101. What difficulties do you think you'll encounter in your studies in Britain/Canada/Australia?

Well, besides initial language difficulties, I'll have to adjust to a different system of education and research. I've heard that students are usually quite active in the classroom and often ask questions of their professors. We don't do that at all in China, but I do think it's a good way to learn. In China, we aren't taught to question the professor nor the textbook. But in Britain, I know that it's important to not just accept what you hear or read without trying to truly understand it. On a minor note, I'll be a bit confused at first about using the library, and I won't know exactly what to do when I want to buy a meal in the cafeteria.

102. Can you imagine what life in Britain/Canada/Australia will be like?

I have seen many pictures of Canada. I'm looking forward to the fresh air and beautiful

scenery. In some ways I can just picture me there. But, I've never been to Canada before, so what I picture now, I'm sure, is not even close to what it will actually be like. Even though some of my friends have already immigrated to Canada or they're studying, I can only get a partial glimpse of what it will be like. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

103. How do you think you'll feel being so far away from your family?

Of course I will miss them deeply, but we plan to email each other a lot. I know that my family will be alright in China, and probably they will be more worried about me than I will be about them.There's no doubt that it will be a sacrifice for us to be apart during my time in Australia, but as the old saying goes, "No pains, no gains."

104. What do you want/intend to study?

I plan to study Business. Hopefully at the master's degree level. I've heard that if I can get an MBA from a university in the West, my chances of getting a good job in a joint-venture company is very good. If I can't get into Business, then I hope to study Computers. Business is really my first choice, though.

105. Which university are you going to study at?

It's a small university in eastern Canada called Mount Allison University. It has a very beautiful campus, but it's quite remote. The nearest town is at least an hour's drive away. It'll be quite a change from living in a big city, but I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet.

106. Why did you choose this university? Could you tell me why you chose to study at (name of university)?

a. The London School of Economics is especially famous for Business and Economics. I have been in contact with some professors at the university, and Professor Duncan will be my supervisor for my research project. His work is right along the same lines as my research work in China. We're quite excited about the chance to work together, because we both feel that we can learn from each other, and also bring the best of the East and the West in Economic research.

b. (Name of university) is famous for my major. I have been in contact with some professors at the university, and Professor (last name) will be my supervisor for my research project.

107. Where are you going to study in Britain/Canada/Australia, and why?

In Toronto. There are three reasons for this: Firstly, it's in the south of Canada, where the climate is suitable for Chinese. Another reason is that there are many Chinese in Toronto. Finally, the University of Toronto, the biggest university in Canada, is located in this city. I was eager to study at this university after I visited their web site.

108. What are your plans in Britain/Canada/Australia?

a. I plan to study at Monash University under Professor Smitty. That should take me about 4 to 5 years to complete a doctorate. While I'm studying, I'll also be doing a lot of research in my field, and hopefully I'll be able to contribute to Professor Smitty's work. Besides the academic side, I do plan to travel all over Australia and see the sites. I want to really get a good sense of Australia and how people think and live there.

b. I've thought about this for a long time. As you know, I'm married, and my wife gave birth to our first child at the beginning of the year. So, though we applied for immigration as a family, I have to go to Canada first because my baby is too young. When I arrive in Canada, I must solve the accommodation problem by using my savings. Then, I'll try to find a job to provide for my family. Finally, I hope to study part time for a master's degree if I can find a job, or I'll have to apply for a loan to study full-time if I am unable to find a job. After a maximum of six months when everything is organized, my wife will bring our daughter to Canada. Then, as a family, we will build our life together in this new country.

109. What do you hope to gain most from your study abroad?

I hope to have a broader understanding of life in general. I know that I've lived a fairly

sheltered life from the outside world so far, and there is much to learn from living and studying abroad. I really want to improve my English to the point when it's second nature to me. Also, I want to be able to take the best from the two cultures (that of the East and the West) and live my life with the best of both.

110. What do you think your studies abroad will do for your career?

It will help me to get a good job when I return to China. I know that if I want to work in a

joint-venture company, I really must have fluent English, and preferably also a degree from a western university. Also, in order to work well with American or British colleagues at work, I think it's important to really understand where they are coming from. By studying abroad, I'll have first-hand knowledge of what people in America think and why they think this way. I'm sure this will help me relate better to my western counterparts.

