The Chinese are fond of using four-character phrases, known as cheng yu, to improve their writing style. The Chinese characters on the cover spell out one such idiom: pao zhuan yin yu. Translated literally, this would be "throw bricks attract jade." It can also express the idea of throwing out something of little value to induce a potential business partner to offer something more valuable. The authors of Turning Bricks into Jade, a more idiomatic rendering of pao zhuan yin yu, like to think of each critical incident in this collection as a brick, which, when combined with similar bricks, good sense and effort, can be used to construct relationships more valuable even than jade. A critical incident is a story about cross-cultural conflict or misunderstanding. Many of the forty-one incidents are based on actual events that involved one or more of the authors or their acquaintances. Some are a composite of several authors' experiences. You choose one of four or five possible alternatives that explain the misunderstanding. Following each incident is a discussion of possible solutions, based on the authors' experiences and grounded in current research. Misunderstandings between Chinese and American interactants are complicated; there is almost never just one thing going on. One result of this complexity is that many of the incidents have more than one correct explanation. Forty-one Americans and Chinese with considerable experience in both cultures read the collection of incidents for validation. As you work through the incidents, you may feel the need for a more detailed explanation or definition of certain recurring themes. A section on key theoretical concepts in Chinese-American interactions provides such detail. Included are individualism and collectivism, guanxi (interpersonal connections), hierarchies, gender relations in the workplace, regulations, deference to authority, work incentives and ownership. The Index of Incidents According to Themes and Concepts is also helpful.

What if you decided you love your life, no matter what? In times of dramatic change, burn out, fear, and stress, the idea of coming into each day with energy, let alone positivity, seems impossible. However, Adam Markel will give you the tools to do just that. Through his work and his own personal experiences, Adam discovered that choosing to love and be grateful for one's life is critical to staying resilient in business and life. The I Love My Life Challenge dares you to make changes for the better, release outdated beliefs, and push beyond the day-to-day struggles to recognize your purpose—all starting with the simple belief, "I love my life." In addition to inspirational stories and thought-provoking prompts for positive change, this brief book includes simple, repeatable 10-second actions that readers can use personally and professionally to center themselves in the face of change. Challenge yourself to move beyond resilience and truly thrive with easy-to-apply strategies that will help you love your life, no matter what.

The International Student's Survival Guide is a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to studying and living in the UK. It will be invaluable in preparing international students for the inevitable differences in culture, customs, and academic life, and helps to ensure they get the most out of their time at University. Gareth Davey provides students with all the information needed to make the right choice about where to study and provides valuable advice on how to settle into your new surroundings, including guidance on: Choosing and applying for a course Leaving home and arriving in the UK Managing finances and living costs Academic culture Teaching and assessment methods Health and welfare Life after graduation Throughout the guide there are checklists and self-evaluation forms to help the reader chart their progress. A glossary is included to aid understanding of the topics covered, and directories of additional sources of information make it easy to find out more where necessary. This guide will be a useful resource for students coming to the UK to embark on either undergraduate or graduate study in any subject. SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

This comprehensive, highly readable handbook simplifies the sometimes complex aspects of day-to-day life in China. Based on the experience of Americans who have recently studied, done research, and taught there, China Bound gives the invaluable "inside" information that only those who have been there can provide. Written primarily for students, scholars, and teachers, the book describes Chinese academic life and work and how Americans can fit into it. And, because it covers such a broad spectrum of topics--from customs regulations, taxation, and medical care to hotel life and how to get laundry done--China Bound is also must reading for anyone who is already planning or just trying to decide whether to plan an extended visit to China. Academic Library Book Review states, "China Bound is one of those books that is absolutely essential."