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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. | 