111. What kind of differences in the cultures are you expecting between China and the UK?

I think the UK will be more religious than China, and I'm looking forward to visiting a church there. Also, business in the UK will be more formal — based on contracts, and a lot less on connections. I think that will be a bit hard to get used to. And, I think that life will move at a faster pace in Britain. I am not really looking forward to that, but I think I'll probably adjust after a while. I'm certain there are going to be other major differences that I'll encounter — perhaps in mindset or attitude, but I think I'll have to experience those things before I can really understand them.

112. What effect do you think your studies will have on your career when you get back to China?

If I can acquire some international management experience, I would have an opportunity to find a senior position with a Chinese company, because most companies now must cooperate with multinational corporations.

113. What do you intend to do after you graduate?

I plan to return to China and get a good job or if I have further opportunity, I hope to do some further study in my field once I complete this degree. It's hard to really say what I'll be doing after my studies, because I do think that many doors will be open to me once I complete a degree in Canada. I really do intend to return to China and working in some capacity here. But, it really depends where I can get a good job.

114. What will be some of your challenges you foresee when you come back to China?

I have heard that some people have a "reverse" culture shock when they return to China. I think that I might have that same feeling. It'll be another kind of adjustment to return to my homeland after having spent so much time studying abroad. I'll certainly see things with a new perspective. In terms of a job, I don't think I'll have a problem getting a good job, actually a better job, when I return to China.

115. Do you think you'll have any problems adjusting back to life in China?

Well, it may take me some time to get used to my culture again. I don't really know how big that adjustment will be though. Also, I'll have to look for a new job and probably a new placeto live. That won't really be a big problem, but it will take some time to settle back down. I've also heard that sometimes people don't really adjust at all back to their homeland. They've tasted life abroad and they feel kind of boxed in once they return. I might feel like that too, but I hope not.

116. What kind of changes will you have to make when you come back to China? 

Yes. I'll have to look for a new job and another place to live. I have told my boss that I'm  going to study abroad. He said he would hold my job for me, but I don't think I want to resume the same position at the same company when I return. I will definitely be looking for something bigger and better. And, because my housing is linked with my current company, if I don't continuethere, I'll have to find a new place to live.

117. Do you think there might be a gap between what you learned from your studies and the level of knowledge you will encounter on arrival?

a. I don't think there will be much gap because I read all the latest research that is being  conducted in my field. I know that some people think we are all backwards in China, and we are just learning things that people in America learned ten or even twenty years ago. But, I have been reading everything I can find in my field and area of research. Certainly the Internet has closed much of that gap.

b. There will definitely be some gap because some of my subjects used older text books, and my professors in China didn't always keep at the forefront of their fields. I don't really know what the gaps will be, though. Some of my friends who went abroad said that it took them about a year to close the gap. They didn't elaborate on exactly what the gap was, but they said it was here and there. Not in any particular area. I'm expecting to encounter some gaps, but I believe through hard work, I will be able to handle them alright.

118. Are there any special places you want to see in Canada? What are they?

I want to see the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia and I also want to visit Quebec. I have heard so much about the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Also, I heard that Quebec is quite different than the rest of Canada. Some of my friends told me that it's like visiting Europe. Even though I don't speak French, I think it will be a very interesting place to visit. Eventually, I hope that I can drive all across Canada and really spend time getting to see all the famous sites.

119. What kind of things do you particularly want to do in Canada that you can't do here?

I want to buy a car. In China it is so hard to buy a car. There are all kinds of restrictions. Even though I've had my driver's license for more than a year, I still haven't had much opportunity to drive. Many of my friends bought a car once they arrived in Canada. It's quite funny actually, because many Chinese are eager to buy their own car. Another thing I want to do is visit my former English teacher who lives in Vancouver now. I met her in 1992 when she taught me English at my university. We've kept intouch until now, so I hope I get a chance to meet up with her again.

120. How do you like your life in (name of university)?

a. I don't like it very much. The dormitory is very crowded, the food is tasteless and my

teachers aren't very inspiring. When I was a high school student, I was looking forward to university life so much. I'm quite disappointed, because it's really not what I expected. I know that I should probably make the best of the situation, but life is very boring for me right now and I have little motivation to look on the bright side of everything.

b. I like it alright. Sometimes it is a little sad to live in the university, but I have made many good friends and I enjoy my major. It was hard at first to live apart from my parents, but I think that it has been a good change for me. I am much more independent and more able to deal with troubles on my own. My courses are mostly interesting too, so I'm glad that I chose the major I did. I am kind of dreading the day when I graduate, because it'll mean that my university days are over.

