Macao has long been a place of cultural exchange, a trait that is embedded into the DNA of the region. The Macao University of Tourism (UTM) fully embraces and represents the historical roots, growing strong from them and reaching out to further heights. The university is fully committed to expanding cooperation and exchanges in higher education between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries, promoting the internationalisation of Macao’s higher education, expanding as international network of connections, and introducing and enhancing the understanding of students from around the world about Macao’s higher education institutions and their latest developments.
Izabella and Bruna, two Brazilian students enrolled in UTM, shared their perspective on their experiences.
“I have always dreamed of studying abroad in another country, and I have always wanted to study something that would give me a global perspective of the world and allow me to work internationally,” shared Izabella, a Tourism Business Management student. “UTM offers the perfect programme that encompasses all these requirements, a university where I can study internationally and move to a new country, offering a tourism programme where I can learn about travel, the world, other cultures, and much more!”
Bruna, an exchange student enrolled in Tourism Event Management, had this to say about what drove her to choose UTM as the next step in her studies. “I felt that studying here would give me the chance not only to experience a new place and culture but also to sharpen my academic and professional skills in an outstanding environment. This combination of cultural diversity, academic excellence, and international support was key in my decision to join UTM.”
As a university dedicated not only to academic rigour but also to providing hands-on experience, UTM integrates these two aspects and offers a distinctive and all-round educational model. The two students were asked about what elements most helped them build their practical skills at UTM. For Izabella, a mix of projects throughout the semester that allow students to put classroom learning into practice provided a lot of future career experience, coupled with practical classes such as culinary arts and hotel operations. Bruna highlighted how the courses go far beyond theory, with the professors sharing real-life examples and encouraging them to apply their newfound knowledge in concrete situations, building confidence to navigate diverse contexts in the professional world.
Moving to a different country in pursuit of one’s studies is a huge step, one that shows resilience and dedication to learning, but also that is bound to bring challenges very different from what students are used to when they don’t leave their countries. Still, with support and care, UTM provides the setting for students to feel at home in a new academic and cultural context.
On this point, Bruna shared: “From the moment I received my admission email, I felt warmly welcomed by UTM. I had many questions, especially about the challenges of distance and adapting to a completely new environment, but I always found efficient and kind support, whether through international student services or professors who are approachable and available.” Izabella found this same support and encouragement right from the welcome week, when staff and fellow students did their best to include newcomers.
Izabella shared how she was surprised by the wide range of academic options and facilities, such as the modern classrooms and the well-equipped library, a surprise shared by Bruna.
“The courses have been giving me a set of skills I didn’t expect to develop so fully: a strong theoretical foundation, applied practice, and critical thinking. I believe all of this will not only be a valuable asset for my future career but also a distinctive factor when I return to Brazil.”
The stories of these two students illustrate how the efforts of UTM have planted the seeds for a future full of promise and excellence, with fruits ready for the reaping. All it takes is to reach out and become part of an ever-growing community of world-leading academic development and student-oriented staff.
It is the commitment of UTM to continue to provide the best possible environment for students both at home and those coming from abroad to grow and develop into industry-leading professionals.