February 6, 2012 - Article in UM-Flint Pillars

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.--Ralph Waldo Emerson

It has been almost a year since I started this blog. In keeping with Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote, I am grateful for the experiences I had while completing my MBA at the UM-Flint. The study abroad trip to Taiwan made me think and see our own culture in a different manner.

I wanted to share the link to The Pillars article which is a Roundtable discussion on Lessons from Taiwan.
Enjoy....
http://www.umflint.edu/pillars/taiwan/
 

Reflections on Study Abroad

Reflecting on what I have learned from this experience ...........

If at all possible, I think the Study Abroad experience is one program every student should participate in. It took a few days to adjust to the culture and time change in order to really learn from the opportunities we were exposed to. However, knowing what I know now I think in addition to a study abroad trip, participating in study abroad for an entire semester would offer additional advantages. This type of learning is truly value-added learning, in my opinion.  

Dr. Peng, and everyone that helped make the trip possible, did a fantastic job in salvaging the trip considering the natural disasters that occurred in Japan. With the extra time in Taiwan, I was able to see additional businesses and experience the culture more in-depth. I now have a number of new friends on Facebook and other email contacts because of the value added learning experience.

My MBA program at UM-Flint should be completed by the end of this year. As I move forward to another chapter in life, I will always cherish the memories from the classroom and my travels. I have learned a great many lessons that will help guide me in my personal and professional choices for the future. Thank you to the faculty and staff  who make learning such a positive experience.

 THANK YOU!   THANK YOU!   THANK YOU!   

Quick Facts: Taiwan website

http://graphics.csie.ntu.edu.tw/pvis2010/index.php/pacificvis2010/home/taipei/

Sunday - May 15: Departure from TPE

Well, our stay in Taiwan was over. Again, where did the time go? This was such a great experience. I hope that one day I will be able to return and see what changes take place in Taiwan.

Gloomy - view the night before departure....

Travel by taxi to the airport.....

Approaching Detroit (DTW)

Detroit, MI

There is always a plane waiting.....

Thank you for safe travels and new friends! There is much to celebrate!

Saturday - May 14: FREE DAY Celebration/Farewell Dinner

Where has our time gone? It is amazing how quickly the time went by in Taiwan. I have made so many great new friends because of this trip. I hope we will stay in touch for many years to come. I did a little shopping and then it was time to pack for our departure on Sunday - May 15.

Friday - May 13: Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Culture Park

The weather did not cooperate very well - this was an amazing stop on our travels! We did not have enough time to fully enjoy all this stop had to offer. What we saw was awesome.

Friday - May 13: Qingdao Beer

Today we visited Qingdao Beer. Again, I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I was surprised at how they let the public into the facilities.

Thursday - May 12: Kenting Yoho Resort - Eluanbi Lighthouse - South Taiwan Beach

Kenting Yoho Resort was awesome! I would love to bring my family here for vacation! I will let the pictures speak for themselves. One of my family members is a Triumph Rep - so you know who you are....thought maybe you could get the family tickets to this resort and promote your product!!! I can have a bag packed in no time at all!