I was always aware that there were huge differences between the Chinese culture and ours but it's strange the things that throw up the most stumbling blocks. The language barrier isn't too bad and the differences in food and eating habits are a source of amusement for all, though I have to admit to still being a bit apprehensive of the traffic rules, although I'm now much quicker at getting out of the way of the scooters driving on the pavements! However, I've discovered one area that I didn't think about at all before I arrived here.

I've been speaking with more and more colleagues in the office, getting to know people, and almost all are shocked that I gave up a 'good job' to return to university. As a (only slightly!) mature student I have had a few fulltime jobs (interspersed with some travelling) and gained experience in different fields, including working as an HR trainer with a large, multi-national company, travelling overseas to assist in the set up of a new office, and most recently working as an employment adviser, assisting people with their career choices and securing employment. So far, out of all the people I've spoken with, no-one can understand why I would want to leave such a 'good job'. The ideas of career changes and sabbaticals are definitely foreign concepts here, where the competition for each employment opportunity is so fierce!