Something Unique about T-bird

As a global citizen and a recent graduate, I am looking forward to enhancing and practicing what I learned in Thunderbird. I am glad that I came to this excellent institution with very unique experiences. After 16 months, there were things more than I expected. I talk to some friends who also pursued MBA degrees overseas. Most of them think that Thunderbird is a very different school from theirs. These mystiques are how we differentiate ourselves. I would like to urge the administration or any other decision makers keep those privileges for incoming T-birds. Without the following elements, we will lose something unique for sure.

First, the diversity of student body allows us learn the world from each other. Having a student body made up of approximately 60% international students, enriches and enables the global awareness and cultural sensitivity of everyone on campus. While the majority of business schools have 80% domestic students, Thunderbird requires an over-two-year international experience for applicants.

Second, the curriculum emphasizing cross-cultural skills gave us a tool to survive in any new environment. Since foundation week, we had BaFaBaFa, a cross-cultural exercise in foundation week, and other courses to improve and to increase our skills and knowledge. However, Cross-Cultural-Communication (CCC) or Global Negotiation wasn’t available when we really needed. For example, some students felt difficult to integrate into the American culture. CCC has several tools and frameworks to facilitate the process for those people. It should be scheduled at the very beginning to help newbies involve into Thunderbird and the USA. Third, the collaboration and team work do matter on campus. People appreciate non-English native speakers. Almost every class requires team project. You need each team member to tackle assignments. Otherwise, you would be in big trouble. When I took Multinational Corporate Finance (FORAD) or Brand Management, either the simulation game for FORAD or brand management project would take me 10 to 40 hours per week. My team was much diversified. People were from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Before misunderstanding each other, we used to talk about different expectations for work or life to avoid some unnecessary mistakes. My teammates always had insights and looked things differently. It was a great fun to work in a diversified team.

Last but not least, the cultural events, like regional nights or cultural dinners, mobilized T-birds to educate others about their cultures. Not only audience but also presenters knew more about these cultures. Presenters need to elaborate their traditions they maight not carefully review before, and the audience enjoyed the quintessence of cultures. How I present the same idea about Taiwan in a new way is quite challenging but rewarding, but I thought through it even deeper after the preparation. I learned something new by reviewing my own culture. Thunderbird motivates international students to proactively teach others about their own cultures.

Of course, I can continue saying how unique T-bird is from other. We all know what’s like through the same T-bird journey. Thus, no matter what changes happen to our school, these four keys are non-negotiable and unchangeable. I believe that’s where we belong to and what we are good at. Good luck to all graduates, and hope to see you somewhere sometime.