While working with International students at Australia's Charles Darwin University I remember the time two Chinese friends told me how it took them almost 10 years working to save up enough money to be able to study abroad.
They were in their late 30's and are what we call, "mature age students". With the advent of 'life-long learning' increasing numbers of such students are returning to study making a more balanced and well – rounded campus population.
Personally, it always seemed a bit ineffective having just 18-24 year olds predominantly studying at university. As many students had no real life experience or any idea what they were passionate about it seemed a waste of resources.
Anyway, my point is, that these two mature age Chinese students taught me that commitment to a goal, over the mid to long term, was far more likely to bring sustainable success.
These two students threw themselves into their studies and the study abroad experience while in Australia and really savored the moment. On return to China I know one of them now is working in Shanghai in the banking sector reaping the rewards of his earlier struggles.
Now I know there are many people out there who would love the opportunity to be able to study abroad but at the moment cannot afford to.
While the lucky few are able to depend on extended family for financial support, most cannot.
Scholarships are highly competitive and as a result several years working fulltime is required before one is possibly able to afford to study overseas.
This doesn't mean however that you hate yourself, hate the world and become depressed.
Time is of the essence so get your thinking right and start researching all the various aspects about the industry you want to enter.
It may take years before you can afford to get your masters overseas but in the mean time, when you have a moment to spare, you can be learning various things about this subject area and formulating a plan or vision of what type of life you would like to be living in the years to come.
A lot of information and course material can be obtained free of charge off the internet these days so get active and explore all the aspects related to your field of passion.
I frequently tell people here that it was back in January 2004 when I first applied to work at the China Daily. I was still in Australia and the editor at the time said they were not hiring.
Fortunately I decided to come across anyway and spent the next three years teaching English. This gave me time to learn about the culture and finally May 2007 when another opportunity came up to work here, I was more prepared and had also several freelance articles with a China focus, that I was able to use during the interview process.
The wait was worth it and it gave me more passion to throw myself into the job once here. I truly believe that word 'passion' is the key ingredient in our life success.
Only through time can we understand what it is that drives us and only through struggle and hardship can we really achieve that which is quality.
For all those out there who dream of studying abroad but at present cannot, I hope you remain committed to your beliefs and use your time now wisely to prepare yourself in the best possible way, so when opportunity comes knocking at your door, you are ready.
Jiayou!