121. What do you think of the training you got at the university?

a. I think most of my courses will be helpful in the future. My university has tried very hard to keep up to date with the latest developments in our field. Having said that, there are some compulsory classes which I have no interest in, like politics and history. But overall, I do think the university has provided me with a good education. I don't think it's possible to learn everything one would need for a job, but I am satisfied with my courses and know that they will give me a good start.

b. I don't think it's very good. There are some compulsory classes which I have no interest in. Also, our facilities are not very modern, sothere are many things we cannot do.

122. What aspect of English do you find the most difficult?

Pronunciation. I wish that I could speak just like a native speaker. But, once I open my mouth, it's so obvious that I'm not a native English speaker. I always have trouble with "l"s and "n"s. Sometimes I confuse them. Perhaps because in my dialect, we interchange them all the time. I'm not even aware that I'm doing this. So, I really have to concentrate when I speak English, so that I'm very careful to pronounce things correctly.

123. Can you compare American English with British English?

Yes. It's much easier to understand for me because I've had 2 foreign teachers — one of whom was from America and the other from Canada. I find the American accent to be more natural and informal, while the British accent is somewhat proper and inaccessible in some ways.

124. What sports are played in your country?

Ping pong and football are probably the most popular sports. China has a very large following of football fans. Even though our football teams don't do well in international competitions — like the World Cup, we still are crazy about football. Other sports that are played in China are badminton, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and tennis.

125. Could you describe the traditional architecture of your country?

Firstly, the buildings are made of wood or bamboo instead of stone or metal. Secondly, they are very high and always have curved eaves. Thirdly, the traditional buildings have doors and windows that are adorned with paintings.

126. Could you tell me why you chose to study at (name of university)?

Mostly because it's famous in my field, but I also want to study at the best university possible, so I applied for Beijing University. Also, because Beijing is the capital of China, and I always wanted to live in the capital city. I must say that I'm not disappointed at all in choosing Beijing University and the beautiful city of Beijing. But, the winters are really too cold for me.

127. What are the sporting facilities like in your hometown?

There aren't very many sporting facilities that are free and open to the public. To use most of the indoor facilities you must be a member. The outdoor fields are open to anyone. We have two indoor swimming pools, four football fields, and many basketball, badminton and volleyball courts. Also, there are a number of outdoor swimming pools, which are very popular, especially in the summer.

128. What are you going to major in?

I'm not exactly sure yet. Probably something in the area of Business. I hope to be able to take a few courses for the first year and find something that I really like. I really want to have the chance to try out the major before I commit myself totally to it. That's what I like about American colleges. There's so much flexibility in choosing your major.

129. Are you going to do your own cooking when you are at university?

I hope not. I'm not a very good cook. If I cook for myself, I'll definitely lose weight. I'm

hoping that the food in the cafeterias is not bad. Also, I hope that there is enough variety so that I won't have to continually eat the same thing again and again. If I have to cook, I can cook. It's not that I don't know how to, it's just that the food I cook doesn't really taste so good!

130. What do you think you will be doing in five years' time?

I hope to get back to China and have a steady job in a joint-venture company. Hopefully, I will have already completed my Master's degree in Canada, and will be nearly fluent in English. I also hope to be married and have at least one child by then. I hope that I can accomplish all these things. Five years is not very far away!

131. What are your goals in life?

My short-term goal is to improve my English and go abroad to study. My long-term goals include adjusting to a new country, getting a new job, having a family, and eventually owning my own business. I have a lot of goals in life, but some of them are really just dreams. I mean, I don't think I'll ever beable to attain them all.

132. What is the population control situation like in China today?

It's better than before. At least things are pretty much under control, but there are still a lot of people in China. I think everyone accepts the fact that they can only have one child. Some of my friends are even thinking of not having any children at all. Most of them, though, are delaying having children, because they're focusing more on their careers right now.

133. What is your opinion of family planning?

a. I agree with China's one-child policy. I think that China needs to control the population right now. How else can we make China strong and provide enough food and education for all the people? Perhaps in the future when our country is more developed, we can allow people to have more children. But for now, the government's policy on family planning is necessary.

b. I disagree with the one-child policy. I think people should be allowed to have as many  children as they want. There are a lot of families who need more than one child in order to take care of their farmlands. The peasants are the ones who are suffering the most, because in the past, they used to be able to have more than one child to help with the work. In the city, many families only

want to have one child anyway. I do hope that this policy will change very soon, because it's not a fair policy.

