”
Over the past two years, what he values most is the “pure learning environment”. “My supervisors and course instructors have given me great support, and the university provides resources from all sides, allowing me to focus on exploring research directions that interest me.” He has also taken part in local academic conferences, taught in rural Congjiang, Guizhou, and even joined overseas exchange programmes. “These experiences brought me to a bigger stage, broadened my vision, and greatly improved both my professional skills and personal mindset.” During this time, he also received a university scholarship – a memorable achievement. His advice to mainland students: “Welcome to UTM! Here you will see the world from a whole new height.”
From Event Execution to Mastering Data Tools
Sonia Chu Yexuan, from Zibo, Shandong, is a first‑year MSc student in International Events Management. She also completed her bachelor’s degree at UTM in Tourism and Event Management, so she knows the university’s strengths well. “Our Hospitality and Leisure Management subject is ranked 1st in Asia and 10th in the world by QS – firmly in the global top tier.” She appreciates the university’s focus on hands‑on practice rather than rote learning. “We plan and organise real events ourselves, practicing every step of MICE operations through actual execution.”
During her time at UTM, the biggest gain has been acquiring many practical skills. “In Big Data Analytics and Visualisation, I learned to use Excel for data analysis and Power BI for visualisation.” She has also mastered skills such as video editing (Pr), AR production, and 3DMax. “In the age of AI, these professional skills help me build my own competitive advantage.” Regarding thesis writing, her supervisor guided her through every step – from topic selection to revision – so that she could complete her academic paper to a high standard.
She encourages mainland students to come without worry: “There are many mainland students here; we help each other. Macao’s lifestyle and food are not very different from the mainland, and public security is excellent.” She adds, “If you want an international learning atmosphere and real professional competence, UTM is definitely a hidden gem among universities with similar entry scores. As long as you stay diligent and study hard, these years will become an important springboard in your life.”
Dual‑Certification Programme Breaks Traditional Boundaries
Britney Lin Miaohua, from Jieyang, Guangdong, holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Service and Management and is now a first‑year MSc student in Luxury Hospitality and Health Service Management. She chose this programme with a clear plan: “To transform health management knowledge into market‑recognised high‑end service products, I must integrate the concepts and practical abilities of ‘high‑end hospitality’.” She points out that the programme not only provides solid management theory but also, through cooperation with the International Professional Training Faculty (IPTFA), grants her dual certifications in “Fitness and Sports Nutrition” and “Instructor of Health Food and Special Diets”. “This gives me a unique advantage in the high‑end health service sector.”
During her studies, UTM’s faculty and industry resources have been extremely helpful. “The faculty members have both academic backgrounds and rich practical experience, combining cutting‑edge theory with real business cases.” Most memorable were the field trips led by her supervisors to the New Central Hotel and the Jinwan Senior Living. “I saw first‑hand how theory turns into concrete service details.”
Her advice to mainland students is to stay open and proactive: “UTM does not only teach theory – through intensive company visits and expert lectures, you get close to the industry. It is useful to learn about Macao’s culture and language environment in advance – English and Cantonese are very practical. Get involved in activities and internships, and you will gain far more than what books offer.”
All three postgraduate students agree that UTM’s programmes have equipped them with immediately applicable skills, certifications, and industry networks. For mainland students who wish to build a career in tourism, MICE, hospitality, digital marketing, or other related fields, UTM provides a direct path from the classroom to the workplace.