134. Why do people in China traditionally want to have a son?

Sons are preferred because they carry on the family name. Also, when they marry, their wife joins the family. This means that the parents gain a daughter-in-law. But when a daughter marries, she joins her husband's family. In the countryside, sons can also help more with work on the family's farm, just because they're stronger and have more endurance.

135. What is the birth control situation in the cities?

It's much stricter than in the countryside. There is a large financial penalty for couples who have more than one child. It's also probably easier for the government to monitor how many children are born into each family in the city than in the countryside, just because everyone lives so much closer together.

136. What is the situation in the rural areas in China?

It's not so easy to monitor and control the population growth in the countryside as in the city, because the countryside is so scattered. Besides, some farmers still give birth to more than one child in spite of the penalty from the government because they need sons to help with farm work and to take careof them when they grow old.

137. What is the cause of the rising birth rate in the rural areas in China?

Well, I think there are mainly three causes. First of all in the countryside, especially in underdeveloped areas where farm work is done mainly with manual labour, people want to have as many children as possible to help out in the field. Another reason is that many farmers are still quite conservative and prefer to have a son to carry on their family names. Besides, there is no retirement insurance in the rural areas, so farmers need more than one child to support them when they are too old to work.

138. What difficulties do Chinese farmers have concerning their old age?

They have no pension and therefore must rely on their families to support them. If they have a son, by tradition, he must take care of his parents. But, if it's a daughter, she leaves to join her husband's family, and there is no one left to provide for the parents in their old age. It's really a terrible situation for farmers, because they work so hard all their lives, and if they don't have a son, they have no security when they get old.

139. What do you think needs to be done in order to help farmers live a happier life?

Either he should be allowed to have a son, or the government should provide some sort of pension for farmers. I've heard of pension plans according to which the government helps farmers to put away some money each year so that they will have money when they retire. In addition, if the government were to provide some money to retired farmers each month, this would ease the burden considerably.

140. What sort of China would you like to see your children living in?

A country where there are equality and more opportunities for education, a more prosperous lifestyle, and a stronger country. I hope my child won't have to strive like a madman to get what most people can have in other countries. But on the other hand, I want my child to know the value of hard work. I hope China will have good relations with other countries too by the time my children are grown up.

141. Is there sex discrimination in China?

a. Yes, I think there is. I've heard of female students who have recently graduated from

university having a hard time getting employed. Some employers even blatantly told the female applicants that they were just looking for males. Also, once a woman is working in a company, there's what they call a "glass ceiling". This means that she cannot move to higher management positions, because there is a barrier. Usually equally qualified men don't have that same barrier.

b. No, not that I know of. In fact, I haven't encountered any sex discrimination myself. I think China treats men and women equally.

142. How would you sum up work conditions for women in China?

Women have almost equal opportunity with men. But in the countryside, women aren't treated very well still. In the city, educated women have excellent opportunities to get good jobs and move up the career ladder. But women in the countryside are treated almost like property. The less educated the woman or her husband is, the more likely it is that she will not be treated well.

143. What are the causes of sex discrimination?

I think there are three reasons for sex discrimination in China. One reason is the traditional concept of men playing the main role in family and in society. Secondly men bear the biggest burden of labour in the countryside. And thirdly, women are considered more dispensable than men in an economic recession.

144. Would you want your wife to continue with her career or stay at home taking care of the household after you get married?

If I have a good job, my wife can do whatever she wants. I think as long as she's happy, she can do whatever she likes, that's the main thing. If she wants to work, then I don't mind helping out more at home. If she is happier at home, then I'll be very happy to return to a nice dinner and a beautiful home from work.

145. Have you ever wished you were a man/woman? Why (why not)?

a. No, because I'm perfectly happy being female. I think if you wish to be the opposite sex, you're probably a bit mixed up. I've heard of people getting sex change operations because they really felt they were the opposite sex, even though their anatomy proved otherwise.

b. Once in a while, in certain situations I think it would be easier to be male. But, those times are few and far between. Like when I'm trying to carry something very heavy, I wish I were strong like a man. Or when I'm facing sex discrimination, I think, "If I were a man, I wouldn't be treated this way." But really, I'm very happy to be female overall.